Our ideas for walks in and around La Clusaz…
Nature has many benefits, and fortunately the Aravis mountain range offers some magnificent hiking opportunities.
That’s why we couldn’t resist sharing with you our eight favourite walks in and around La Clusaz.
Of course, the difficulty of the walks and the time they take will vary depending on your physical condition, the breaks you take and where you start.
Easy hikes
- The Col des Aravis
The Col des Aravis lies between Haute-Savoie and Savoie. It is a popular spot for hikers, offering panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range.
You can admire the colours of the Indian summer as you pass through the meadows and forests of the Alps. There are several routes to the Col des Aravis: from the Col des Aravis or from La Giettaz. This is an easy hike that can be enjoyed by all the family. - Lac des Confins
The Lac de Confins offers a peaceful experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a quiet, pleasant walk down to the lake. It’s easy to do with the whole family. The distance varies between 2 and 3 km, depending on the route taken.
Moderates hikes
- Sentier des Étroits
This hike near Thônes takes you through narrow gorges and lush vegetation. The path is narrow and winding, carved into the rock face of the Gorges du Fier. It offers spectacular views of the cliffs and rock formations. This is considered to be an easy to moderate hike. The path is well laid out and safe, but can be narrow and vertiginous in places, which can be a challenge for those suffering from vertigo. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the round trip. - Plateau de Beauregard
This hike is ideal for admiring the changing colours of the forest. The plateau offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Les Aravis. The paths are lined with trees, creating a magnificent contrast with the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Photographers love to capture this natural beauty.
The Plateau de Beauregard hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty. It can be adapted to various levels of hiker, including beginners in reasonable physical condition. The loop is between 8 and 10 km. - Col de la Croix Fry
This is a pleasant walk through pastures and forests. The finish is rewarded with panoramic views. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the spectacle!
As for the itinerary, we recommend starting the hike from the Col de la Croix Fry itself. Beginners in reasonable physical condition can tackle these trails. On average, the hike to the Col de la Croix Fry and back can take between 2 and 4 hours.
Difficult hikes
- Mont Charvin
Mont Charvin is a more advanced hike offering spectacular views of the Aravis mountains and valley. The hike to Mont Charvin generally begins near the village of Manigod. It is considered to be of moderate to difficult difficulty. The average round trip takes between 5 and 7 hours.
When the weather is fine, why not stay and watch the stars from a bivouac? - Trou de La Mouche
Trou de La Mouche hike is a flagship route in the Aravis. One of its main attractions is the Trou de la Mouche itself, an impressive rock formation carved out of the mountain. It’s a short but intense hike that leads to an impressive lookout point, offering spectacular views of La Clusaz and the surrounding area. It starts near the Col de la Croix Fry. This is considered to be a difficult hike because of the steep gradient and some of the passages through rocky slopes. The round trip takes between 4 and 6 hours.
Organise your walk
Hiking is not something you can improvise! So it’s important to check the weather conditions before you set off. Good equipment is also essential: make sure you have comfortable hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather, water, snacks, a map or GPS, and possibly walking poles to help you up and down.
For your own safety, let someone know your planned route and estimated time of return. It’s also a good idea to check with the La Clusaz Tourist Office for up-to-date information on trails and safety recommendations.
Respect nature
Go for zero waste! Take all your rubbish with you, including organic waste. Leaving rubbish in nature can harm wildlife, pollute the water and spoil the natural beauty.
Follow the marked trails to reduce your impact on the flora. It is essential to respect nature when hiking to preserve fragile ecosystems and ensure that future generations can also enjoy natural beauty 😉
See you soon in the Aravis! ⛰️
