Here we have selected the most beautiful hikes in the Bauges massif. Peaking at an altitude of 2,200 m between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, the Bauges offers a host of beautiful trails accessible to all levels.
1. The Semnoz loop
- Distance: 12.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 590 m
- Duration : 4 h 30
- Itinerary
The Semnoz is a medium-altitude mountain crossed by numerous trails. Its proximity to Annecy makes it a popular hiking destination. And this proximity gives it a big advantage: a magnificent view of Lake Annecy! The start of this hike is in the streets of Annecy, which you leave for the Sous les Becs trail, in the middle of the forest. This makes it a perfect summer hike, as most of the trail is shaded. It's a loop forming a medium-level circuit, though with a significant difference in altitude. Beyond these climbs, the trail is well-maintained and doesn't require the latest equipment: simple hiking boots are all you need.
2. The Nivolet cross
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Elevation gain: 247 m
- Time: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
Of all the crosses planted on the many peaks of the Alps, the Nivolet cross is probably one of the most mythical, making it one of the most beautiful hikes in the Bauges massif, and perhaps even one of the most beautiful hikes in the whole of the Alps. From the promontory, you'll have a breathtaking view of Chambéry, the valley and the peaks. You can start the hike directly from the Sire parking lot, before beginning the medium-level ascent through the superb Alpine landscapes of the Massif des Bauges regional nature park.
3. Around Lac de la Thuile
- Distance: 2.1 km
- Height difference: 36 m
- Time: 40 min
- Itinerary
The tour of Lac de la Thuile is for you if you're looking for a great family hike in the Bauges massif. Not only is it a fairly short hike, it's also very flat. This alpine lake at 874 m altitude offers superb scenery that lends itself well to a picnic. Another big advantage: the parking lot at the start of the parking area is easy to reach by car. It's located in the commune of La Thuile, a beautiful mountain resort that's an ideal mountain destination if you want to stay in the area.
4. Crêt de Châtillon and Crêt de l'Aigle
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 236 m
- Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
In Savoie, crêts are simply mountain ridges. This trail takes you along two of them: Crêt du Châtillon and Crêt de l'Aigle. All along the way, you'll pass through meadows, alpine pastures and other open landscapes, offering superb views of the Alps and Mont Blanc in particular. Along the way, you can stop off at the Semnoz refuge, at an altitude of 1,540 m, where you can enjoy delicious mountain cuisine on the terrace. This medium-level hike has all the makings of one of the finest in the Bauges massif!
5. La Doria waterfall
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 620 m
- Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Bauges massif, this trail is a two-in-one affair: it allows you to admire both the mythical and highly panoramic Croix du Nivolet, and the Doria waterfall, forming a loop that returns to the starting point. The waterfall is particularly beautiful in wet weather. But be warned: all this beauty has to be earned, as this is a difficult hike, not only because of the steep gradient, but also because of some slippery, rocky and even snowy sections if you start early in the season. Good equipment and experience are therefore essential before embarking on what is one of the most beautiful hikes in Savoie.
6. Taillefer
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 353 m
- Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
The Taillefer massif stretches right up to the shores of Lake Annecy, and is an integral part of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park. You'll set off directly from Duingt, famous for its castle on a peninsula on the lake, one of the most beautiful sights in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This medium-level hike is accessible to all, but climbs a little in its first half. The route is mainly shaded in the forest, making it a perfect summer activity.
7. The Pissieu waterfall
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Height difference: 117 m
- Duration: 1 hour
- Itinerary
This is one of the best family hikes in the Bauges massif. It has a reasonable gradient and is fairly short, as well as being shady. You'll arrive at the beautiful cascade du Pissieu, one of the most beautiful things to see in Savoie, where you can take a dip to reward yourself for your efforts! The only drawback is that, because it's so easy to get to, it's quite a popular hike in summer. Along the way, you'll come across a mountain pasture where you can sample goat's milk products.
8. Mont Colombier
- Distance: 10.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,127 m
- Time: 6 h
- Itinerary
Mont Colombier is one of the most emblematic peaks in the Bauges, not least because it is quite detached from the other peaks, but it has to be earned! This loop trail is particularly steep, with gradients of between 20 and 40% for the whole of the first half, before returning to the starting point by another route. It is therefore recommended to have poles and be well trained. Two-thirds of the route is in forest and therefore shaded, making it the perfect hike for a summer in the mountains. At the summit, you'll have one of the most breathtaking views of the massif, with a glimpse of Mont Blanc and other peaks.
9. Col de la Frasse and Crêt du Char
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 532 m
- Time: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
This itinerary meanders between valleys, passes and ridges to make the most of the Bauges' mid-mountain landscapes. This is a medium-level hike, as it includes a certain difference in altitude that will require effort from everyone, but is not technical. You'll hike up two consecutive climbs to the crêt du char, culminating at 1,439 m, before returning down another path to your starting point.
10. The GRP® Tour des Bauges
- Distance: 87.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 4,544 m
- Duration: 5 to 7 days
- Itinerary
GRP®, or grandes randonnées de pays, are French long-distance hiking trails designed to discover a given region, in this case the Bauges. You'll need several days to complete this medium-level trail in the heart of the regional nature park. You'll cross mountains, passes, lakes, villages and alpine pastures, and you can stop for the night at various mountain refuges, which usually serve food. Most hikers need 6 days to complete this full loop, stopping at La Féclaz resort, Arith, Bellecombre-en-Bauges, Jarsy, Aillon-le-Jeune and La Combe.
11. Le trou de l'Enfer
- Distance: 9 km
- Elevation gain : 425 m
- Walkingtime : 3 h
- Itinerary
This medium-level hike is accessible to all, but requires some effort. You'll be walking through a superb natural area of forest and waterfalls, which you'll be asked to protect by minimizing your ecological footprint. The trail leads to the Hell Hole, a rift crossed by a suspension bridge, which makes for superb photo opportunities.
