When the thermometer spikes and the air becomes unbearable, Haute-Savoie hides true secret refuges… Places where you can breathe deeply, where the sound of water and the shade of cliffs replace the overwhelming heat of the valleys. Some are hidden deep in the mountains, others nestled at altitude or carved into the rock, like this spectacular via ferrata equipped with suspension bridges and zip lines..
Here is a cool 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 suspension bridge clinging to the cliffside takes you above a powerful torrent. In this narrow gorge, the sun barely penetrates, and the air remains naturally cool.
Practical info : Open from mid-March to mid-October, paid entrance (€6 to €8). Parking on-site, easy access from Annecy.
2. An icy cave… and a waterfall – Seythenex Cave and Waterfall (Faverges)
Inside, the temperature stays at 10 °C year-round. All enhanced 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 freshness.
Practical info : From Sixt, head towards the Lignon. Small parking next to the waterfall, or after the inn. Very busy in season. Refreshment stand 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 meters.
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 shady areas ideal for a picnic.
Practical info : Access by car from Bellevaux, trail around the lake (1h30).
7. The freshness of the 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 is a true natural balcony facing the Faucigny mountains, ideal for hiking or simply breathing fresh air.
Practical info : Access via Brison, free parking, restaurants on site.
9. An icy curtain of water – Angon Waterfall (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 cascade along immense cliffs. The air is saturated with freshness.
Practical info : Paid parking in summer, flat trails suitable for families, refreshment stands on site.
In Haute-Savoie, you don’t need to go far to find freshness: it hides deep within the mountain’s bowels, around a mountain pass, or behind the curtain of a waterfall. A natural remedy against the heatwave… and a good excuse to explore the department differently.
