The French Alps are usually associated with winter skiing, but summer reveals a completely different landscape of wildflower meadows, forest paths and limestone peaks.
A walking route through Haute-Savoie links the traditional villages of La Clusaz, Le Chinaillon and Le Grand-Bornand before finishing beside the clear waters of Lake Annecy.
The journey combines challenging mountain walks with local food, quiet villages and enough flexibility to slow down when the terrain or summer heat becomes demanding.
<h3>Start In La Clusaz</h3>
La Clusaz is an atmospheric starting point, surrounded by fir and spruce forests beneath the Aravis mountains. The first major hike described on the route takes around six hours and includes approximately 710 metres of ascent, beginning near the Chapelle des Confins before climbing through the Borne valley.
Expect steep sections, open meadows and expansive mountain views rather than an easy countryside stroll. Anyone attempting similar routes should carry plenty of water, sun protection and proper walking shoes.
For an easier way to gain altitude, the Beauregard gondola costs €11.30 for adults and €8.70 for children aged five to 14 for one ascent with the return included. La Clusaz’s summer lifts operate during the main summer season, with selected services beginning earlier on weekends.
La Clusaz
<h3>Explore Le Grand-Bornand</h3>
The walk into Le Grand-Bornand is gentler than some of the higher mountain stages. The village mixes traditional Alpine buildings with markets, small shops and restaurants serving Savoyard specialities.
It is a good place to allow extra time for lunch rather than treating the village simply as another overnight stop. Vegetarian travellers can look for local dishes centred on potatoes, mountain cheeses, salads and seasonal produce rather than the heavier traditional combinations often served in the region.
For those who want additional mountain access, the Le Rosay or La Joyère gondola currently costs €9.90 for a pedestrian trip, while a one-day pedestrian pass covering several lifts is €11.90.
<h3>Finish Beside Lake Annecy</h3>
The final destination feels dramatically different from the mountain villages. Annecy combines canals, medieval streets and lakeside promenades with direct views towards the Alps.
After several days of hiking, swimming in Lake Annecy offers an ideal change of pace. A one-hour sightseeing cruise is another relaxed way to experience the landscape, costing €19 for adults and €13.50 for children aged four to 12. Cruises operate from Annecy between March and November, with boarding from Quai Bayreuth.
For dinner, Le Fréti specialises in regional cheese dishes. A traditional Savoyard fondue costs €23 per person, while adults menus generally range from €25 to €50. The restaurant is open throughout the year.
<h3>Planning The Trip</h3>
The self-guided French Alps and Lake Annecy itinerary currently includes seven nights, daily breakfast, three dinners, luggage transfers between hotels, route notes and GPS navigation. The route is graded moderate to challenging, with typical days covering roughly 7–20km and including significant ascent and descent.
The 2027 walking season runs from 15 June to 15 September, with prices starting at approximately €1,895 per person based on two people sharing. Travel to the starting point is separate, and Geneva is the most convenient major airport for the route.
Summer walking gives the French Alps a completely different personality from ski season. For travellers comfortable with long days on mountain paths, the combination of peaceful villages, dramatic peaks and a final stay beside Lake Annecy makes this one of the most rewarding ways to experience Haute-Savoie.
