Lake Annecy is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it offers trails for all levels, from family walks to more sporty ascents. Here are eight must-do hiking routes around Lake Annecy that will allow you to admire breathtaking panoramas and discover the natural richness of the region.
Eight must-do hikes around Lake Annecy:
1. Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron: the panoramic ridge
💡 Description: This iconic hike offers the chance to enjoy an exceptional panorama of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. The trail follows a ridge offering spectacular views throughout the route. Upon reaching the summit of Mont Baron (1,299 m), you discover a 360° panorama stretching to Mont Blanc on clear days.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Elevation gain: +900 m
- Guidebook: See the guide
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the Col des Contrebandiers parking lot, accessible by car from Annecy.
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.8992, 6.1868
2. Roc de Chère: a walk in the heart of nature
💡 Description: Located in a nature reserve, the Roc de Chère trail is perfect for an easy walk accessible to all. It winds through a lush forest before reaching a viewpoint offering a magnificent view of the lake and the Bauges mountains. This preserved area is ideal for observing local wildlife and flora.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 3 km
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Elevation gain: +150 m
- Guidebook: See the guide
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the Roc de Chère nature reserve parking lot, in Talloires.
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.8345, 6.2123
3. La Tournette: the iconic ascent of Lake Annecy
💡 Description: The highest point of the Bornes range (2,351 m), La Tournette is a demanding hike but rewarded by an exceptional panorama over the lake and the Alpine chain. The last section, equipped with chains and ladders, requires some agility, but the effort is worth it!
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 11 km (round trip)
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Elevation gain: +1,200 m
- Guidebook: See the guide
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the Chalet de l’Aulp, accessible by car from Montmin (road sometimes rough).
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.8419, 6.3096
4. Col de la Forclaz: an accessible climb with a breathtaking view
💡 Description: If you are looking for an intermediate hike offering a breathtaking view of Lake Annecy without too much effort, the climb to Col de la Forclaz is ideal. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a spectacular viewpoint where paragliders take off above the lake’s turquoise waters.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 6 km (round trip)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Elevation gain: +550 m
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from Villard, above Talloires.
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.8143, 6.2637
5. Semnoz: a family hike with a view of Mont Blanc
💡 Description: Semnoz is a mountain offering trails accessible to all and breathtaking panoramas. From the summit, you can admire a clear view of Lake Annecy, the Bauges massif, and even Mont Blanc. The trail is ideal for a family walk, with many resting points and alpine meadows.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: Loop of 5 to 8 km depending on the chosen route
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Elevation gain: +300 to +500 m
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the Semnoz summit parking lot, accessible by car from Annecy (20 minutes drive).
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.8128, 6.0951
6. Taillefer: a small summit with a great view
💡 Description: Located above the village of Duingt, Taillefer is a small summit offering a magnificent view over Lake Annecy and the Duingt peninsula. It is a short but intense hike, with a forest section before reaching a viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 5 km (loop)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Elevation gain: +400 m
- Guidebook: See the guide
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the Duingt cemetery parking lot.
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.8117, 6.1729
7. Parmelan: a breathtaking view over the lake and the Alps
💡 Description: Parmelan is a limestone summit dominating the Annecy basin. Its karst plateau offers a unique lunar landscape and a panoramic view over the lake and the Alps. It is a relatively demanding hike but offers an incomparable visual reward.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 9 km (round trip)
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Elevation gain: +400 m
- Guidebook: See the guide
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the parking lot of the chalet de l’Anglettaz, accessible by car from Villaz.
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.9603, 6.2767
8. Montagne d’Entrevernes: a wild and preserved hike
💡 Description: Less known than other summits, Montagne d’Entrevernes offers a wild hike through alpine pastures and forests. Upon reaching the summit, you will enjoy a unique view of the lake, away from the busiest trails.
🥾 Hiking details:
- Distance: about 9 km
- Duration: 4 hours
- Elevation gain: +650 m
- Guidebook: See the guide
🚶♂️ Access: Departure from the village of Entrevernes.
📍 GPS coordinates: 45.7865, 6.1957
Some tips for a worry-free hike
Here are some basic tips for hiking in the mountains without worries:
- Choose a hike suitable for your level (physical and technical)
- Be well equipped
- Learn some basic mountain navigation skills
- Prepare your hike and allow for a safety margin
- Check the forecast and when in doubt, refrain
- Take enough water with you.
- Respect nature (wildlife, flora, heritage…)
- Do not feed local wildlife: human food is not necessarily suitable for the animals you will encounter
- Stay as much as possible on marked trails
- Do not make fires
- Limit bivouacs
- If hiking with your dog, check if there is no restriction, and preferably keep it on a leash
- If you encounter a herd on your route, try to go around it and watch out for the guard dog
- Try to minimize your impact as much as possible
- Be discreet
- Be courteous to other users and share these places
To learn more, discover our guide to good hiking practices.
The final word
Whether you are an experienced hiker or looking for an easy walk, Lake Annecy is full of trails offering exceptional panoramas. Between mountains, forests, and panoramic ridges, these hikes promise you an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Alpine landscapes.
📌 Also read: The most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Annecy