Best Hikes near Annecy, France in 2026

Hiking in Annecy region takes visitors to the soaring mountains flanking Lake Annecy and the surrounding area. People may assume that water sports are the main outdoor activities offered in Annecy Mountains. Still, visitors will be surprised to discover a surplus of hiking trails, tailored for families with young kids to experienced hikers!

Some of you may travel to Annecy and fall so in love with its intoxicating scenery that you’ll refuse to leave the snaking canals and lakefront views behind for a hiking excursion, but hiking here is so worth it!

Hiking around Annecy takes you to a theatre of phenomenal vistas: marvel at Mont Blanc’s demanding snow-capped presence at some pinnacles and catch a broader image of Lake Annecy and its natural surroundings from up high.

Hiking in Annecy is one way to take your vacation from a classic visit to a European city to epic in just a couple of hours. It’s worth your time to get out on the trail, and you won’t have to plan much because we have all the information for you! Take a look at the ten most incredible hikes in Annecy.

Best Hikes near Annecy

You’ll find an abundance of trails snaking around Annecy’s backyard! Experienced hikers will enjoy the kaleidoscope of views painting the challenging but rewarding Lac du Mont Charvin Hike and Mont Veyrier. While families will appreciate the entertaining scenery peppering the easy, but fun Semnoz Hike—this one also has an unfinished World War II bunker—and Morette Waterfall. A collection of breathtaking views of lakes (including Lake Annecy), Mont Blanc, waterfalls, and enchanting forests accompany the ten greatest hikes in Annecy mentioned below. Take a look at them and choose your favourite!

• Lac du Mont Charvin hike: On paper, the Lac du Mont Charvin hike looks like an average far away hike with decent views, but don’t let the words and images trick you into not attempting this trail. It’s definitely a stunning escapade! It winds up along a steep path to the lake, shimmering in a gorgeous green. To top it off, you’ll catch views of Mont Blanc from the top.
• Mont Veyrier hike: Expect to admire sweeping panoramic views on this hike. Spot Lake Annecy and the base of the Alps from atop. If you plan to come during sunset, bring a sundowner! Some people even opt to wild camp here.
• Plateau des Glières hike: Admire the stunning valley, lake views, and mountains cloaked in greenery on the Plateau des Glières hike. This hike winds to the three têtes: Tête Rond, Tête Noire, and Tête de l’Arpattaz. If you hike this trail in the summer, you’ll get a chance to revel in the wildflowers, gentian herbs, and blueberries peppering the rolling fields.
• Lac de Lessy hike: You can take a couple of different routes, all giving you a chance to bask in the wonder of this amazing hike! The trail from Chinaillon twists to a summit, situated before the lake, that unveils vistas of Lac Leman in Switzerland and Mont Blanc. Try to go on a clear day to capture a crisp glimpse of these monumental views.
• Angon Waterfall hike: Explore a film reel of sites: a soaring waterfall, mesmerizing views of Lake Annecy, and an enchanting fairy bridge. Enjoy a potential refreshing swim in the lake at the end of this hike, which squishes in a collage of local wonders.
• Refuge de La Bombardellaz hike: Wind to the Refuge de La Bombardellaz on this family-friendly walk. You can even bring a stroller! It may be tough to push the stroller in some steep sections, but it’s definitely possible. Once you reach the refuge, enjoy a beverage while you overlook the views sprawled below or bring along a picnic lunch.
• Col de Borneronde Hike: Say goodbye to crowds and the heat as the Bois de la Duche forest near the Col des Annes swallows you into a lush forest, flecked by waves of sunlight. You’ll wind to the Col de Borneronde! You can always opt to make this hike longer, too, if you have some energy left in the tank.
• Col des Aravis Hike: You can either make this loop a super challenging one or a family-friendly excursion. If you’re with kiddos, opt to stay on the gravel track for the hike, but those wanting to pant a little will enjoy veering off the gravel path and embarking on the steeper dirt route that carries you to a narrow ridge!
• Morette Waterfall hike: Short, but stunning—what more could you want in a hike, especially if you’re with your family? Behind the cliff, you’ll find a beautiful waterfall. This hike also shares an image of the past: you’ll come across an incomplete World War II bunker after you check out the few waterfalls scattered along this trail.
• Semnoz hike: Take advantage of no snow blanketing this ski resort and go on an easy, family-friendly walk! This short hike unveils views of Lake Annecy, the Alps, and Jura.

What’s New in Annecy in 2026

Annecy is one of the easier French Alps bases to explore without a car. Mont Veyrier (also signed as Mont Baron) rises directly above the lakeshore and can be walked from the Veyrier-du-Lac side, while the easy Semnoz plateau is served by a seasonal summer bus from Annecy, so two of the most popular short hikes here are doable car-free. Bigger days such as Lac du Mont Charvin and the Plateau des Glières start well outside town and really do need a car. Whichever you choose, trails are busiest on summer weekends, so an early start helps, and late spring and early autumn are quieter.

Best Hikes near Annecy by Type

Best Family-Friendly Hikes near Annecy

The Semnoz hike is the standout easy option, a short, almost flat panoramic walk over Lake Annecy that is also Annecy’s top-searched trail. The very short Morette Waterfall hike packs waterfalls and a WWII bunker into well under an hour, and the Refuge de La Bombardellaz hike follows a gentle gravel road that is even doable with an off-road pushchair.

Best Half-Day Hikes near Annecy

The Angon Waterfall hike is a rewarding half day, linking a waterfall, a fairy bridge and lake views with a swim to finish. For big views in little time, the Mont Veyrier hike climbs to a 360-degree panorama above the lake in around an hour each way, while the Col des Aravis hike can be kept easy on the gravel track or made steeper to a narrow ridge.

Best Full-Day Hikes near Annecy

The Lac du Mont Charvin hike is a steep, full-day climb to a green tarn rewarded with views of Mont Blanc from the top. The Plateau des Glières hike is a longer loop over three summits, rich in wildflowers and French Resistance history.

When is the Best Time to Hike in Annecy Mountains

While Annecy offers adventure year-round, it’s best to hike here during late spring, summer, or early autumn as the mountains become laden with snow during the winter. Hikers will love the wildflowers spreading like wildfire across the meadows during the spring (March-April), and the warmer temperatures in summer (May-September) will appeal to those who thrive best under the sun. The heat makes it all the more refreshing to take a dip in Lake Annecy! It’s still decently warm enough to hike during autumn (October-November), too. Do mentally prepare for more crowds during the summer months.

Hiking Near Annecy

Carve through fresh powder on your snowboard or skis along the 240.0 km of slopes winding around the mountains near Annecy. Most people flock to La Clusaz/Manigod when snow falls.

Around an hour from Annecy sits Chamonix, one of the best outdoor playgrounds for adventurers. This mountain town sits below the imposing Mont Blanc, and like Annecy it boasts some great trails for hikers of all levels, all mapped in our Chamonix hiking guide. The Vanoise National Park hikes lie a little further south for higher, wilder alpine trails, and you can browse every region in our guide to hiking in France.

Self-Guided French Alps Hiking Tours

If you would rather have the logistics handled, our self-guided French Alps hiking tours cover multi-day treks across the range, with your accommodation and luggage transfers arranged for you. For the wider country, browse all our self-guided France hiking tours, and for the area’s signature trek, our self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc tours circle the Mont Blanc massif you can see from the high Annecy summits.

Other Things to Do in Annecy

Why, go to the lake, of course! Flanked by mountains, Lake Annecy glimmers in beauty and is the ultimate hub for water sports. Go water skiing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. You can even scuba dive here.

Avid cyclists will enjoy the 42.0 km circling Lake Annecy. It’s scenic, and you get to exercise!

Want a break from activities? Go to the beaches, Plage la Brune at Veyrier-du-Lac for some chillaxin’ lounge time! Annecy explodes with quintessential French delights, such as the scenic The Jardins del’ Europe, the picturesque bridge, Pont des Amours, and historic buildings, like the Palais de l’Île. You can also visit Gorges du Fier.

How to plan a trip to Annecy Mountains

Thinking of heading to Annecy for your next vacation, but not in the mood to plan your trip? We’ve got you covered! Our detailed guide for planning a trip to Annecy Mountains will help make the planning process a little easier. The guide shares the best spots to eat, play, and stay! All you need to do is daydream about your adventure, make sure your passport is up to date, and pack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annecy

Is hiking in Annecy Mountains safe?

Yes! However, it’s important to consider essential hiking cautions before you go. Be sure to check the weather forecast and the trail conditions. Wear appropriate gear for the weather/conditions.

Do I need a guide to hike in Annecy Mountains?

No! You can definitely do these hikes on your own. Check the route guides, download a PDF, and tell someone where you’re going before you depart.

Is Annecy expensive?

To give some perspective: a meal at a cheaper restaurant can cost around $15, while two meals at an average restaurant can have you digging out around $50! You can always keep prices down by shopping at a supermarket instead of eating out all of the time.