Want to go hiking around Thones ? Want to get some fresh air and take in the sights? From the Glières plateau to the Beauregard plateau, passing through Sulens, Lake Mont Charvin and the Parmelan cliffs, set off to discover the region's must-see and emblematic plateaus and peaks. If you want to go hiking for several days, you will find our itinerary suggestions here.
discovering the plateaus
Accessible by car, the plateaus reveal the beauty of the mountain with minimal effort.
The Glières plateau
Paths between nature and history
Accessible by car, the Glières plateau located at an altitude of 1440 m offers a huge playground for hikersIn a pastoral setting ideal for discovering flora and fauna, you will be charmed by the beauty of the site and its wild aspect preserved from the ski lifts.
Famous for The Resistance which was organized there in the winter of 1944, several circuits allow you to walk in the footsteps of the resistance fighters and discover what their life was like on the plateau. The Monument des Glières, a symbol of resistance and hope, was built in 1973 in their memory. With family or friends, sporty or contemplative, there is something for everyone: from a joyful family picnic with a short walk to conquer the surrounding peaks – Auges mountain, Col de l'Ovine, Dran plain…Everyone will find something to suit them!
In winter
In winter, the hiking trails give way to cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails.
The many lodges and chalets on the plateau such as Our Lady of the Snows welcome you all year round to come and taste local cuisine and spend several days if you like!
The Beauregard plateau
Wherever you look, the spectacle is beautiful!
Accessible from the Col de la Croix-Fry, the Beauregard plateau lives up to its name and promises you some lovely mountain moments with breathtaking views of the Aravis mountain range, Mont Blanc and the surrounding valleys. In summer, you can explore the various trails of this vast plateau of alpine pastures without difficulty and set off to meet Lorette farm in order to discover the manufacture of Abondance and Reblochon Fermier.
You will be able to go up to the Colomban Cross (1691 m) admire the view over the Nom valley and the city of Thônes, or even go picking blueberries and wild herbs.
In winter
In winter, the plateau transforms into a white paradise with gentle relief inviting you to practice cross-country skis to discover the plateau differently in a more subdued winter atmosphere. In summary, the Beauregard plateau is a magnificent invitation to discover the Aravis, offering majestic viewpoints without too much effort!
Whether it is summer or winter, the Restaurant-Gîte les Matins Clairs opens its doors to you…Enjoy the terrace with a panoramic view of the Beauregard Plateau.
to conquer the summits
A few hours of walking and these emblematic peaks of the region reveal their most beautiful panoramas to you.
La Tourette
A 360° panorama with a bird's eye view of the lake
Culminating at 2351 m, the Tournette is the highest peak in the Bornes massif. It offers a 360° panorama and constitutes a classic and sporty hike to do for many hikers.
Its ascent can be done:
From the Aulp chalet (commune of Montmin). You will then enjoy a magnificent view of the lake throughout your ascent.
The final ascent goes through a chimney equipped with chains and ladders, not recommended for people prone to vertigo. But the 360 ° panorama on Annecy and its superb lake with turquoise waters, the Mount Veyrier, Bauges massif, Beaufortain Bornes-Aravis, without forgetting in the distance… The Mont Blanc, rewards these last efforts!
The Tournette massif is part of the European Natura 2000 network. In addition to a rich alpine flora, you can observe many animals such as chamois, ibex, mouflons and marmots. Yellow-billed choughs are often present at the summit: watch your sandwich!
Parmelan
A fabulous plateau of lapies
La head of Parmelan, at an altitude of 1832 m, is the second emblematic summit of the Annecy lake. To reach it, several routes are possible: from Dingy Saint Clair (La Blonnière) or from Villaz. At the summit, from the Parmelan refuge, 360° panorama covers the Alps, the Jura and even the Vercors if the view is clear.
Beyond this exceptional view, this hike reveals a fabulous plateau of lapiaz: ocean of stone or lunar desert... Everyone has their own interpretation! A must-see but be careful where you put your feet because this limestone plateau is a real Gruyère cheese. Dug by water over the years, the many chasms and faults such as the Grande Glacière or the Grotte de l'Enfer to discover in the summer (reserved for speleologists) are all traps to avoid in the winter.
Mont Charvin
Mont Charvin: the Aravis pyramid
Located at south of the Aravis at an altitude of 2409 m, Mount Charvin is undoubtedly one of the region's must-see peaks.
From the Sardoches in the municipality of Bouchet-Mont-Charvin, the hike can be demanding to reach its summit, with an aerial section and a finale reserved for seasoned walkers. Once at the top, Le Charvin offers a magnificent panorama with a view of Mont Blanc and a good part of the Northern Alps. Mont-Charvin Lake is a more family-friendly alternative. Nestled at the foot of the imposing pyramid in an ancient glacial cirque, this small lake is the ideal place for a family picnic. It is also here that the Fier has its source.
Throughout the day, keep your eyes peeled because the slopes of the Charvin mountain are home to many chamois and ibex, not to mention the marmots that whistle as you pass by. Lovers of small flowers will not be left out in this veritable botanical garden where Koch's gentians, vanilla orchids and martagon lilies (a protected species) grow. On the way back down, take a well-deserved break at The Fontanettes Inn or the family Aulp de Marlens chalet where the cows and goats of the GAEC of the Wind of the Cimes are taking up their summer quarters. A beautiful terrace awaits you to quench your thirst facing the giant. You can also taste and buy the good cheeses made on site!
Sulens Mountain
In the heart of Val Sulens
Located between Aravis and Tournette in the heart of Val Sulens, this mountain which peaks at 1839 m offers a nice viewpoint over the surrounding peaks detailed on the orientation tables erected at the top : Lachat, Jallouvre, Pointe Percée, Charvin, Tournette and Parmelan...
Since Plan Bois pass, There are several routes to reach the long grassy ridge of the summit, passing through the mountain pastures. On the way back down, you can stop at one of the many farms in the area buy a good Reblochon made on site. Botany enthusiasts will be delighted: the particular terrain of Sulens favors the development of the Lady's Slipper, a delicate flower that has become rather rare (protected species - to be admired only)!
The Plan Bois Inn is a popular address for its famous potato fritters and reblochonnade. After the effort, the comfort!
Mount Lachat
Belvedere over Thônes and panoramic view
Mount Lachat is located on the border between the Bornes and the Aravis. The orientation table anchored at the summit at 2023 m allows you to measure the extent of the 360° view: Auges mountain and Glières plateau, Bargy chain, Aiguilles-Rouges, Pointe Percée, Aravis chain, etc.
This hike can be done from several departures, extending the route and the elevation gain more or less. The different paths meet at the place called La Mare to reach the gigantic metal cross at the summit. On the final part, mountain pastures and forests give way to tufts of grass, bushes and limestone pavements. A few fun passages provide access to the panoramic view. It is not uncommon to come across a chamois at the end of the route and to see some edelweiss!
