The Aravis mountain range offers magnificent hiking opportunities in autumn, when the warm colours of the leaves and the cool climate create a particularly pleasant atmosphere. That's why we couldn't resist sharing with you our 9 favourite walks in and around La Clusaz. Of course, the difficulty of the outings and the time taken will vary according to your physical condition, the breaks you take and the starting point.
1. The Col des Aravis
The Col des Aravis is located between Haute-Savoie and Savoie. It is a popular spot for hikers, offering panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range. You can admire the colours of the Indian summer as you pass through the meadows and forests of the Alps. There are several routes to the Col des Aravis: from the Col des Aravis or from La Giettaz. This is an easy hike that can be enjoyed by all the family.
At the end of the day, the sun reflects off Mont Blanc to create a majestic spectacle. Photo enthusiasts will have a field day clicking away on their cameras.
2. The Lac des Confins
The hike to Lac des Confins offers a peaceful experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It's a quiet, pleasant stroll to the lake. It's easy to do with the whole family. The colourful reflections of the Indian summer in the calm waters of the lake create magnificent scenery. The distance varies between 2 and 3 km, depending on the route taken.
3. The Sentiers des Étroits
This hike near Thônes takes you through narrow gorges and lush vegetation, with brilliant autumn colours. The path is narrow and winding, carved into the rock face of the Gorges du Fier. It offers spectacular views of the cliffs and rock formations. This is considered to be an easy to moderate hike. The path is well laid out and safe, but can be narrow and vertiginous in places, which can be a challenge for those suffering from vertigo. The round trip takes 1 to 2 hours.
4. The Plateau de Beauregard
This hike is ideal for admiring the changing colours of the forest. The plateau offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Les Aravis. The paths are lined with autumn-coloured trees, creating a magnificent contrast with the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Photographers love to capture this natural beauty.
The Plateau de Beauregard hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty. It can be adapted to various levels of hiker, including beginners in reasonable physical condition. The loop is between 8 and 10km.
5. The Confins to Balme hike
This linear hike links Confins to Balme. It offers incredible views of the Alpine lakes. There are breathtaking views along the way, particularly when you reach the Col de Balme. The walk generally starts at Lac des Confins, near La Clusaz, and follows a path to the Col de Balme.
The hike can be moderate to difficult, depending on the route chosen. The climb to the Col de Balme is steep in places, requiring a certain level of fitness and experience of mountain walking. The round trip takes between 4 and 6 hours.
6. The Tête de Danay
One of the main attractions of this hike is the panoramic view from the top of the Tête du Danay. From up there, you can admire the surrounding peaks, lush green valleys and even glimpse Alpine lakes. It's a great place to take photos and appreciate the majesty of the Alps. The hike generally begins at the Col des Aravis. Depending on the route you choose, the difficulty will range from moderate to difficult. The average round trip takes between 4 and 6 hours.
7. The Col de la Croix Fry
It's a pleasant walk through pastures and forests. The finish is rewarded with panoramic views. Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the spectacle!
As for the itinerary, we recommend starting the hike from the Col de la Croix Fry itself. Beginners in reasonable physical condition can tackle these trails. On average, the hike to the Col de la Croix Fry and back can take between 2 and 4 hours.
8. The Mont-Charvin
Mont Charvin is a more advanced hike, offering spectacular views of the mountains and the Aravis valley. The autumn colours enhance the experience. The hike to Mont Charvin generally starts near the village of Manigod. It is considered to be of moderate to difficult difficulty. The average round trip takes between 5 and 7 hours.
When the weather is fine, why not stay and watch the stars from a bivouac?
9. The Trou de La Mouche
The Trou de la Mouche hike is a flagship route in the Aravis mountains. One of its main attractions is the Trou de la Mouche itself, an impressive rock formation carved out of the mountain. It's a short but intense hike that leads to an impressive lookout point, offering spectacular views of La Clusaz and the surrounding area. It starts near the Col de la Croix Fry. This is considered to be a difficult hike because of the steep gradient and some of the passages through rocky slopes. The round trip takes between 4 and 6 hours.
Organise your walk
Hiking is not something you can improvise! So it's important to check the weather conditions before you set off. Good equipment is also essential: make sure you have comfortable hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather, water, snacks, a map or GPS, and possibly walking poles to help you up and down.
For your own safety,
let someone know your planned route and estimated time of return. It is also advisable to check with the
La Clusaz Tourist Office for up-to-date information on the trails and safety recommendations.
We respect nature !
Go for zero waste! Take all your rubbish with you, including organic waste. Leaving rubbish in nature can harm wildlife, pollute the water and spoil the natural beauty.
Follow the marked trails to reduce your impact on the flora. It is essential to respect nature when hiking to preserve fragile ecosystems and ensure that future generations can also enjoy natural beauty ;)
What's next ?
See you soon in the Aravis! ⛰️