Focus on the best walks near Lake Geneva
It’s decided: your next vacation will be on Lake Geneva. A great choice of destination if you’re keen on heritage, vast green spaces and water sports. That said, Europe’s largest lake also offers its share of sporting activities. Among them: hiking. So we’ve put together an article listing the best hikes in Haute-Savoie. From simple strolls around Lake Geneva to extreme hikes and trails steeped in history, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here’s our selection of the best hikes near Lake Geneva.
Easy hikes in Haute-Savoie
Among the many activities available near Lake Geneva, hiking is one of the most complete ways to discover Haute-Savoie. And you don’t have to get up high to visit our beautiful region! There are a number of hiking trails around Lake Geneva, accessible to all and with no major difficulties. We present three of them in this first part.
The lakefront promenade between Meillerie and Locum
On this 6-kilometre hike, starting from the Meillerie landing stage, you’ll follow the shores of Lake Geneva. An exception due to the many private properties surrounding it. Although the route has no elevation changes, it is rich in discoveries. Between the port of Meillerie, the pier at the old Balle quarries and Locum beach, you’ll be bathed in an undeniable maritime atmosphere. Without doubt, one of the best hikes around Lake Geneva.
The historical walk between Yvoire and Nernier
While this tour is similar to the one presented above (same length, low gradient), it offers an additional experience: the discovery of Haute-Savoie’s historic heritage. Indeed, the villages of Yvoire and Nernier grew up in the Middle Ages, and have preserved vestiges that are well worth a look. Leaving the P1 parking lot at the entrance to Yvoire, you’ll soon pass through the Porte de Rovorée, the gateway to a beautiful leap in time.
The Pointe de Messery circuit
We’re particularly fond of this route, as it’s so close to our campsite, Le Relais du Léman. The town council has made it a point of honor to list many of the activities available in Messery. The route via La Pointe will keep you busy for a good 2 hours, taking you through the beach of the same name, as well as Semiss Park. It will also give you the opportunity to discover the village church.
📌 Wondering what to do in Messery at the weekend? Discover some ideas on the commune’s website.
The best medium-difficulty hikes around Lake Geneva
Let’s continue our selection of hikes in Haute-Savoie, with the more challenging routes. In fact, here we present no less than 5 circuits. Cardio and a change of scenery guaranteed!
La pointe du Tréchauffé
A high-altitude hike to warm up your calves! The distance is short (3.5 kilometers), the altitude difference unimpressive (350 meters), but it’s no mean feat to venture between 1,200 and 1,600 meters above sea level. The circuit starts at La Forclaz, at the foot of the Col du Tréchauffé. The route also takes you over the Col de l’Aiguille. From such a height, you can enjoy superb views of the Dranse de Morzine valley, Lac du Jotty and the Cornettes de Bise, among others.
The Lac de Dardon circuit
A route for lovers of unique landscapes. Lac de Dardon, surrounded by rocky outcrops, offers a magnificent view. But to see it, you have to earn it. Because on the 6.6 kilometers from La Chappelle-d’Abondance, you’ll have to cross 3 passes. And for some, the slope is steep. Please note that this route is located in a protected area. Please respect the premises.
The 2 castles hike at Allinges
A tour that plunges you into Savoyard history. On the 3-kilometer route from Allinges, you’ll enter the estates of Château Neuf and Château Vieux, historic rivals. For generations, their respective owners, the Lords of Allinges and the Dukes of Savoy, fought a merciless war. On the programme: some steep passages, incredible remains and a vast panorama of Lake Geneva.
The Pointe de Miribel loop
A beautiful 7.5-kilometre loop, with a 400-metre vertical drop, offering a wide view from Lac Léman to Mont-Blanc. What’s so special about this route? A 19th-century Way of the Cross on the southern slope of the summit. The route alternates between forests and pastures. A great opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of Haute-Savoie.
The climb to the Salève plateau via the Orjobet trail
After an immersion in our historical heritage, let’s move on to geology. On this 7.5-kilometer circuit, starting from Collonges-sous-Salève, you’ll come across the Orjobet cave and a chasm called the Trou de la Tine. You’ll also set foot on the Salève plateau, which offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc chain, the Bauges, the Chartreuse, the Jura and the Geneva basin. That’s all there is to it! With a vertical drop of almost 650 metres, it’s far from a walk in the park.
📌 Since we’re generous here at Pausado, we’re adding an extra selection of the best hikes near Lake Geneva to this article.
Hiking routes for experienced hikers near Lake Geneva
As most of the hiking trails in Haute-Savoie are of medium difficulty, we have chosen to focus on them in this article. However, our list of the best walks around Lake Geneva would not be complete without the two tours we present in this section.
Crossing Mont de Grange
And what a crossing it is! Take a closer look: 11 kilometers long, with an altitude difference of 1100 metres. Departing from Abondance, this hike will leave you breathless. The ascent via the Montagne de Perthuis is steep and wild, with boulder crossings. At the Croix de Perthuis, expect an aerial passage, but no major difficulties. At the summit of Mont de Grange, the highest point in the Abondance Chablais valley (2432 meters), you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire Alps.
La Dent d’Oche from Novel
Haute-Savoie hiking for extreme sports enthusiasts! Plan to set off for the day, as it takes 8 hours to complete the 14-kilometre circuit, with a 1400-metre vertical drop. That said, the discoveries you’ll make along the way are well worth the effort. Several passes, lakes, alpine meadows and forests are on the program for this hike. What’s more, you’re likely to come across ibex. A change of scenery guaranteed!
We think we’ve given you enough material to answer the question: what to do on Lake Geneva? At least as far as the footpaths around and above it are concerned. If this selection of the best hikes near Lake Geneva has convinced you, all that remains is to find your accommodation for your stay in Haute-Savoie. And that’s where we come in. Don’t hesitate to book your backpacker rental at our campsite!
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