Stroll
Aravis Range: St Jean de Sixt to Lake Annecy - 7 Days
Mont BlancTour du Mont Blanc

Aravis Range: St Jean de Sixt to Lake Annecy - 7 Days

7 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Aravis Range: St Jean de Sixt to Lake Annecy - 7 Days

from £1,345 / person

Overview

Hiking from St Jean de Sixt to Lake Annecy through the Aravis Mountains, this walk takes in some of the finest alpine terrain in the Haute Savoie region. The route passes through beautifully preserved villages including Grand-Bornand, Chinaillon, Clusaz and Talloires, with the dramatic Pointe Percée and the surrounding peaks of Mont Blanc and Megève providing a constant backdrop.

This is where the locals come to hike, away from the crowds. The alpine meadows, mountain passes and secluded villages of the Aravis range offer a quieter and more authentic alternative to the neighbouring Tour du Mont Blanc route, with multiple daily options making the walk accessible to a wide range of abilities and fitness levels.

Highlights

  • Visit and stay in quaint, authentic alpine villages in 3 and 4-star hotels
  • Hike the Alps and glorious alpine meadows and soak up the amazing views
  • End at stunning Lake Annecy, one of the most beautiful panoramic views in all of the Alps
  • Walk off the beaten track in one of the most beautiful areas in the Alps adjacent to the Tour Mont Blanc region - add Tour du Mont Blanc; please see our 9-day offer
  • Walk worry-free with a company with over 30 years of experience in providing self-guided holidays

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (5 nights), 4-star Hotel (1 night)

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Private Vehicle Transfers

Meals

5 breakfasts, and 3 dinners

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

11-18 km

Average per walking day

704-1155 m

Gain per day

6/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation on this tour is in three-star hotels or equivalent, with a four-star hotel in Annecy at the end of the walk. All properties are well used to receiving hikers and properly equipped to keep you comfortable whatever the conditions outside. Rooms are well appointed, and the hotels offer the facilities you would expect at their respective ratings, including spas and, at some properties, pools.

We will run through the specific options with you at the time of booking. Additional nights in St Jean de Sixt or Annecy can be arranged before or after the tour on request. Please contact the office to check availability.

What You'll Eat

The first evening sets the tone with dinner included on arrival, and five further meals follow across the trip, with six breakfasts and three more dinners on days three, four and five. The towns and villages along this route have a long tradition of specialty cheeses and meats, many still produced by hand, and a local farmers' market along the way is well worth stopping for. Some properties can prepare a picnic lunch at an additional cost. If you would like this arranged, please ask at the time of booking and we will confirm the details and cost.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in the mountains.


More About This Trip

The walk starts in St Jean de Sixt and finishes in Annecy, in the French Alps. The closest airport is Geneva (GVA), with good international connections. From Geneva, trains reach Annecy in around 1 hour, with bus connections also available taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Annecy, a taxi to St Jean de Sixt takes around 45 minutes. A seasonal bus service between Annecy and St Jean de Sixt operates in July and August only. Book French rail tickets in advance through SNCF.

The walk ends in Annecy, which has good onward train and bus connections back to Geneva for onward flights. Taxis are also available for those preferring a direct transfer.

This walk is available from 10 June to 10 September, with no fixed start days. The season is set to ensure high mountain trails are fully clear of snow. Please note that in the event of heavy late snowfall, some trails may remain closed into mid-June; if so, we will do our best to reschedule your tour. From mid-June, green valley paths, pine forest tracks and the full range of alpine terrain open up properly. July and August bring warm, settled weather with long walking days and the alpine meadows at their most colourful. September is particularly rewarding, with cooler air, quieter trails and the first hints of autumn colour on the lower slopes. Pack warm layers and waterproofs whatever the month.

Moderate to challenging, or moderate for those who opt for the easier route alternatives on some days. Daily walks average 16.2 kilometres with around 820 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 8 out of 10. Trails cover varied ground, including high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths, and stretches through mountain villages and lake towns. Expect prolonged ascents and descents, sections of rough surface, and steps. Those who choose the more challenging options on any given day may climb up to 1,100 metres. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential.

An active lifestyle and solid walking experience will make this tour considerably more enjoyable. An exercise regime of three to four times per week, in addition to your usual walks, is recommended in preparation.

Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on our self-guided European Alps walking trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

Each morning, it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if you need any details. Bags must be no more than 15kg (this is French legislation)

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

July 2026

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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chamonix. There is an abundance of great walks on Chamonix’s doorstep. You can also take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi (a panoramic cable car which takes you from Chamonix, 1035m to 3842m with an excellent view point up to the summit of Mont Blanc). Courmayeur Like Chamonix, Courmayeur has a number of great trails on its doorstep. It’s pedestrianised town centre has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sample wood fired pizza with a Monte Bianco beer. From Courmayeur you can also spend the day journeying across the Mont Blanc massif via a mountain train and series of panoramic cable cars. Champex As there is very little to do in Champex it is perfect for resting the legs and hanging out by the lake with a Mont Blanc biere and lunchtime fondue.

Of course, there are several sections you can omit to complete the circuit in a shorter distance. If you are looking for a shorter tour but without losing the experience our ‘Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc’ completes the tour in 8 days by employing a sensible combination of local transport links with the best sections of walking.

Your main luggage is collected each morning and delivered to your next accommodation while you walk. It must be ready for pick-up by 8:00 AM and will typically arrive at your next stop by 4:00 PM. A few important rules: only soft duffel bags or packs are accepted — no suitcases. The strict weight limit is 15kg per person, and bags are weighed on the first day. Don't tie bags together or attach loose items like shoes or umbrellas, as these will be removed. Keep your passport, medication, valuables, and fragile items in your daypack — never in your transferred luggage. Attaching an AirTag to your bag is a good idea in case of delays.

A comfortable daypack of at least 25–30 litres is recommended. It should have a waterproof cover or liner, as mountain weather can change fast. This is what you'll carry on the trail each day with your layers, rain gear, water, snacks, navigation, and valuables.

At least 12 months in advance. The TMB is one of the world's most popular long-distance walks and accommodation fills up fast — particularly during the main alpine summer season. During major trail running events in the area, availability becomes even tighter.

A good waterproof jacket and over-trousers are non-negotiable — mountain weather can turn quickly at any time of day. Other essentials include walking boots (not trainers), warm layers, a hat and gloves, sun protection, at least 2–3 litres of water, food for the day, a headtorch, your passport, cash in both Euros and Swiss Francs, a personal first aid kit, and your phone. Walking poles are strongly recommended — the TMB involves 1,000–1,500m of ascent and descent each day, and poles make a real difference. Bring a battery pack to charge your phone and camera during the day.

The TMB reaches a maximum of around 2,665m, which is below the threshold where altitude sickness typically becomes a serious concern. That said, the combination of altitude and sustained daily exertion means you should be well-prepared physically. Travel insurance must cover trekking above 2,500m and helicopter rescue — in the event of an evacuation, costs can run to several thousand Euros without adequate cover.

The TMB crosses three countries — France and Italy use the Euro (€), Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). You'll need both. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash at all times, as many smaller villages have no ATMs. Some establishments are cash only. You can withdraw Swiss Francs at Geneva Airport on arrival. Note that Swiss bars and cafés may accept Euros, but often at an unfavourable rate.

Yes. Most days have options to reduce the distance using cable cars or local public transport. Your daily walk notes detail all available options. Public transport in the region is generally efficient, though schedules can reduce later in the season. Taxis are an option too — Mont Blanc Taxis contact details are included in your walking notes — but they are expensive in the mountains.

Yes. Please flag any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking and reconfirm with your host on arrival. Alpine cuisine is hearty and ingredient-led — heavy on potatoes, cheese, beef, and bread. Vegetarian options have improved, but can be limited in smaller villages, and gluten-free requests can be problematic given how central bread and pasta are to the local diet. In Chamonix and Courmayeur, there is much more variety. If your requirements are complex, bring supplementary snacks to cover yourself on the trail.

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