Want to try alpine-style “leaf peeping”? In September-October, Haute-Savoie transforms: copper beeches, golden larches, blazing maples, still green pastures, and low slanting light. Here are the best spots, when to go depending on altitude, and efficient routes to enjoy it.
When to go? The color window according to altitude
- 500–800 m (lake shores, valleys): late September → mid-October (peak recommended around October 5–15).
- 800–1,400 m (balconies, plateaus): early → late October (larches/beeches at their best around October 10–25).
- 1,400–2,000 m (alpine pastures, hollows): late September → mid-October, then possible first snowfalls.
Tip: aim for the day after a clear and cool night: clear atmosphere, saturated colors.
12 unmissable spots (with mini-routes)
1) Le Semnoz (above Annecy)
Why: 360° panoramas of Lake Annecy – Aravis – Mont-Blanc, golden meadows, copper beech forests.
Walk: Crêt de Châtillon → Semnoz alpine pastures (easy loop 1h30).
Photo: golden hour on the Dents de Lanfon.
2) Mont Veyrier & Mont Baron (East bank of Annecy)
Why: aerial balcony over the lake, mosaic of deciduous trees.
Walk: Col des Contrebandiers → Mont Baron (round trip 2–2h30).
Gentle variant: Talloires viewpoint.
3) Beauregard Plateau (Aravis, La Clusaz/Manigod)
Why: mountain chalets, browned grass, late larches.
Walk: Col de la Croix-Fry → Chapel (loop 2–3h).
Bonus: sunset over the Aravis mountain range.
4) Col des Aravis & Combe de Borderan (La Clusaz)
Why: limestone contrasts + reddish forests, views of Pointe Percée.
Walk: Combe de Borderan (1h30–2h, sometimes wet ground).
Treat: seasonal tartiflette stop.
5) Lac des Confins (La Clusaz)
Why: alpine mirror bordered by forests and pastures.
Walk: lake circuit + path to chalets (1–2h, family-friendly).
Photo: windless morning for reflections.
6) Plateau des Glières (Thorens-Glières/Le Petit-Bornand)
Why: historic site, clearings dotted with deciduous trees.
Walk: Chapel loop (1h30) or gentle crossing to Notre-Dame des Neiges.
Respect: memorial site, stay on paths.
7) Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval & Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
Why: amphitheater cliffs, waterfalls and blazing forests.
Walk: Fond de la Combe → Bout du Monde (3–4h round trip, almost flat).
Timing: early morning for shadow plays.
8) Lac Vert (Passy)
Why: emerald lake + golden larches + Mont-Blanc backdrop.
Walk: lake circuit (30–45 min) + viewpoints.
Photo: polarizing filter to enhance transparency.
9) Abondance Valley & Lake Arvouin (Chablais)
Why: traditional farms, mixed forests, “Canadian” palette.
Walk: Sevan parking → Lake Arvouin (family-friendly 1h30–2h round trip).
Treat: Abondance AOP cheese dairies.
10) Mont Forchat (Lyaud/La Vernaz)
Why: small accessible summit, XXL view over Léman + Chablais.
Walk: col du Feu → summit (1h30–2h).
Photo: late afternoons for a coppery Léman.
11) Léman Terraces (Thollon-les-Mémises)
Why: blazing beeches against the lake backdrop.
Walk: Mémises round trip from the cable car (off-season times to check).
Variant: viewpoints above Évian/Publier.
12) Fier Gorges & Amancy/La Roche-sur-Foron Forests
Why: mystical atmosphere, ferns and colorful deciduous trees.
Visit: footbridge overlooking the Fier (check opening times).
Combo: old town of La Roche + café terrace.
3 turnkey micro-itinerary ideas
Around Annecy (1 day, easy)
Morning: Talloires viewpoint → Montmin.
Lunch: picnic at Semnoz (Crêt de Châtillon).
Afternoon: Mont Veyrier (round trip) or urban stroll at Pâquier.
Sunset: Angon promontory.
Aravis in colors (1 day, easy+)
Morning: Beauregard plateau from Croix-Fry.
Lunch: mountain farm (farmhouse reblochon).
Afternoon: Lac des Confins then Col des Aravis.
Chablais & Léman (1 day, family-friendly)
Morning: Mont Forchat.
Lunch: Léman shores (Évian/Amphion).
Afternoon: Mémises or Abondance valley (Lake Arvouin).
Weather, light, and photography: how to get great shots
- Golden hours: 30–60 min after sunrise and before sunset.
- Filters: polarizing to saturate sky/reflections; ND for waterfall blurs.
- Sky: light veil = natural diffuser, ideal under forest cover.
- Safety: wet slippery leaves; poles useful; warm layers.
Access & soft mobility (useful references)
- Annecy: SIBRA shuttles (seasonal) to Semnoz; easy cycling around the lake.
- Aravis: regular links to Thônes/La Clusaz (off-season times to check).
- Chablais: LEMAN Express (Geneva ↔ Thonon/Évian) + bus to Abondance/Châtel.
- Mont-Blanc: TER train to Sallanches then bus to Passy; Sixt/Samoëns via Cluses.
Ethics & good autumn practices
- Stay on paths (fragile wet zones, forest regeneration).
- Mushrooms: check regulations; identify before consumption.
- Dogs on leash; livestock still present.
- Anticipate nightfall: short days, dropping temperatures.
Express checklist
- Waterproof shoes, lightweight poles.
- Warm layers + windbreaker, thin hat.
- Headlamp, backup battery.
- Thermos, snacks, bag for litter.
- Offline map/GPX in low network areas.
FAQ – Autumn colors in Haute-Savoie
When does the color peak occur?
Depending on altitude: late September to mid-October in the mountains, rather mid-October on balconies and in valleys.
Which spots are family-friendly?
Lac Vert (lake circuit), Lac des Confins, valley floor at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, viewpoints around Annecy.
Is special equipment needed?
Waterproof shoes, warm windbreaker, lightweight poles. Beware of slippery wet leaves.
What are the best hours for photography?
Golden hours (morning/evening) and days following clear nights for a clear atmosphere.
Can mushrooms be picked?
Yes, respecting local regulations and carefully identifying species before consumption. Prefer marked trails.
