The 5 Most Beautiful Hikes Around Annecy

There are places in France where nature seems to have gone the extra mile. Annecy is one of them. Between its turquoise-tinted lake, its mountain ranges cutting into the horizon, and its forests that smell of resin in July, the region makes you seriously want to lace up your hiking boots and set off without looking back.

The problem, if it even is one, is that there's too much choice. Dozens of trails radiate out around Lake Annecy, in Haute-Savoie, and it's easy to get lost… figuratively, even before setting foot on the ground.

This article presents the top 5 hikes around Annecy, selected for their beauty, their accessibility, and that little something extra that means you come home with a smile fixed on your face and legs that are a bit heavy (but happy).

A beginner who wants to ease into it? An experienced hiker looking for a challenge? There's something for everyone.

1. La Tournette: the must-do hike around Annecy

Towering over Lake Annecy at 2,351 metres of altitude, La Tournette is THE iconic summit of the region. To set out to conquer it, the route from the Prés Ronds car park, near the Col de la Forclaz, is ideal. The hike covers 11.5 km with a positive and negative elevation change of 1,300 metres, and rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view over the surrounding mountain ranges.

Level: Difficult
Distance: 11.5 km (round trip)
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Positive elevation gain: +1,300 m
Highlights: Stunning view over the lake, alpine wildlife, the feeling of having truly "earned" your picnic

Practical tips:

Departure from the Prés Ronds car park
Bring hiking poles: the return over rocky terrain is technical
Don't attempt in bad weather: the ridges are exposed to wind
Set off early (before 8 a.m.) to avoid the crowds in summer

This is not a hike to take lightly: some sections are vertiginous!

2. The tour of the Semnoz plateau: a panoramic hike

Although the Semnoz massif dominates Annecy from the south, here it shows itself from a less intimidating angle than its neighbour La Tournette. The tour of the plateau, accessible from the large resort car park at the start of the ski lifts, strings together open mountain pastures, windy ridges, and discreet refuges within a reasonable perimeter. Less than 400 metres of elevation gain to nearly reach 1,700 metres of altitude: the smart choice. Signs will indicate the path to follow to complete the loop!

Level: Beginner
Distance: 8.15 km (loop)
Duration: about 3h30
Positive elevation gain: +367 m
High point: 1,704 m (Crêt de Châtillon)
Highlights: Double summit with orientation tables, GRP® of the Tour du Lac d'Annecy, open mountain pastures, the possibility of restocking at the summit with a stunning view over the Bauges and Mont Blanc

Practical tips:

Departure from the Semnoz resort car park, on the Bauges slope side (accessible via the Col de Leschaux)
The Semnoz refuge at the Chalets de Gruffy can make a well-deserved break
Ideal from mid-June to mid-October: the grassy summer ski slopes have an unexpected charm
Bring a windbreaker: the plateau is exposed to wind

3. Mont Veyrier: a spectacular balcony above Lake Annecy

Barely out of the centre of Annecy, Mont Veyrier takes you on a demanding but incredibly rewarding hike. Here, you quickly leave the bustle of the lake behind to plunge into a gradual climb through the woods, punctuated by a few visual glimpses that already hint at what's to come.

The higher you climb, the more the scenery opens up. The forest gives way to an airy ridge, and suddenly the landscape explodes: below, Lake Annecy stretches out along its full length, while across the way, the Bauges massif unfolds its wild reliefs. The effect is immediate: you stop, almost in spite of yourself.

Passing by Mont Baron marks a highlight of the route, with its open viewpoints and orientation tables, ideal for taking in the full measure of the panorama. The rest of the itinerary alternates between ridge sections, technical descents, and calmer forest stretches, offering a real variety of terrain.

Level: Difficult
Distance: 11 km (loop)
Duration: 5 hours
Positive elevation gain: +850 m
Highlights: High-altitude lake, wildlife, authentic mountain-pasture atmosphere, lightly frequented

Practical tips:

Possible departure from the Petit Port towards Annecy-le-Vieux
Perfect for a first hike around Lake Annecy

4. Le Roc de Chère: a stroll between lake and forest

Fancy a first, gentle immersion? This walk at the Roc de Chère is perfect for beginners. The departure is from the Roc de Chère car park located between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires-Montmin, for an easy and pleasant outing, ideal for a half-day. The path progresses peacefully through the forest before reaching the belvedere, which offers a superb viewpoint over the lake. After savouring the scenery, all that's left is to continue the loop on the Roc de Chère trails to make your way calmly back to the starting point.

Level: Easy
Distance: 5.4 km
Duration: 2 hours
Positive elevation gain: +200 m
Highlights: Iconic view over the lake, mountain + lake atmosphere, the spectacle of paragliders

Practical tips:

Avoid weekends in July/August if you like peace and quiet
Swimming possible in the lake during the hike

5. Le Parmelan: a mineral ascent at the gates of Annecy

Among the most iconic routes departing from Annecy, this climb up to Le Parmelan offers an experience that is as sporty as it is spectacular. From the Bois Brûlé sector, the trail rises gradually towards the Chappuis chalet, before reaching the Col de Balmont, the first key stage of the ascent.

The progression then becomes more committed. Arriving at the Grand Montoir marks a real change of pace: the slope steepens, the terrain becomes more technical and demands greater attention. This is where the hike reveals its alpine character.

After this sustained effort, the scenery transforms radically. You emerge onto the vast limestone plateau of Le Parmelan, a mineral world dotted with typical rock formations and high-altitude meadows. The view then opens up widely over Lake Annecy and the surrounding massifs, offering a striking panorama. To prolong the moment, the Parmelan refuge allows you to take a well-deserved break, or even spend the night for those who wish to experience full immersion.

Level: Intermediate – difficult
Distance: 9 km (loop)
Duration: 5 hours
Positive elevation gain: +1,000 m
Highlights: High-altitude lake, wildlife, authentic mountain-pasture atmosphere, lightly frequented

Practical tips:

Departure from the Bois Brûlé car park above the village of Villaz
Bring supplies: no refuge on this route
Ideal in June–July when the mountain pastures are in bloom

Tips for hiking around Annecy

The region is hikeable from May to October for the lower routes. For high-altitude outings (Tournette, Col de la Forclaz), prefer June to September.

Spring (May–June): Vibrant greenery, wildflowers, few people / but watch out for lingering snow at altitude
Summer (July–August): Ideal conditions but high attendance. Setting off early in the morning changes everything.
Autumn (September–October): The locals' favourite time. Golden light, forest colours, mild temperatures.

Mountain safety

A few simple rules that avoid unpleasant surprises:

Always check the weather before setting off (the Météo-France Mountain app, specially designed for the mountains)
Tell someone your itinerary and your expected return time
Never set out on an exposed summit if storms are forecast
Stay on marked trails — the wildlife and flora will thank you
Carry plenty of water (minimum 1.5 L for a 4-hour outing)
The mountain rescue number: 15 (SAMU) or 112 (European emergencies)

What gear for hiking around Annecy?

The alpine mountains, even in summer, have to be earned with the right gear. No need to look like a walking outdoor catalogue, but a few key pieces really make a difference.

Clothing: the 3-layer rule

In the mountains, temperatures can drop quickly, even in summer. The layering system remains the best approach:

Base layer: a breathable technical t-shirt that wicks away moisture. At Aulp, the models in natural fibres (merino) naturally regulate temperature and stay fresh for a long time: a significant advantage when you're sweating on the climb. Our recommendations: DELPH, TOMMY, TIKKY, BENNY
Mid layer: a lightweight jacket or mid-layer for breaks and summits where the wind always surprises you. The Aulp hiking jacket, designed for alpine outdoor use, offers a good lightness/insulation compromise. Our recommendations: CELSI, NAVOY, BESMA, SIMIX
Outer layer: a windbreaker or lightweight waterproof, always in the bag even in good weather. In the mountains, a storm can blow up in 30 minutes. Our recommendations: CYRUS, CURRY, NEVIM, TAMIA

The ideal accessories

It's not enough to have the clothing to roam the trails around Annecy; you also need essential accessories to be able to explore them. Here's a short list of what you'd need:

High hiking socks
Cap for UV protection
Hiking backpack
Hiking boots
Hiking poles
Accessories (beanie, gloves, neck gaiters)
Sunglasses

The most beautiful hikes around Annecy — you've just discovered five of them. Five very different ways to explore this region of Haute-Savoie that never stops impressing.

Whether you're looking for the challenge of a summit like La Tournette, the contemplation of a high-altitude lake at Peyre, or simply a forest walk to clear your head, you'll find your happiness less than an hour from Annecy.

There's only one thing left to do: choose your trail, check the weather, fill your water bottle… and go!

FAQ — Hikes around Annecy

Which is the most beautiful hike around Annecy?

La Tournette (2,351 m) is often cited as the most beautiful hike around Annecy, for its exceptional panorama over the lake and the Alps. For a more accessible beauty/effort ratio, the Semnoz offers a 360° view with a moderate elevation gain of 600 m.

Which hike to choose around Lake Annecy for a beginner?

The Crêt du Maure loop is ideal for beginners: 7 km, 250 m of elevation gain, a well-marked trail and several viewpoints over the lake. It takes about 2 hours and requires no particular technical equipment.

What is the best time to hike in Haute-Savoie around Annecy?

The best time is from June to September. September is particularly recommended: temperatures are mild, the light is beautiful, and tourist attendance drops significantly. Avoid weekends in July–August on popular routes like La Tournette.