Towns and villages
Hikes in this valley
Hiking in the Aravis and Bornes
The Aravis and Bornes massifs form the pastoral heart of Haute-Savoie. Their image is iconic: jagged limestone ridges, pastures dotted with Abondance and Tarine cattle, traditional wooden chalets. It is also the home of the Reblochon AOP cheese, whose production pastures can be visited along the trails. These massifs offer an exceptional density of hikes, from easy paths to committing ridge routes.
The Aravis chain: a mineral wall
The Aravis chain stretches for thirty kilometres, from the Aravis pass to the Colombière pass. Its crest is dominated by the Pointe Percée (2,750 m), the highest point of the massif, accessible via a technical alpine route. For less experienced hikers, the Pointes de Mandallaz, the Mont Charvin or the tour via the Trou de la Mouche are memorable outings. Landscapes change dramatically depending on whether you approach the chain from the west (gentle pastures) or from the east (sheer cliffs above the Bouchet).
The Bornes massif and the Glières plateau
The Bornes massif, more rolling, offers long walks in mid-mountain landscapes. The Glières plateau, loaded with history, can be walked in loops of all lengths. To the south, the Tournette (2,351 m) above Lake Annecy is an absolute classic, as is the Parmelan, famous for its spectacular lapiaz carved by erosion in the limestone. Both summits are regularly visited by Annecy residents and offer breathtaking panoramas.
La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Thônes
La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand and Thônes are the ideal bases for exploring these massifs. In summer, many ski lifts operate to ease access to the high plateaus. Hikes around the Col des Annes, the Lac de Lessy, the Pointe Blanche or the Mont Lachat are among the most popular. The optimal season runs from mid-June to mid-October, with peak beauty during the early July bloom and the late September autumn colours.