With so much beauty amongst the French Alps, it’s tricky knowing where to begin your adventure. Explorer Ali wants to spotlight the lakeside town of Annecy as a springboard to launch five memorable hikes.

 

For any hikers around the world, the appeal of the French Alps is strong; an early morning visit to the boulangerie, the gentle ringing of cowbells next to the trail, ascending towards a view of snow-capped peaks.

With the full length of the French Alps stretching 200km, there are plenty of routes to choose from. The logistical jigsaw of organising travel, booking accommodation, and choosing routes can feel challenging. To help, I’ve created a list centred around the alpine town of Annecy, from where you can begin five spectacular day hikes.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

The entire 42km perimeter of Annecy Lake is visible from La Tournette

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1. Refuge de la Combe/Traversée du Charbon

Location: Saury, Haute-Savoie
Duration: 5-7 hours (round trip)
Distance: 11km
Elevation gain: 950m
Difficulty: Intermediate

If you don’t mind adding a few extra kilometres of tarmac, then you can get underway from Lathuile, which is accessible via public transport from Annecy. Alternatively, you can drive closer to the trailhead and park beyond the tiny village of Saury.

The route starts beneath the shade of the trees, just a few kilometres away from Lake Annecy. Very quickly, the challengingly steep ascent begins, rising towards Montagne du Charbon. After almost 1000m of elevation gain on rocky switchbacks, the trail levels out onto grassy plains, and you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Mont Blanc in the distance.

 

Sunrise looking towards the High Alps

 

For day hiking options, you can make a loop by returning via the same route, or continue along the Traversée du Charbon to the car park in Le Martinet.

I definitely recommend loading up on snacks from Carrefour and turning this into an overnighter. Either book a bed in Refuge de la Combe, where you’ll be in good company with other outdoor enthusiasts, or pitch a tent nearby. It’s an exceptional opportunity for some of the best sunset and sunrise views of the French Alps.

Camping near the Refuge de la Combe

Some typically French hiking supplies

2. La Tournette

Location: Belchamp, Haute-Savoie
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 11km
Elevation gain: 1200m+
Difficulty: Advanced

As the highest peak around Lake Annecy, La Tournette (2351m) is a destination hike for many visitors to the French Alps.

There’s a popular route beginning from Talloires, which includes sections of scrambling and requires a high level of fitness. The route I chose still asks a lot of the legs, but is more direct, a steady, continuous climb from the car park near Belchamp. Approaching La Tournette from this direction, particularly if you begin early, means there’ll be far less chance of crowded trails.

The final section includes a few steps on a vertical ladder – don’t be put off – the summit allows you to see almost the entire 42km perimeter of Lake Annecy. It’s worth it.

Afterwards, as you return to Annecy, enjoy a well-earned trip to one of the many bakeries in the town of Thônes.

Ascending La Tournette (2351m) from the east

Hiking poles are a worthy addition to any alpine kit list

3. Trou de la Mouche – Comble de Paccaly

Location: La Clusaz, Haute-Savoie
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 9.3km
Elevation gain: 1000m+
Difficulty: Advanced

This route is famous for its natural sculpture, the ‘trou de la mouche’ (2453m), a large circular hole in the rock that the trail passes through, and the 360-degree views that surround it.

I walked this loop clockwise, beginning with a switchback ascent up the face of the mountain. The trail is lined by large rubble rock, which is a dark colour that gives the scenery a dramatic feel.

 

Descent from the ‘trou de la mouche’ (2453m)

 

Just before the summit, there’s a very steep section that requires some technical skill and concentration, making this route best suited for experienced hikers or those confident with heights. Given the high altitude, you’ll want to pay particularly close attention to the weather on this route. I walked it in mid-October, and light snowfall made it feel on the cusp of being unsafe.

After your descent, as you return to the village, keep an eye out for the Fromagerie des Alpages and the excellent selection of local goat’s cheese products.

 

Moss-covered rocks above Le Clusaz

4. Mont Baron – Mont Veyrier

Location: Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 6km
Elevation gain: 500m+
Difficulty: Intermediate

This is one of the most accessible hikes from Annecy, located just on the outskirts of the town, with a popular starting point just off the Creux du Loup Forest Road.

It begins by passing through lush forest trails before reaching an exposed ridgeline.

At the summit of Mont Baron, you’ll find remnants of an old cable car station, a perfect spot for a break to take in the views.

Please note! It’s important to be extra vigilant in this forested area once hunting season begins in September.

Finally, given the location of this route, it’s an unmissable opportunity for a post-hike cool off in the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. Jump in from the wooden jetties in the north east corner, and visit Sapaudia for a pizza afterwards.

5. Montagne de Sous-Dine

Location: Thorens-Glières, Haute-Savoie
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 14km
Elevation gain: 1200m+
Difficulty: Intermediate

The route begins near Thorens-Glières, ascending through dense forests and rugged limestone landscapes before reaching the Col de Cable. From there, the path continues to the summit of Montagne de Sous-Dîne (2,003m), where you can see the Aravis Range, Mont Blanc, and the Jura Mountains.

 

The plateau around Montagne de Sous-Dîne (2003m) is popular with paragliders

 

Pause at the top and you might get the chance to see some paragliders launching themselves into the distance.

The descent through the Balme Valley reveals a softer landscape, with rolling meadows and scattered alpine chalets, providing a peaceful contrast to the dramatic heights above.

You Can’t Go Wrong in the French Alps

All five of these hikes offer a unique perspective on the breathtaking landscapes of the French Alps, each with its own character and challenges. Whether you’re scrambling up La Tournette for sweeping lake views, traversing the dramatic ridgelines of Mont Baron, or passing through the striking rock arch of Trou de la Mouche, these routes showcase the region’s incredible diversity. The proximity of Annecy makes logistics easier, whether you’re planning a short day hike or an unforgettable overnight adventure in a mountain refuge.

Beyond the trails, the charm of the Haute-Savoie region extends to its rustic mountain refuges, local cheeses, and post-hike swims in the lake. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, the combination of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes hiking in this region an experience to remember. I recommend packing some fresh baguettes before you lace up your boots and set out to explore the stunning trails that France has to offer.

 

Five Day Hikes in the French Alps Worth Lacing Your Boots For, Photo by Ali Macleod, France

FAQS Day Hikes in the French Alps

How do I get to Annecy in the French Alps?

By Train: High-speed (TGV) trains run from Paris. Annecy is also well connected with regional (TER) services, particularly from Lyon, Chambery, and Geneva, Switzerland.

By Bus: The Annecy bus terminal operates services with FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, making it accessible from just about anywhere in Europe.

By Plane: Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland is located a 45-minute drive away.

What’s the best month to hike in the French Alps?

All these hikes can be done between April and October. However, seasonal conditions at either end of this window are likely to bring snow at the higher altitudes; unless you have mountaineering equipment and experience, the routes should not be attempted if snow is forecast.

In April, watching the arrival of spring is beautiful, as is witnessing the Retour Des Alpages tradition and the leaves changing colour in October. The trails will generally be busier between June and August when the weather is more reliable and European public holidays are in full swing. September can provide a magical combination of quieter trails and afternoon temperatures hovering around 25°C.

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