When the thermometer spikes and the air becomes stifling, Haute-Savoie hides some true secret refuges… Places where you can breathe deeply, where the sound of water and the shade of cliffs replace the scorching heat of the valleys. Some are hidden deep in the mountains, others nestled at altitude or dug into the rock.
Here is a freshness itinerary for a summer in the open air… and far from the heatwave.
1. Cliffs that filter the light – The Gorges du Fier (Lovagny)
Here, a footbridge suspended on the rock face leads you above a powerful torrent. In this narrow gorge, the sun barely penetrates and the air stays naturally cool.
Practical info: Open from mid-March to mid-October, paid entry (€6 to €8). Parking on site, easy access from Annecy.
2. An icy cave… and a waterfall – Cave and Waterfall of Seythenex (Faverges)
Inside, the temperature remains at 10°C all year round. All this accompanied by the refreshing roar of a spectacular waterfall.
Practical info: Open from April to September, guided tour mandatory. Bring a sweater and closed shoes.
3. A breath from above – Plateau des Glières
At over 1400 m, this historic plateau is a breath of fresh air. The altitude and surrounding forests offer instant relief.
Practical info: Accessible by car from Thorens-Glières or Petit-Bornand. Marked trails, inns on site.
4. The Rouget Waterfall – Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
A majestic waterfall and guaranteed coolness.
Practical info: From Sixt, head towards the Lignon. Small parking next to the waterfall, or after the inn. Very busy in season. Refreshment stall on site.
5. Mysterious depths – Gorges du Pont du Diable (La Vernaz)
A true rock cathedral carved by the Dranse, where the humid air envelops you from the first steps.
Practical info: Open from April to October, guided tour mandatory. Parking at the entrance.
6. A secret lake in the heart of the forests – Lac de Vallon (Bellevaux)
At 1080 m, this naturally formed lake is bordered by shaded areas ideal for a picnic.
Practical info: Access by car from Bellevaux, trail around the lake (1h30).
7. The coolness of mountain passes – Col de la Colombière
Perched at 1613 m, this pass between Aravis and Bornes is always caressed by the wind.
Practical info: Access via Le Grand-Bornand or Le Reposoir. Road open from May to October.
8. A suspended plateau – Plateau de Solaison
At 1500 m, it’s a true natural balcony facing the Faucigny mountains, ideal for hiking or simply breathing cool air.
Practical info: Access via Brison, free parking, restaurants on site.
9. An icy curtain of water – Cascade d’Angon (Talloires)
Enclosed in a wooded gorge, this waterfall creates a refreshing microclimate.
Practical info: Short but slippery hike, starting from Angon. Paid parking.
10. The kingdom of waterfalls – Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval (Sixt)
A natural amphitheater where dozens of waterfalls flow down immense cliffs. The air is saturated with freshness.
Practical info: Paid parking in summer, flat trails suitable for families, refreshment stalls on site.
In Haute-Savoie, there is no need to go far to find coolness: it hides in the bowels of the mountain, around a pass, or behind the curtain of a waterfall. A natural remedy against the heatwave… and a good excuse to explore the department differently.
