Mountain Hikes

Energetic one and two-day trips on trails less tramped to the top of spectacular mountains with commanding views. Learn about the regional and seasonal flora and fauna, and  history of the Alps. Relax and revive in local "réfuges." Enjoy a mountain feast.

Get an inside glimpse into the culture and heritage unique to the Alps. All our tours reveal magnificent scenery, brought to life with a geological explanation of the Swiss and French Alps.

We stop for lunch in an alpine chalet serving typical Savoyard mountain meals. If you prefer, choose a picnic setting by a mountain stream, or rest at a fantastic vista looking out to the white and blue glaciers of Mont Blanc.

Our two-day tours cover longer routes and include overnight accommodation in a mountain refuge or even at a working mountain farm that dates back to the 1700’s. This tour can be taken as one large circle trip with an alpine overnight, or be based in a village hotel from which two different day trips originate.

We will be more specific with our hiking tour details based on the dates you request. The trails we take are dictated by the seasons and the weather. We tailor our hikes accordingly.

2-day hike in the French Chablais region

Description: Energetic hiking and overnight at a Haute-Savoie farm.

Day 1: Departure from La Chapelle d’Abondance. Visit to the Mont de Grange mountain (2432m) area that is a protected environmental site. The Mont Grange area is situated above Evian. This hike will provide a magnificent view of Lake Geneva seen from the French side.

In the evening we will have dinner and sleep in the private accommodations of Haute Savoyard mountain farmers, personally known to the guide. The property and house ownership dates back to the 18th century. The owners tend their cows and goats year ‘round, and produce their own cheese, the famous fromage d’Abondance. You will have the opportunity to savour a delicious homemade dinner and breakfast prepared with seasonal foods of the region.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 2: Discovery of the Cornettes de Bise (2432m), the Lac Darbon, a lake at 1813 m altitude and the summit of the Dent d’Oche (2221m). We will spend the day crossing the mountain border between Switzerland and France and enjoy panoramic views.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Topics
» The alpine flora in different mountain environments (forest, wild meadows,  and rocky slopes).
» Wildlife habitat and observation  of wild mountain goats (bouquetins).
» Haute Savoie mountain environment and living conditions.
» Return of the wolf to the Northern French Alps.
» Let’s discuss geology too! We are on the edge of volcanic and sedimentary rocks that make-up the High Alps.