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Explore the mountains surrounding Lake Annecy

In the heart of Haute-Savoie, the mountains around Annecy offer stunning high-altitude landscapes with the lake below as the highlight, or other viewpoints depending on where you stand! Easily accessible from Annecy, the hikes are designed for all levels and ages; discover the mountains of Annecy and the region from above!

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Map of the Lake Annecy mountains

Whether you gaze at them from below or climb them, the mountains are an integral part of Lake Annecy: Bauges, Bornes, Aravis… So many peaks that are worth the detour, especially if you are a fan of hiking in the heart of nature. Feast your eyes on these exceptional sites!

Must-see peaks around Annecy

Want to go hiking and discover panoramas that are each more surprising than the last? Here is a selection for you of the must-see mountains found around Lake Annecy!

La Tournette

La Tournette is the highest of the mountains bordering Lake Annecy. It rises to 2,351 meters and belongs to the Bornes massif, which separates Lake Annecy from the Thônes valley. Its very characteristic armchair shape marks the Annecy lakeside landscape.

La Tournette is a very pleasant mountain to discover on foot in summer; there are three hiking trails to reach its summit:

  • Starting from Les Clefs, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Rosairy refuge, then another 1 hour 45 minutes to reach the mountain summit. For the descent, allow 2 hours.
  • From the Montmin valley: at an altitude of 1,000 meters, experienced hikers will cross a rather arduous terrain riddled with holes to reach the spur of the Pointe de Bajulaz. The hike from this starting point lasts approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, with an elevation gain of 1,394 meters and 15 kilometers to cover.
  • From the Belchamp parking lot: this is a popular starting point for hikers traveling to La Tournette by car; from here, you will follow the direction of the Chalet de Rosairy, crossing pastures to a small pass that leads to the Fauteuil de la Tournette. The elevation gain is 1,380 meters, for a total duration of 4 hours and a distance of 10.4 km.

In summary, the ascent of La Tournette is quite difficult and requires a good level of hiking experience as well as good physical condition; so prepare yourself accordingly before taking it on.

la-tournette

Le Semnoz

Semnoz is a mountain that is part of the Massif des Bauges Regional Natural Park and dominates the western shore of Lake Annecy. 15 kilometers long and with an altitude of 1,699 meters, it features two peaks: Crêt de l’Aigle and Crêt de Châtillon.

Mainly known for being a family resort, the mountain is located only 20 kilometers from Annecy; from the peaks, you will be treated to a 360-degree panorama of the region and the surrounding mountains, or even Mont Blanc if the weather permits!

As the resort is dynamic, you can enjoy various activities; for instance, you can try summer sledding, take beautiful hiking trails, or even spend an unusual night at the Les Rochers Blancs hotel-restaurant! A mountain to discover that remains accessible to both adults and children!

Le-Semnoz

Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron

A great classic of the Bornes Massif, Mont Veyrier is a peak that never ceases to impress walkers who tread its slopes; located above the commune of Veyrier-du-Lac, Mont Veyrier offers a magnificent panorama of Lake Annecy, Semnoz, and the Aravis massif. Due to its proximity to Mont Baron, it is possible to do both mountains in a single hike: a loop that reaches Mont Veyrier from Pré Vernet and continues toward Mont Baron. The route presents no difficulty, however, the descent from Mont Baron is described as being quite steep and can be tricky if it rained the day before. During your hike, with an estimated time of 1 hour 30 minutes for a cumulative elevation gain of 540 meters, you will cross the Col des Sauts, forests, and lakes by taking the Sentier des Crêtes. You will see: the walk is worth it, with splendid views of Lake Annecy below.

Le-Mont-Veyrier-et-le-Mont-Baron

Le Parmelan

Le Parmelan is one of the must-do hikes in Haute-Savoie. Visible from the surroundings of Annecy, this plateau shaped by erosion offers one of the most magnificent viewpoints.

The ascent route via the Grand Montoir is delicate, with airy passages on a narrow and steep path. Our advice: bring a safety rope if you are sensitive to heights.

The hike is estimated at 4 hours, with a cumulative elevation gain of 750 meters.

le-parmelan

Col de la Forclaz de Montmin

The Col de la Forclaz de Montmin has a summit with a magnificent panorama of Lake Annecy and the Semnoz mountain opposite. You can climb it in 2 ways:

  • By taking the north slope starting from Menthon-St-Bernard, for a distance of 7.3 kilometers; during this hike, you will pass through Vérel and use trails with climbs inclining up to 11.5%. Starting from Talloires on the shores of Lake Annecy, you can also do a 10-kilometer hike, which is steeper, with climbs from which you can observe the Château de Châteauvieux.
  • By taking the south slope, starting from Vesonne, you will need to count on 7.85 km at an 8.5% average! A ramp is available at the exit of Vesonne, and other passages, each as difficult as the next, await you—a real challenge for the most seasoned hikers!
Le-col-de-la-Forclaz-de-Montmin

The most beautiful panoramas of Lake Annecy

In addition to the mountains mentioned above, there are other breathtaking panoramas around Annecy! For example, head to the Plateau des Glières, a guaranteed change of scenery just 45 minutes from Annecy! Looking for a dizzying panorama? Head to the Pont de l’Abîme, a 64-meter-long bridge that passes 96 meters above the Chéran. Prefer a viewpoint closer to Annecy? No problem, next to the famous old town of Annecy, on the Pâquier and along Avenue d’Albigny, enjoy an exceptional panorama of the lake and the mountains. Wherever you go, you will find the panorama that suits you near Lake Annecy. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you!

Prepare for your visit to the mountains around Annecy!

Annecy and its surroundings offer an incredible playground for all mountain lovers; whether you go there for an adventure on the trails of La Tournette, or just want a quiet stroll before taking a photo from Semnoz, you will find what you need for an unforgettable holiday between lake and mountain. All you are missing is accommodation for your stay in the Annecy area; visit our site and discover a whole range of accommodation that suits you!

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