A guidebook of walks in the lovely Haute Savoie mountains of France. This guide describes 30 circular routes of between 7 and 20km, based around Annecy, La Clusaz, Grand Bornand, Plateau d'Assy, Samoëns, Sixt, Sallanches, Thônes, la Roche-sur-Foron. Graded from easy to difficult, there are walks to suit most abilities, but a few have some exposed sections and need a head for heights.
The guidebook is divided into 6 areas covering the Arve Valley, the Haut Giffre valley, the Chaîne des Aravis (north and south), Plateau de la Borne and Lake Annecy. Alongside a detailed route description and map, each walk has a summary of all you need to know before you set out (distance, time to walk, ascent, maximum altitude, grade and instructions for accessing the start). There is advice on travel, accommodation and equipment, as well as information about local wildlife and Savoyard food and drink, and a glossary of useful French words.
Visitors flock to the Chamonix area and the Mont Blanc range, but that is only part of what the Haute Savoie has to offer. With stunning views of high mountains as well as lower peaks to enjoy, the walks in this guide will show you a quieter, less busy side to this outstandingly beautiful area.
A companion volume, Walking in Haute Savoie: North, is also available (ISBN: 781852848101)
- Activities
Walking - Seasons
Spring and summer, when the snow has melted and the slopes are bright with alpine flowers. Autumn, when the leaves are changing, and even winter for some of the lower walks - Centres
Annecy, La Clusaz, Grand Bornand, Plateau d'Assy, Samoëns, Sixt, Sallanches, Thônes, la Roche-sur-Foron - Difficulty
A variety of routes of differing length and height gain, suitable for most abilities, graded from easy to difficult. None require special equipment or expertise, but those graded difficult have some exposed sections, often protected by cables, and need a head for heights - Must See
Major peaks: Tournette, Tête de Boston, Parmelan, Môle Lakes: Annecy, Anterne, Vogealle, Gers, Lessy, Bénit, and numerous small mountain lakes Historical attractions: in the footsteps of English alpinist Alfred Wills, French Resistance monuments, monasteries, mountain chapels and shrines Geological features: dramatic waterfalls and limestone pavements Nature reserves, alpine gardens, bird migratory routes