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