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.

1-day: Le Parmelan via 'Hell's Grotto'

Description: Hiking in the Bornes Massif area near Lac Annecy

This day hike takes you up a mixed-terrain trail that is wide and secure, through pine forests, prairie and close to rock cliffs (the ‘grotto’). The trail leads to the top of Le Parmelan (1832 m) with a panoramic vantage point on a wide plateau situated above a vertical cliff of more than 220 meters high. On one side, the view looks out across the beautiful Lac Annecy basin. On the other side, there are breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif, Mont Buet, the Grand Combin and the imposing La Tournette (2352 m).

Enjoy a delicious picnic at the top with fresh, seasonal specialties of the region.

The hike is technically easy and appropriate for hikers with a good level of fitness and some hiking experience. The altitude ascent is 660m.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours