Hiking trails around Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a beautiful spot for hiking, with lots of trails along its shores and in the surrounding mountains. Among the many activities offered around Lake Geneva, you'll find some great hiking ideas in Haute-Savoie, suitable for all walking levels!
The GRP Littoral du Léman trail
From Thonon-Les-Bains to Sciez-sur-Léman, the GRP Littoral du Léman trail lets you walk along the shores of Lake Geneva. As you follow the trail, you'll discover the villages of Margencel and Allinges, as well as Ripaille Castle.
Make sure to stop at Allinges Castle to admire the stunning mountain landscape from the viewpoint, where you can spot the Chablais region, Lake Geneva, the Jura mountains, and the start of the Alps.
The Sisters' Mountain Hike
This 5 km hike isn't super easy, but it'll take you up to the Sisters' Mountain, which is 1,228 meters high. Once you're there, you'll be totally rewarded for your effort with an amazing panoramic view of the Abondance valley and Lake Geneva. Starting from Reyvroz, this trail will lead you to the Chenoz chalet, where you can even meet some Abondance cows.
The Lake Geneva Tour Hike
This long-distance trail (GR) goes all the way around Lake Geneva, and it's quite a challenge for experienced hikers. You'll need about 10 days to complete this iconic Haute-Savoie route, passing through spectacular and diverse landscapes. You'll love the charming villages of Meillerie and Yvoire, plus other must-see spots in lower Chablais like Excenevex beach or Ripaille Castle.
Walks around Thonon-les-Bains
Just a short distance from Camping du Châtelet, around Thonon-les-Bains, you'll find plenty of walks that let you explore the region's picturesque villages and unique views.
The Montriond Lake Walk
This easy family-friendly loop lets you explore the shores of Lake Montriond and the surrounding forest before you reach the majestic Ardent waterfall.
The Saint-Paul Loop and its Lakes
Around the charming village of Saint-Paul-en-Chablais, you can enjoy a walk that's perfect for everyone. This route will take you through beautiful, unspoiled natural areas with lots of water features.
The Legend of the Scythe Mill
This walk is perfect for the whole family, offering a trip back to the Middle Ages to discover the legend of the Scythe Mill.
Starting from the port of Sciez, this trail begins along the shores of Lake Geneva, then winds its way along the banks of the Foron river. You'll follow a path marked by 11 themed stops, accompanied by a medieval guide: a miller from Sciez. To make your journey through time even better, you'll pass through the Guidou estate, a preserved natural site.
There are lots of other hiking trails around Lake Geneva, so feel free to ask the local tourist information offices for more details. And finally, remember to always check the difficulty levels of the various hikes in Haute-Savoie, especially those around Lake Geneva, particularly if you're coming with family.