Chablais

Hiking in the Chablais

The Chablais massif occupies the entire north of Haute-Savoie, between Lake Geneva and the Giffre valley. Its peaks do not reach 3,000 metres but offer an incredible diversity of landscapes: green alpine pastures, high-altitude lakes, spruce forests, gorges and waterfalls. It is also one of the most easily reached areas from Geneva, making it a favourite playground for day-hikers and multi-day trekkers alike.

Unique pre-alpine geology

Listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the Chablais stands out for its complex rocks — thrust sheets, limestones, flysch — which shape a rugged, photogenic landscape. The ridges of the Roc d'Enfer (2,244 m), the Pointe de Nantaux and the Dent d'Oche (2,222 m) are classics that combine physical effort and visual reward. From the Dent d'Oche, the view embraces all of Lake Geneva, the Jura and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.

Alpine lakes and the Abondance valley

The region is full of alpine lakes reachable on foot: Tavaneuse, Fontaine, Plagnes, Vert. Many can be walked in half a day and are particularly popular with families. The Abondance valley, with its villages of preserved vernacular heritage (Châtel, La Chapelle-d'Abondance, Bonnevaux), is an excellent starting point to explore the French-Swiss ridges and pastures where the famous Abondance AOP cheese is made.

Morzine-Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil

Around Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, the Portes du Soleil area offers in summer an impressive network of marked trails, often accessible by ski lifts. Perfect to gain elevation without effort and walk down quietly. Hikes around Lac de Montriond, the Cascade d'Ardent or the Hauts Forts are must-sees. The ideal season runs from June to late October, with peak flowering in July and superb light in September.