Hiking

A sky darkening, some distant rumblings of thunder… The signs announcing a storm are generally quite easy to identify. But there is one much less known to hikers: a strange buzzing or crackling that sometimes feels like being surrounded by bees. The phenomenon is serious enough to be mentioned in official safety recommendations. The Ministry … Learn more

Shoes are probably one of the most important pieces of hiking equipment. A perfectly suitable pair for an easy trail walk can become uncomfortable, even unsuitable, as soon as you venture onto rocky or wet terrain. Low, mid, or high shaft, sole stiffness, grip, waterproof membrane: here are the main criteria to know to choose … Learn more

Asking ChatGPT or an AI to map out your next mountain trek seems like a brilliant idea. However, on the ground, these algorithm-generated routes often turn out to be real traps. Underestimated distances, forbidden bivouacs, exposed passages forgotten: guides and rescuers are sounding the alarm in the face of increasing incidents. When AI goes off … Learn more

With its majestic reliefs, secret valleys, waterfalls, lakes, and deep forests, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes embodies like nowhere else the call of nature and the promise of varied landscapes. Walking the region’s trails means diving into an ecosystem of rare richness, where escape meets physical challenge. But this adventure also requires constant vigilance: safety above all. Hiking in … Learn more

A fall, a fainting, hypothermia… In the mountains, rescue teams can take many minutes to arrive. To help hikers, trail runners, and mountaineers respond effectively, a group of experts has just made first aid sheets freely available, accessible even without a network. A simple reflex that could make all the difference. Every summer, thousands of … Learn more

Increasingly popular with hikers, filtered water bottles help reduce the weight of the backpack while limiting the purchase of plastic bottles. But these accessories do not make all waters drinkable and their effectiveness largely depends on how they are used. Here is everything you need to know before filling your bottle in a mountain stream … Learn more

Just minutes from the shores of Lake Geneva, this accessible loop allows you to discover a more intimate side of the Chablais. Between mountain hamlets, natural viewpoints, and spectacular panoramas over the largest lake in Western Europe, this route is ideal for a family outing or a half-day in the fresh air. A walk between … Learn more

Every summer, hiking trails attract thousands of enthusiasts in Haute-Savoie and the French mountain ranges. However, a poorly planned outing can quickly turn into a nightmare. Changing weather, dehydration, loss of orientation, or simply overestimating one’s abilities: most accidents could be avoided thanks to some essential habits before departure. Preparation begins long before putting on … Learn more

Which hiker has never hesitated between two backpack sizes in front of a store aisle or an online shop? In 2026, as hiking and trekking are booming in France and Europe, choosing the right backpack size is of strategic importance. A poorly adapted selection promises a journey ruined by pain, regrets at every climb, or, … Learn more

With thousands of kilometers of marked trails, the mountain offers routes for all levels. Yet, every summer, many accidents occur because hikers overestimate their abilities or underestimate the difficulty of a route. Choosing your hike well according to your physical condition, without forgetting the importance of choosing the right shoes, is one of the most … Learn more

Each summer, mountain storms surprise hundreds of hikers. They sometimes break out in just a few dozen minutes, turning a peaceful outing into an emergency situation. In France, lightning still causes several deaths and many injuries each year, the mountains remaining one of the most exposed environments. Over my years of hiking, I have faced … Learn more

They are increasingly numerous on the trails. In backpacks, on the end of a leash, or running freely on the paths, dogs now accompany their owners on most mountain hikes. But behind this trend that appeals to vacationers, many professionals are now sounding the alarm. In Haute-Savoie as elsewhere in the Alps, refuge keepers, mountain … Learn more

When temperatures rise dramatically, the desire to go hiking does not disappear, quite the opposite. The stifling heat of a heatwave turns a simple walk in nature into a true challenge for the human body. Under a scorching sun, the risks related to dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke intensify dangerously. For several years, experts have … Learn more

With the heatwave currently affecting much of France, many mountain lovers ask themselves the same question: is it still reasonable to go hiking when the thermometer exceeds 35°C? Guides, mountain leaders, and rescuers remind that hiking remains possible, but only on the condition of seriously adapting one’s habits. The mountains are often seen as a … Learn more

Every summer, thousands of hikers return to the trails of Haute-Savoie. But with the return of herds to the alpine pastures, encounters with patous and shepherds become more frequent. A few simple gestures can, however, prevent most delicate situations and allow you to fully enjoy the mountains. Why herds are everywhere in the mountains in … Learn more

Imagine yourself perched atop a ridge, your gaze lost in the endless blue of the sky, the setting sun lighting up the snowy peaks with a golden glow. The silence is broken only by the whisper of the wind and the subtle song of a blackbird. Mountain bivouacking is a sensory adventure, an enchanted pause … Learn more

The presence of névés in the mountains represents a common challenge for hikers, especially in spring and early summer. These persistent snow accumulations, often found above 1,500 meters in altitude or on north-facing slopes, can present significant risks. Preparation and knowledge of good practices are essential to reduce dangers when crossing a névé. Definition and … Learn more

Does the idea of climbing 1,000 meters of elevation gain fill you with as much excitement as apprehension? Rest assured: there are precise tips to turn this vertical challenge into an exhilarating adventure, without ending up out of breath around the next bend. Here is a lively guide, enriched with personal experiences, to accompany you … Learn more

Imagine the breath of the wind on your face, the smell of damp earth beneath your feet, the birdsong echoing among the trees… Hiking is much more than a simple pastime; it’s a sensory adventure where every detail counts. But to fully enjoy this getaway, you need to anticipate a crucial element: nutrition. Who has … Learn more

Going on a day hike is one of the best ways to discover the magnificent landscapes of Haute-Savoie. Whether you are aiming for a high-altitude lake near Annecy or a panoramic ridge in the Mont-Blanc massif, a successful outing depends on thorough preparation. Many hikers think that a few hours excursion doesn’t require specific equipment. … Learn more

Today we take you for a walk in a pleasant and easily accessible place for little walkers and children. We don’t necessarily want to do a long hike so we chose this place because it is simple with a very nice view. The Agy plateau is located at 1459 m altitude above St-Sigismond. Our starting … Learn more

Today a short story of a hike leading to the Lac de Peyre. We will share some remarks and advice to approach it as best as possible. The meeting point is set; the Col de la Colombière which peaks at 1613 m altitude. It connects the valleys between the massif des Bornes to the north-northwest … Learn more

Today we take you hiking with the goal of a small summit named La Bourgeoise located at 1770 m altitude. You can enjoy a 360° viewpoint over the mountain ranges and an incredible view of Mont-Blanc. Are you coming with us? Let’s go then! We chose a starting point allowing a hike without major difficulty … Learn more

Today we are taking you on a beautiful hike suitable for little walkers as well as children. Our goal: lac Bénit. Experienced hikers can continue the hike. We start from the Bété parking lot where an approximate time of 1h15 is indicated. Take your time, hiking is above all the pleasure of discovering nature and … Learn more

Today we take you on a small hike that is not very complicated but still includes some slightly more delicate sections. However, it remains accessible to many and can notably be done with family. A little reminder before departure: good shoes, trekking poles (they can help!), appropriate clothing, the backpack contains a picnic, sufficient water, … Learn more

For several years now, and even more so since covid, more and more people have taken up mountain hiking, whether regularly or occasionally. It’s a great thing; mountain activity frees the mind and is also good for the body, but we regularly notice less positive things: incivilities, putting oneself in danger, poor preparation, sometimes tricky … Learn more

For several years, the mountains of Haute-Savoie have been attracting an increasing number of visitors, especially during the summer season. This growing popularity is unfortunately accompanied by behaviors that disrupt the natural balance of these preserved areas. Among these behaviors, noise pollution has become a major problem that affects the experience of hikers seeking tranquility … Learn more