Tour of Lac d'Annecy (GR®P) 6 days

Anti-clockwise itinerary Enjoy a variety of accommodation in gites, refuges and hotels. Stage 1: Annecy Impérial Palace (450m) - Refuge du Semnoz (1537m) This first day begins with a pleasant morning traverse along Lake Annecy, then into the Semnoz forest massif, a veritable nature zone for the people of Annecy. The forest changes its face at different altitudes, becoming rarer and rarer, giving way to a magnificent plateau with 360° views of the Aravis, Mont-Blanc, Bauges and Jura massifs. Annecy - chalet de Benevent (1348 m): 4h15 chalet de benenvent-table d'orientation crêt de Chatillon(1699m): 0h40 crêt de Chatillon viewpoint indicator - refuge du Semnoz(1537m) :1h20 Stage 2: refuge du Semnoz - Gîte d'étape Le Roc des Bœufs (1024m) Weather permitting, don't hesitate to take advantage of the sunrise by climbing a few meters above the refuge du Semnoz, for some great photos! refuge du Semnoz - Col de Leschaux (931m): 2h00 Col de Lescchaux - Chalet de Sollier (1451m): 2h20 Chjalet de Sollier - Gite du Roc des boeufs (1024m): 1h00 Stage 3: Gîte d'étape Le Roc des Bœufs - Refuge de la Combe (1572m) From your gîte d'étape, take the GR de pays © des bauges towards the Dents des Portes, with only a short passage of a few meters below the Dent des Portes. Enter the Charbon mountain pasture, so named no doubt because of the artisanal coal mining that once took place here. Pass the Rosay, Planay and Charbon shelters. You'll see the refuge de la Combe (1572m), an abandoned chalet which, thanks to the local authorities, has now become a refuge with goat and cow herders. refuge de la Combe - Chalet du Golet (1320M): 1H10 Chalet du Golet - Chalet du Rosay (1590M): 3H25 Chalet du Rosay - refuge de la Combe (1572M): 1H10 Stage 4: Refuge de la Combe - Refuge de Pré Vérel (1243m) This is the longest stage of the tour, so manage your efforts! The descent, along a path cut into the cliff, offers an exceptional panorama of Lake Annecy. Refuge de la Combe - Col de la Forclaz (1450m): 6H20 Col de la Forclaz - Refuge de Pré Vérel (1243m): 1H50 Stage 5: Refuge de Pré Vérel - La Tournette (return) - Refuge de Pré Vérel (1243m) This day is devoted to the ascent of La Tournette, well known to the locals. Note that this route is for experienced hikers, as the rock is often wet and slippery in places, and the summit is equipped with chains and a ladder. Refuge de Pré Vérel - Refuge de la Tournette (1774m): 1h40 Refuge de la Tournette - Sommet de la Tournette (2351m): 1h50 Sommet de la Tournette- Refuge de Pré vérel (1243m): 2h30 Stage 6: Refuge de Pré Vérel - Col de Bluffy (630m) or Menthon Saint Bernard (480m) We offer a very pleasant alternative to the classic Tour du Lac d'Annecy route, with even more beautiful views of Lake Annecy. Refuge du pré vérel- Col des Nantets (1426m): 1h00 Col des Nantets - Chalet de l'Aulps Riants dessous (1600m): 1h30 Chalet de l'Aulps Riants dessous - Col de Bluffy hôtel des Dents de Lanfon 1h50 (634m) or Menthon Saint Bernard (add an extra 30 minutes' walk and a negative height difference of around 300m) Stage 7: Menthon Saint Bernard or Col de Bluffy - Annecy Parking Impérial Palace (540 m) Last stage marked by a crest crossing of Mont-Veyrier, enjoy the panoramic views and scenery on offer during this day at Menthon Saint Bernard or Col de Bluffy. Col de Bluffy - Col des Contrebandiers (1054 m): 2h00 or 3h00 depending on your starting point Col des Contrebandiers - Petit Port (448m): 2h40 Petit Port - Impérial Palace parking lot (540m): 1h10