The best hikes around Lake Geneva: our comprehensive guide
Have you chosen Lake Geneva for your next holiday? With its crystal-clear waters and Alpine peaks, Haute-Savoie is an exceptional destination for walking. Whether you’re looking for a family stroll along the water’s edge or a challenging climb in the Chablais, here is our carefully curated selection to help you explore the region.
The team’s tip: If you’re setting off from Excenevex, try to leave early in the morning to enjoy the low-angle light over the lake and avoid the summer heat.
🧭 Quick Facts: The hike at a glance
- Best time to visit: May to October.
- Recommended equipment: Walking shoes, at least 1.5 litres of water, and the Visorando app for GPS tracking.
- Respect for nature: You are in the UNESCO Chablais Global Geopark. Please leave no trace of your visit.
🢢 1. The Bay Loop: from Excenevex to Pointe de Messery
This is the must-do walk, starting right outside the campsite.
- Start: Leave the campsite and head to the entrance to Excenevex Beach.
- The route: Follow the coastal path westwards. You will pass through the Parc des Semiss, a preserved wooded area, before reaching Pointe de Messery. The return journey takes you along the path to the church, offering a commanding view of the bay.
- Key details: 5.5 km | 1 hour 45 minutes | Difficulty: Very easy.
The coastal path: from Meillerie to Locum2. The coastal path: from Meillerie to Locum
A rare 6-kilometre route that runs continuously alongside the water, offering a unique seaside atmosphere between the old fishing port and the former stone quarries of La Balle.
- Starting point: Meillerie jetty (25 minutes’ drive from Excenevex).
- Key details: 6 km round trip | 1 hour 45 minutes | Elevation gain: 0 m.
The medieval link: Yvoire and Nernier3. The medieval link: Yvoire and Nernier
Follow a wooded path steeped in history to connect two of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”.
- Starting point: Car park P1 at the entrance to Yvoire. Pass through the Porte de Rovorée for an immediate immersion in the 14th century.
- Expert link: Find out about historical points of interest on Yvoire Tourisme.
- Key details: 6 km | 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy.
🟡 Medium difficulty: panoramic views and cardio
For those who want to get a bird’s-eye view and see Mont Blanc.Pour ceux qui veulent prendre de la hauteur et voir le Mont-Blanc.
Miribe Point4. Miribe Point
A scenic loop offering an incredible 360° view of Lake Geneva, the Jura Mountains and the Mont Blanc range.
- Starting point: Villard (in the municipality of Habère-Lullin).
- Highlight: A historic Way of the Cross marks the climb up the southern slope.
- Key details: 7.5 km | 3 hours | Elevation gain: 400 m.
The Castles of Allinges5. The Castles of Allinges
A cultural walk in the footsteps of the Dukes of Savoy. The ruins of Château Neuf and Château Vieux proudly overlook the entire Lake Geneva region.
- Key details: 3 km | 1 hour 30 minutes | Elevation gain: 150 m (steep sections).
The Salève Plateau (Orjobet Trail)6. The Salève Plateau (Orjobet Trail)
This legendary trail, which is more technically demanding, takes you through the Orjobet Cave and the “Trou de la Tine”. The view over Geneva and the Jet d’Eau is breathtaking.
- Starting point: Collonges-sous-Salève.
- Key details: 7.5 km | 4 hours | Elevation gain: 650 m.
🔴 Experts: the challenge of the peaks
Suitable only for experienced, well-equipped walkers with a head for heights.
Mont de Grange (2,432 m)7. Mont de Grange (2,432 m)
The highest point in the Chablais region. A rugged climb starting from Abondance, which is well worth the effort thanks to its steep gradient.
- Key details: 11 km | 6 hours | Elevation gain: 1,100 m.
La Dent d’Oche via Novel8. La Dent d’Oche via Novel
The iconic peak overlooking the lake. A breathtaking panorama where you often come across ibex.
- Attention : Certains passages finaux sont équipés de chaînes et nécessitent l’usage des mains.
- Key details: 14 km | 8 hours | Elevation gain: 1,400 m.
❓ FAQ: Your questions about hiking around Lake Geneva
Can you go for a walk with your dog around the lake? Yes, dogs on a lead are allowed on most of the trails. In the mountain pastures, please be careful: due to the presence of guard dogs (Patous), you must give the herds a wide berth.
Which walks can be accessed without a car from the campsite? The Pointe de Messery loop and the route to Yvoire (via the path leading into the village) can be reached directly on foot or by bike from Excenevex.
Where can I find the official route maps? We recommend visiting the Haute-Savoie Department website or contacting the Tourist Office to check whether the trails are open at the start of the season.
Book your place to stay after your workout
There’s nothing quite like returning to the comfort of a mobile home, a chalet or a caravan after a day spent on the trails of Haute-Savoie. At Camping le Léman Plage, we offer the perfect setting for you to rest your legs and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the lake.
Ready to explore the peaks of the Chablais?