Aravis' gems: Grand Bornand, Chinaillon, Clusaz—panoramic beauty near Lake Annecy
Explore the finest of Aravis on this immersive 7-day self-guided walking tour, highlighting 4 authentic and well-preserved villages—Grand Bornand, Chinaillon, Clusaz, and St Jean de Sixt.
Including Talloires near Lake Annecy, this well-paced adventure showcases the panoramic, varied, and idealized mountain landscapes of the Aravis range and Pointe Percée, adorned with mountain pastures and charming chapels.
Enjoy a selection of walks varying in difficulty from easy to moderate, and unwind each evening in comfortable and charming small hotels, where the gastronomical delights of Aravis are right on your doorstep.
Highlights of the Aravis to Lake Annecy Hiking Tour
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Aravis to Lake Annecy Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in St Jean de Sixt
Arrive in an authentic Aravis village. Stay at a serene 3-star hotel in St Jean de Sixt with a pleasant view, featuring a pool and the option to explore the village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St Jean de Sixt
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Walk from St Jean de Sixt to La Clusaz
This first day offers a gentle journey to the Confins plateau. Choose between two options:
- A scenic loop through Tête du Danay (1731m), traversing Mouilles de la Perrière with stunning views of the Aravis range to the east, Mont Lachat de Chatillon, and the Bouchet valley.
- An alternative route via Pointe de Beauregard, passing by Lac de la Ferriaz and descending to La Clusaz through Le Planet.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Clusaz
Distance: Option 1: 12.7km, 790m of ascent, 720m of descent
Option 2: 13.1km, 750m of ascent, 680m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Hike from La Clusaz to Le Chinaillon
Begin your adventure with a bus transfer (at your expense) to Lac des Confins, the starting point of your hike. Traverse the Annes pass (1721m), offering captivating views of the iconic Aravis summit, Pointe Percée (2750m). Wander through the high mountain pastures of the Confins plateau, leading to the picturesque Bouchet valley nestled beneath Pointe Percée (2750m) and Pointe du Roulletaz (2077m). The trail gracefully navigates the Borneronde pass and Annes pass (1721m). Enjoy a lunch break at the charming cottage at Annes' pass. Descend to the Chinaillon hamlet beneath the striking ridges of Pointes d’Almet, Grande Combe, and Pointe de Deux Heures. Expect a 6-hour hike covering 15km with a +800m and -850m elevation gain (short option: 5 hours, 14.5km, +600m, -650m).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Le Chinaillon
Distance: 15km, 800m of ascent, 850m of descent
Short option: 14.5km, 600m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Pointe de Balafrasse or Tête d’Auferrand
Embark from Chinaillon, ascending to the enchanting Guillery chalets and onward to Col de la Colombière at 1607m. From the pass, two remarkable routes unfold:
- Pointe de Balafrasse: Navigate into the heart of the Bargy range, reaching Peyre Lake and Balafrasse Pass, culminating at Pointe de Balafrasse (2296m). Revel in panoramic views before descending the same route to Chinaillon. Covering 13km with a +/-1000m elevation.
- Tête d'Auferrand: Ascend beneath Pointe de la Botte to the alpine pastures of Tête d'Auferrand at 1981m. Traverse the ridge through Combe des Fours, descending to Aufferand farm before rejoining Chinaillon. This 13km journey boasts a +/-700m elevation.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chinaillon
Distance: Option 1: 13km, 1000m of ascent, 1000m of descent
Option 2: 13km, 700m of ascent, 700m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Trek from Chinaillon to Grand Bornand
Ascend along the Aiguille Verte ridge (2000m) to Lessy Lake. Revel in the splendid view from Aiguille Verte to the Aravis summit (Pointe Percée). Traverse Forclaz pass and descend to Mayse hamlet offering sheepfold, cottage, drinks, and snacks. The trek proceeds with an ascent to Planay pass between Roc des Tours and Roc des Charmieux, followed by a descent leading to the path connecting Mouilles, Tannaz, and Grand Bornan.
Expect a 6-hour and 45-minute walk covering 18km, with a +1070m ascent (no technical difficulties), and a -1450m descent. A delightful picnic spot awaits at Mayse chalet. Opt for a shorter walk (4 to 5 hours) with an optional route, featuring a +470m ascent and a -650m descent.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grand Bornand
Distance: 18km, 1070m of ascent, 1450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Hike from Grand Bornand to Annecy
Commence the day with an early transfer to Montremont (18km, 850m). Ascend to Tourette's base via Nantets pass (1426m), unveiling Lake Annecy's panoramic beauty. Descend by the Dents de Lanfon path, reaching Talloires near the lake. Choose from 3 walk options, spanning 4.5 to 6 hours, with elevations from +600 to +850 and -1000 to -1270.
Opt for the "omnibus" boat journey (at your expense) circling the lake to Annecy, passing Doussard and Duingt, or take a bus (at your own expense) to Annecy. Stay overnight in a 4-star Annecy hotel with breakfast. Explore the charming old town's restaurants for a delightful dinner experience.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Annecy
Distance: 4.5-6 hours, 600 to 850m of ascent, 1000 to 1270m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Annecy
Depart at your leisure after breakfast or extend your stay in Annecy. Alternatively, embark on an optional hike: Take the regular bus towards Thones (7km to Col de Bluffy, the same route used on the 1st day to St Jean de Sixt). Ascend Mont Barret's ridge (1065m), traverse the smugglers pass (1054m), and reach Mont Baron for a captivating view (1254m). Follow the ridge to Mont Veyrier (1291m) before descending to Lake Annecy's shore. This 5-hour adventure involves a +735m ascent and a -920m descent.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Aravis to Lake Annecy Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily, from June 15th to September 11th.
- Single room: on request
- Sharing a double room: from $1,125 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Aravis to Lake Annecy Hiking Tour
You will stay various hotels that offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant: 2* hotels or equivalent, 3* in St Jean de Sixt, Le Chinaillon, 3* or 4* hotel in Annecy. Standard rooms are of double occupancy.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in St Jean de Sixt
Alpine elegance, breathtaking views, and impeccable service. Experience tranquility in the heart of nature.
Hotel in La Clusaz
La Clusaz is an alpine retreat offering diverse lodging options. Immerse in mountain beauty, adventure, and cozy hospitality.
Hotel in Le Chinaillon
Embrace mountain serenity amid nature's beauty. Enjoy a rest and relaxation.
Hotel in Chinaillon
Embrace mountain serenity amid nature's beauty. Enjoy a rest and relaxation.
Hotel in Grand Bornand
Unwind in an alpine haven. Immerse yourself in warm hospitality, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Hotel in Annecy
Urban elegance, diverse accommodations, and genuine hospitality. Discover comfort and charm amid the picturesque surroundings and cultural allure.
What’s Included in the Aravis to Lake Annecy Hiking Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. You can also add 5 picnic lunches with a supplemental fee.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers between your accommodations (1 piece per person, 15kg max). A transfer from Thônes to Montremont (9km) is included too. Any other transportation is not included.
Also included
- Digital travel pack
- Tourist taxes
Not included
- Flights or airport transfers
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Everything that is not noted as included
- Printed travel pack
- The bus ticket to the pass of Bluffy
Optional Extras
- Upgrade to single room
- 5 Lunches
- Printed travel pack
- Extra night in Annecy
Frequently Asked Questions about Aravis to Lake Annecy Hiking Tour
Is this tour for me?
Ask a Question