Haute-Savoie, an Alpine gem with many facets, is home to a wealth of trails promising escape. Between sparkling glaciers, perched lakes and limestone ridges, each mountain range reveals its own character. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a contemplative walker, let yourself be guided through ten unforgettable routes, tried and tested for the 2026 season. Get ready to feel, be moved, breathe and marvel at the unspoiled nature of this region, where every step tells a story.
1. Lac Blanc and the Lacs des Chéserys – Chamonix
From the La Flégère resort, set off to discover Lac Blanc and the Lacs des Chéserys. Over eight kilometres there and back, the trail winds between flower-filled alpine meadows and turquoise waters with almost otherworldly reflections. At times, cables secure the steeper sections, but the reward is the magnificent panorama of Mont Blanc laid out before you. In June or September, when the crowds thin out, the silence is broken only by the marmots’ calls and the breath of the wind.
Highlight: A breathtaking spectacle of the Mont Blanc massif, seen from crystal-clear high-altitude lakes.
Difficulty: Intermediate
2. Lac de Gers – Samoëns
Accessible to everyone from spring onwards, the trail to Lac de Gers offers a peaceful immersion in a shady forest before opening onto an alpine meadow, perfect for a family picnic. On the horizon, the cliffs of the Cirque de Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval rise majestically, inviting you to pause and daydream. A simple walk, but an incredibly restorative one.
Highlight: A bucolic paradise, perfect for families.
Difficulty: Easy
3. Dent d’Oche – Bernex
Dent d’Oche, the proud sentinel of the Chablais, reaches an elevation of 2,221 m. From Bernex, the trail climbs steeply, passes the chalets of Oche, then ascends exposed ridges where chains and airy sections get the adrenaline pumping. At the summit, a panoramic view stretches across Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps and Mont Blanc. An unforgettable experience for seasoned hikers seeking thrills and a touch of vertigo.
Highlight: Breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.
Difficulty: Difficult
4. La Tournette – Talloires-Montmin
La Tournette, an iconic summit in the Bornes range, towers over Lake Annecy. The demanding ascent crosses lush alpine meadows and scree slopes, then follows sections equipped with cables before reaching the ridge. Up top, the view looks down over Lake Annecy, while Mont Blanc appears on the horizon. Climbing La Tournette is an intense Alpine adventure, reserved for experienced hikers.
Highlight: A unique view of Lake Annecy, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
Difficulty: Difficult
5. Lacs d’Anterne and de Pormenaz – Passy
In the wild setting of the Passy nature reserve, this twelve-kilometre loop links two glacial gems. Lac d’Anterne, a natural mirror facing Mont Blanc, and the secluded Lac de Pormenaz, nestled beneath the Rochers des Fiz, offer a peaceful atmosphere. The Souay torrent, rushing along the return route, adds a refreshing touch to this outing, ideal for intermediate hikers looking for variety.
Highlight: Two majestic glacial lakes and moderate visitor numbers.
Difficulty: Intermediate
6. Cascade d’Angon – Talloires
Just a few minutes from Lake Annecy, the trail to Cascade d’Angon passes through a fragrant forest before reaching a spectacular thirty-five-metre waterfall. A passage cut into the rock and fitted with chains will delight thrill-seekers. This short but intense walk pairs perfectly with a swim on the way back for a refreshing, memorable morning.
Highlight: A spectacular waterfall and stunning views of Lake Annecy.
Difficulty: Intermediate7. Lac Bénit – Mont-Saxonnex
Little known to visitors, Lac Bénit lies peacefully at the foot of the Bargy massif. Over five kilometres, the gradual climb reveals unspoiled nature, where tranquillity reigns. Accessible from spring onwards, this unspoiled spot appeals to families and beginners, far from the bustle of the major nearby attractions.
Highlight: A little-known haven of peace, ideal for discovering hiking in the mountains.
Difficulty: EasyRead: Hike to Lac Bénit
8. Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval and Bout du Monde – Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, an immense natural amphitheatre, impresses with its soaring cliffs and thirty cascading waterfalls. The easy, accessible trail leads to Bout du Monde, a spectacular glacial barrier. Here, nature reveals its power and grandeur, inviting you to take in the postcard-perfect scenery.
Highlight: One of Europe’s most beautiful glacial cirques, accessible to all.
Difficulty: EasyRead: Discover the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval: waterfalls and hikes
9. Le Parmelan – Dingy-Saint-Clair
From Dingy-Saint-Clair, Le Parmelan reveals a fascinating world of beech forests, limestone pavement and panoramic ridges. At the summit, the view stretches across Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc, offering one of the finest panoramas in all of Haute-Savoie. This karst plateau amazes amateur geologists and lovers of unusual landscapes alike.
Highlight: Spectacular scenery and exceptional views of Lake Annecy.
Difficulty: Intermediate
10. Lac de Roy and Pic de Marcelly – Praz de Lys
From Praz de Lys, the loop to Lac de Roy, a peaceful lake surrounded by alpine meadows, is suitable for everyone. For the more adventurous, the climb to Pic de Marcelly at 2,000 metres offers unrivalled views of the Chablais and Lake Geneva. This flexible hike suits families and more experienced walkers alike, with something for everyone.
Highlight: A flexible route combining gentle alpine meadows with exceptional panoramas.
Difficulty: EasyRead: Lac de Roy
Practical tips for making the most of your hikes in Haute-Savoie
- Equipment: Bring high-cut hiking boots, telescopic poles and a 25- to 35-litre backpack. Always pack a waterproof jacket and at least one and a half litres of water.
- Maps and apps: IGN TOP25 series maps and GPS apps (AllTrails, Komoot) are invaluable companions, especially on challenging routes.
- Weather: Summer thunderstorms often arrive in the early afternoon. Set off early and check the mountain weather forecast before you leave.
- Best time to go: June to September for high-altitude hikes; May and October for lower-altitude trails. September is still the ideal month to enjoy golden light and the return of tranquillity.
Read:
- Day hikes: the complete list of what to bring
- A guide to good hiking practices
- Tour du Mont Blanc: a complete guide to planning your hike
Let the adventure begin!
Whether you’re drawn to dizzying heights or the gentle beauty of Alpine lakes, Haute-Savoie promises lasting memories.
I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of these trails at sunrise, when the mist still brushes the summits and silence envelops the valley. Nothing is more invigorating than this feeling of freedom, feet treading the earth, heart beating in time with the mountains.
So, are you ready to discover these Alpine gems in 2026?
