Stroll
Aravis Range
France

Aravis Range

Walk one of the finest and least-visited corners of the French Alps, crossing high mountain passes and flower-filled meadows from the Aravis Range to the shimmering shores of Lake Annecy.

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  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Self-Guided Itineraries
  • Comfortable Accommodation
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Overview

Tucked between Mont Blanc, Megève and Lake Annecy in the heart of the Haute Savoie, the Aravis Range is where the locals come to walk. Less visited than its famous neighbours but no less spectacular, this limestone massif rewards walkers with glorious alpine scenery, beautifully preserved villages and trails that feel genuinely off the beaten track.

The range is home to some of the most authentic villages in the French Alps, including Grand Bornand, Chinaillon and La Clusaz, sitting beneath the Pointe Percée, the highest summit in the Aravis at 2,750 metres. The walking spans high passes, open ridgelines and sweeping alpine meadows, with views stretching to Mont Blanc on a clear day.

The route ends at Lake Annecy, its turquoise waters framed by forested peaks, and one of the great finales in Alpine walking.

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The Aravis Range experience

Wonder
Walk from St Jean de Sixt through the dramatic Aravis Range to the crystalline waters of Lake Annecy
The medieval old town of Annecy, known as the Venice of the Alps, awaits at journey's end
Mont Blanc is visible from several high points on the route, a constant presence to the south-west
Wellness
Self-guided alpine walking through one of the most scenic corners of the French Alps
Varied terrain from high mountain passes to gentle lakeside paths, suited to confident walkers
Fresh mountain air, alpine meadows, and the reward of Lake Annecy at the end of each stage
Nature
High alpine meadows and rocky Aravis peaks above the treeline on clear days
Walk through thick fir forest before the sudden reveal of brilliant blue Lake Annecy below
Limestone crags, forested ridgelines, and flowering alpine meadows define the Aravis landscape
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Frequently Asked Questions

The walk starts in St Jean de Sixt and finishes in Annecy. The closest airport is Geneva, which is well connected to the region by train and bus.

Your main luggage travels between accommodations each day while you walk with just a daypack. Leave your bag at the designated pick-up point each morning. French legislation limits bags to 15kg maximum, and this is strictly enforced.

You'll stay in comfortable hotels throughout, all well set up for walkers with private ensuite rooms. The final night in Annecy is a step up — a lovely way to finish the walk. It's possible to add extra nights at the start or end of the trip.

Breakfasts and most dinners are included. Lunch is your own to sort each day. The villages along the route are known for outstanding local cheeses and cured meats, and if you stumble across a farmers' market, don't rush past it.

Let us know about any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking so we can inform your hosts. If your requirements are severe, bring supplementary snacks from the city — ingredients can be hard to source in the mountains.

The walk runs from mid-June to mid-September. Some trails may remain closed due to snowfall before mid-June, so earlier departures can occasionally need to be rescheduled.

Solo walkers are not accepted on this trip. Some sections of the trail are remote with limited mobile coverage, and walking alone in those conditions presents a genuine safety risk.

Yes, and it is a condition of booking. Your policy must cover injury, cancellation, luggage loss, and medical evacuation.

Tipping is not obligatory in France, but rounding up the bill at a cafe or restaurant is standard practice and always appreciated.

Yes, and it is a condition of booking. Your policy must cover injury, cancellation, luggage loss, and medical evacuation.

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