Activity Journal

Montagne d'Entrevernes from Le Cruet — The chained descent

A superb loop from the gîte, with the Pas d'Entrevernes and its chain anchored in the rock as the highlight. Sweeping views over Lake Annecy all the way up.

Roc des Bœufs from La Chapelle-Saint-Maurice — The breathtaking lake panorama

From La Chapelle-Saint-Maurice in the heart of the Bauges, an out-and-back via the Chalets du Sollier to one of the massif's wildest viewpoints. Alpine pastures, a rocky passage and absolute silence.

Pointe de la Sambuy (2198 m) from Seythenex

A great classic of the Bauges massif on the Faverges side, starting from the Seythenex-La Sambuy resort (1150 m). The ascent passes the Pas de l'Ours (cables — take care in wet or icy conditions) and the Bouchasse chalets, before a more technical, cable-and-step-equipped finish to the summit. Exceptional panorama over the Bauges, the Aravis and Mont Blanc. A loop of around 12.5 km, with the option of continuing on to the Petite Sambuy (2107 m).

Kayak, paddleboard and catamaran on Lake Annecy

Kayak rental (1 or 2 seats), stand-up paddleboards, catamarans, dinghies and windsurf boards at the Internautique club in Saint-Jorioz. Free parking, open daily from 9:30am to 7pm in season. Rent by the hour, half-day or full day.

Kayak from €12 / hour · All levels

Cycling around Lake Annecy — For sporty riders or families

The Voie Verte follows almost the entire shoreline on a separate cycle path. At a sporty pace, an hour is enough to ride the whole loop. As a family, take your time: a picnic or restaurant stop at Talloires or Menthon, then back along the water. A reliable favourite just 10 minutes from the gîte.

Bike rental available between Sévrier and Saint-Jorioz

Via Ferrata "La Grotte à Carret" — One of the hardest in France

Near Chambéry, on the south side of the Bauges massif. Rated ED+, with a false start behind a waterfall followed by a near-vertical route: 410 m of cable, +170 m of elevation gain, 3 to 4 physically demanding overhangs, a 40 m Nepalese bridge and a monkey bridge. Free parking at the Col de la Doriaz, then a 30-to-45-minute forest approach walk. A rest lanyard is essential.

Not recommended for beginners or those prone to vertigo · Free

Flying at the Semnoz — A 360° view over the Bauges and Lake Annecy

Free, open-access take-off located behind the Châtillon restaurant — the only authorised site on the Semnoz. 360° view and distinctive flying conditions. Solo flying here is not recommended for beginners, but tandem flights with an instructor are offered by local schools (Annecy Vol Libre, Bauges Parapente).

Free flying for independent pilots · Tandem flights with a state-certified instructor

Col de la Forclaz — Lake Annecy's legendary flying site

World-famous, the Col de la Forclaz offers a spectacular take-off with sweeping views over the lake, the Tournette and the Aravis. A private shuttle takes you up to the take-off point, followed by a gentle landing at Doussard. Suitable for everyone, no particular fitness required, from around age 5. Several tandem options (from 10 minutes to over an hour, with or without acrobatics) are offered by local schools such as K2 Parapente. Just 15 minutes from the gîte.

Solo free flying for independent pilots · Tandem flights with a state-certified instructor

Planfait — The great lake tour above Talloires

A flying site for experienced pilots, with an unbeatable view over the Bay of Talloires and Lake Annecy. The 960 m take-off is reached on foot (20 to 50 minutes from the 550 m landing spot), the classic starting point for the "Grand Tour du lac". The take-off itself is fairly easy, but the lake breeze and cliff-side layout can catch less experienced pilots off guard — the site is not recommended for beginners once the wind picks up.

Distance and cross-country flying · Not recommended for a first flight

Pont du Diable Canyon — The sporty gem of the Bauges massif

In Bellecombe-en-Bauges, 3 minutes from Lescheraines. Jumps, abseils and slides through a deep limestone fissure, down to an impressive narrows beneath the natural bridge, 35 m overhead. Suitable from age 12, for sporty beginners and experienced canyoners alike. Guided by Bauges Canyoning, with equipment provided (wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness, helmet). About 40 minutes from the gîte.

Full descent · €55 · From age 12

Montmin Canyon — The most playful one by Lake Annecy

Fed by the Tournette massif, this stream south of the lake strings together slides, abseils and 12 compulsory jumps (2 to 7 m) in a pristine karst setting. Reserved for confident swimmers in good physical condition, from age 12 when accompanied. Guided by the Bureau des Guides d'Annecy, with equipment provided (5 mm wetsuit, helmet, harness).

Experienced level · From €70 · June to September

Acro'Aventures Quintal — Treetop courses and suspended nets at the foot of the Semnoz

On the Route du Semnoz in Quintal, open daily in season. Tree-top adventure courses and suspended nets for young and old, ideal for families, groups and birthday parties. Special events depending on the season (Halloween treasure hunt in autumn). Gift vouchers available. Reachable without a car in July-August.