La Clusaz is a village located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, between the city of Annecy and the Aravis mountain range. It is the perfect destination for skiers in winter and for thrill seekers all year long. In addition to the snowsports enjoyed by most visitors in winter, La Clusaz offers a rich and varied natural environment thanks to its location. The village is located close to Confins Lake, an Alpine mountain range, and forests rich in flora and fauna typical of mountainous regions.
Do you love nature and hiking? In this article, we’re going to recommend several hiking routes that are worth taking and will dazzle you with their natural beauty and breathtaking views.
A Walk Around Confins Lake
Nestled in the Alps close to La Clusaz, Confins Lake is a natural mountain lake located 1450 metres above sea level downstream from the Bella-Cha Valley and close to the hamlet of Confins. The lake is in an idyllic location, surrounded by the Aravis mountain range and situated below Confins Pass. The lake also offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains, such as Grand Bonnard, Mont Lachat and the Aravis valleys. It is the perfect place for walking or mountain biking, just 5km from the centre of La Clusaz.
The route around the lake is easy, since the trail is well sign-posted. Along this picturesque route, you’ll find a chapel, adding a certain charm to the area. You can even stop off at one of the chalet terraces for a snack or even a picnic. The circular loop around the lake will take around 45 minutes.
From the lake’s car park, you can take a path that leads to several other trails through the valley. Hikers can head to one of the surrounding summits, such as Roualle, Tête de Pelouse and Roche Perfia. However, unlike the route around the lake, these trails are more challenging and require more physical effort as a result.
The Aravis Pass and Its Hiking Trails
Located 1500 metres above sea level, The Aravis Pass attracts hikers of all abilities. From the top of the pass, you can see Mont Blanc, as well as the Porte des Aravis mountain pass and the Étale mountain pass. And, if you’re lucky, you may even see one of the famous chamois ski tests taking place! This place is a true paradise for budding athletes where you can partake in a number of sports activities year-round, such as rock climbing, racket sports or ski mountaineering.
From the pass, there are number of trails of varying difficulty that you can take. There’s a trail perfect for families from which you can see Mont Blanc. Another 2-hour trail starts from the Aravis Pass and follows the Arpettaz Pass, allowing you to reach the Tête viewpoint indicator in around 20 minutes. From there, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains! If you continue along the route, you’ll reach the Curé Chalet, a charming place that will transport you back in time to another era. Finally, if you continue further on, you’ll reach the small Boegneuve Pass. To get back to the car park, take the same route in the opposite direction.
A Walking Route on the Beauregard Plateau
Beauregard Plateau is a natural preserved site not far from La Clusaz, where the ringing of the bells of herds that graze peacefully in the meadows and alpine farms can be heard. From the plateau, hikers can admire the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc from an idyllic and relaxing viewpoint.
A gentle less-than-2-hour walk can be taken to the plateau, starting from Croix Fry mountain pass and taking you through the beautiful hilly landscapes of this natural setting. As you walk between the villages of Manigod and La Clusaz, you can take in several views of the Thônes Valley and the various summits of the Aravis mountain range. If you’re a foodie, you can also stop by Lorette Farm on the way and chat to some of the local producers before trying some of the Reblochon cheese produced on-site.
If you want to visit the Beauregard Plateau in winter, there’s a two-hour trail you can take starting from the hamlet of ‘Le Planet’, which can be done in snowshoes or cross-country skis.
L’Aiguille des Calvaires and Its Nature Walks
Located not far from La Clusaz, L’Aiguille des Calvaires is a trail leading to the Aiguille Verte summit, which stands at 2,322 metres above sea level. Given its height, the hike to the summit is quite difficult and requires you to be well-prepared and correctly equipped. That being said, another easier hike can be done nearby, taking you past the shores of the Sous-l’Aiguille mountain lake, where you’ll discover the pure natural beauty of the place and its abundant flora, including blueweed, foxglove, gentian and cow parsley. You can also stop for a lakeside picnic along the way, admiring the grand landscapes of the Alps. A true corner of paradise!
Hiking to Balme Footbridge
If you love incredible viewpoints and want to know the best place to see the Alps and Mont Blanc, we recommend that you head to the Balme Footbridge. The footbridge is a 6.5-metre overhang located several hundred metres above the summit of the Balme Pass, and not far from La Clusaz. It’s an unexpected stop-off point for hikers, providing unforgettable memories!
There are two ways to get there. In winter, you can ski there via the Balme Pass Ski Lift. In summer, the footbridge is only accessible on foot since the ski lift is closed. The hike to the bridge takes 7 hours there and back and requires an uphill climb of 1,200 metres. Given this, we recommend that you only take on the hike with the right equipment and that you take some food and drink with you.
Explore La Clusaz On Foot!
The area surrounding La Clusaz is the perfect place for unforgettable hiking adventures thanks to the numerous peaks and mountain trails, each one offering something unique. If you love walking in the mountains, La Clusaz is the place for you! To help you properly prepare for hiking in this region, Location Lac Annecy has a whole range of accommodation options that would serve as a great place to chill out between your various adventures. With just one click, choose the right accommodation for you, and we’ll take care of the rest.