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From the Aravis to Lake Annecy (self-guided)
The Aravis are part of the pre-Alps limestone range, between the massif of the Beauges in the South and the massif of the Bornes in the North. In the heart of the Haute Savoie, near the Lake Annecy, Megève and Mont Blanc. This exclusive tour gives a chance to walk through the most spectacular part of the Aravis, around 4 of the most authentic and best protected villages: Grand Bornand, Chinaillon, Clusaz and St Jean de Sixt, and the town of Thônes, homeland of the Reblochon and of course Talloires, near the lake and the beautiful city of Annecy. Near the Aravis range and the Pointe Percée, panoramic, varied and at an ideal height, the massif of the Aravis offers an idealized image of the mountain, brighten up with mountain pastures, and spread chapels.
Brief info
Technical difficulty:
Length: 90 kms
Best Time
Activity level:
Jan
Feb
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Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Average to good walker, you need to have hiking experience with 4h to 6h30 of walk per day and +400m to +1100m.
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Duration: 7 days
Altitude gain: 2000 m
You can depart any day from 9th June to 13th September. High season is from mid June to the end of August.
2
Technically not difficult climb. Basic navigation skills are required
1
The highest point in this hike is when climbing by the ridge of Aiguille verte (2000 m)
1. Easy
Light physical activity, usually walking or hiking, that is good for most fitness levels. Also suitable for children and elderly people. Perfect for whose who have never been to the mountains and who want to try it out.
2. Moderate
Activity involves daily walking for 3-5 hours a day, usually multi-day treks or long 1-day hikes that require a high level of physical activity. Suitable for people with an average level of physical fitness.
3. Challenging
Activity involves daily walking for 3-5 hours a day at various types of terrain (rough trails, partially exposed areas with danger of falling, gravel plains, pathless steep terrain) or high-altitude treks above 2000 meters. Requires an average to above average fitness level.
4. Strenuous
Activity involves walking up to 6-7 hours a day in fairly difficult terrain (steep rocky slopes, snow covered glaciers or firn fields with danger of slipping) or high-altitude treks above 3000 meters. Requires an above average fitness level and high level of stamina.
5. Extreme
Activity involves walking up to 6-10 hours a day with difficult terrain and conditions (tricky rocky slopes or snow covered glaciers with increased danger of slipping), strenuous high-altitude treks at 4000-5600 meters. Requires very high level of physical fitness and stamina, as well as good practical experience of multi-day trekking on high altitudes.
Light physical activity, usually walking or hiking, that is good for most fitness levels. Also suitable for children and elderly people. Perfect for whose who have never been to the mountains and who want to try it out.
2. Moderate
Activity involves daily walking for 3-5 hours a day, usually multi-day treks or long 1-day hikes that require a high level of physical activity. Suitable for people with an average level of physical fitness.
3. Challenging
Activity involves daily walking for 3-5 hours a day at various types of terrain (rough trails, partially exposed areas with danger of falling, gravel plains, pathless steep terrain) or high-altitude treks above 2000 meters. Requires an average to above average fitness level.
4. Strenuous
Activity involves walking up to 6-7 hours a day in fairly difficult terrain (steep rocky slopes, snow covered glaciers or firn fields with danger of slipping) or high-altitude treks above 3000 meters. Requires an above average fitness level and high level of stamina.
5. Extreme
Activity involves walking up to 6-10 hours a day with difficult terrain and conditions (tricky rocky slopes or snow covered glaciers with increased danger of slipping), strenuous high-altitude treks at 4000-5600 meters. Requires very high level of physical fitness and stamina, as well as good practical experience of multi-day trekking on high altitudes.
HIKING/ TREKKING ACTIVITY LEVELS
What intensity you should expect from this activity and what fitness level is required for this activity
0. No requirements/ minimal requirements
Easy hiking/ trekking with non-technical elements. No certain knowledge or experience is required for this activity.
1. Beginner
Basic navigation skills are required if hiking/ trekking without a guide. Previous hiking/ trekking experience is not required, but desirable. No danger of falling with appropriate behaviour.
2. Intermediate
Average navigation skills are required if hiking/ trekking without a guide. Basic alpine experience is needed.
3. Advanced
Path not necessarily available. Sometimes need to use hands to keep going. Terrain assessment, good navigation skills and good alpine experience is required.
4. Professional
Mostly without a path and unmarked, might involve some climbing sections. Excellent navigation skills are required even if trekking with a guide. Proven alpine experience, mountaineering skills and familiarity with alpine equipment are required.
Easy hiking/ trekking with non-technical elements. No certain knowledge or experience is required for this activity.
1. Beginner
Basic navigation skills are required if hiking/ trekking without a guide. Previous hiking/ trekking experience is not required, but desirable. No danger of falling with appropriate behaviour.
2. Intermediate
Average navigation skills are required if hiking/ trekking without a guide. Basic alpine experience is needed.
3. Advanced
Path not necessarily available. Sometimes need to use hands to keep going. Terrain assessment, good navigation skills and good alpine experience is required.
4. Professional
Mostly without a path and unmarked, might involve some climbing sections. Excellent navigation skills are required even if trekking with a guide. Proven alpine experience, mountaineering skills and familiarity with alpine equipment are required.
HIKING/ TREKKING: TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY LEVELS
Some activities might envolve technical elements for which certain practical experience or training is needed.
Itinerary
Important details
Travel pack
This is a self-guided trip. You will not have a guide to accompany you, but instead you will be given a travel pack containing all of the necessary documents for your trip: a travel guide with maps, a list of your accommodation, and the booking details. You will either receive your travel pack before your departure, or it will be given to you at your accommodation on the first night of your trip.
Accommodation
During the trek you are offered the basic accommodation option (in comfortable single or twin rooms (depending on the number of people travelling with you) in 2* hotels or equivalent, 3* hotel in St Jean de Sixt, Le Chinaillon and Thônes, 3* or 4* hotel in Annecy.
It is possible to upgrade accommodation and get a single supplement option for those in your group preferring to have their own room for 200 € (220 € - if travelling during the high season from June 22 to September 1). If you feel like spending an extra night in Annecy giving yourself some time to walk around - bed and breakfast options in a double room for 77 € (89 € - during the high season) and single room for 129 € (139 € - high season) are also available.
It is possible to upgrade accommodation and get a single supplement option for those in your group preferring to have their own room for 200 € (220 € - if travelling during the high season from June 22 to September 1). If you feel like spending an extra night in Annecy giving yourself some time to walk around - bed and breakfast options in a double room for 77 € (89 € - during the high season) and single room for 129 € (139 € - high season) are also available.
Meals
You will have a half-board (breakfast and dinner) everywhere except for Annecy (B&B), where you will only have a breakfast. It is possible to include picnics for 5 days for an extra 74 € per person. We do recommend you though to try some local food. We will also give you some recommendations about snacks to take with you and give you tips where to eat.
Luggage
The need of carrying your personal belongings will be reduced to a minimum - your luggage (1 transported luggage by person of 15 kg max) will be transported by vehicle between your stops in the hotels on the route. You will only need to carry a small rucksack with the necessary valuables for the daily hike.
How hard it is
This is a self-guided trek for average to good walkers. It is not technically difficult, but you should have basic navigation skills and you should be prepared for a long day of walking (from 4 to 6 hours daily). There will be options available during the trek - you will be able to take shorter routes when tired or longer ones if feeling like doing it.
Previous experience in trekking is not required, but desirable. In any case, you won't be trekking in remote places, so you can ask for help in case you have lost your way. Remember: we have a hotline 24/7, so we will always be there when needed.
Previous experience in trekking is not required, but desirable. In any case, you won't be trekking in remote places, so you can ask for help in case you have lost your way. Remember: we have a hotline 24/7, so we will always be there when needed.
Equipment
To carry your things:
- A 40L backpack to carry your picnic and personal belongings during the day
- Your main piece of baggage: a travel bag in good condition (weight limit: 15kg)
For Hiking:
- Walking boots which have a thick sole and a waterproof membrane
- Woollen socks
- A thick jumper or a polar fleece
- Comfortable walking trousers
- A pair of shorts, t-shirts
- A light cotton long-sleeved shirt
- Bathing suit
- A large plastic bag
To Protect You from The Elements:
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Cap or sunhat
- A windbreaker, a waterproof poncho, or a 'Gore-Tex' jacket
- A woolly hat in winter
- A 40L backpack to carry your picnic and personal belongings during the day
- Your main piece of baggage: a travel bag in good condition (weight limit: 15kg)
For Hiking:
- Walking boots which have a thick sole and a waterproof membrane
- Woollen socks
- A thick jumper or a polar fleece
- Comfortable walking trousers
- A pair of shorts, t-shirts
- A light cotton long-sleeved shirt
- Bathing suit
- A large plastic bag
To Protect You from The Elements:
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Cap or sunhat
- A windbreaker, a waterproof poncho, or a 'Gore-Tex' jacket
- A woolly hat in winter
From the Aravis to Lake Annecy options to go
Don't let Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact your mountain trip!
We at Mountain Planet prioritize safety and not only in the mountains. Thing are changing every day and there is so much that is still unknown. We want you to keep on planning your next mountain trip and not worry about cancellations.
We guarantee 100% refund if your plans have changed due to Coronavirus precaution measures (borders closed, flights cancelled, visa problems, etc).
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy
We at Mountain Planet prioritize safety and not only in the mountains. Thing are changing every day and there is so much that is still unknown. We want you to keep on planning your next mountain trip and not worry about cancellations.
We guarantee 100% refund if your plans have changed due to Coronavirus precaution measures (borders closed, flights cancelled, visa problems, etc).
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy
A Solo Traveler option
If you are a solo traveler - this option is for you. You will be accommodated in a single room.
The price varies depending on the season.
From June 06 - June 21 2020 — 995 €
From June 22 - September 01 2020 — 1060 € (the high season option)
From September 02 - September 13 2020 — 995 €
The price varies depending on the season.
From June 06 - June 21 2020 — 995 €
From June 22 - September 01 2020 — 1060 € (the high season option)
From September 02 - September 13 2020 — 995 €
You are just sending a request, no payment is needed at this point. Our Expert will get in touch with you to answer all your questions and help you book the best option for you.
From 995 € per person
A Double Room option
If you are travelling with a friend or with your loved one - this option is for you. You may share a double room or take a single supplement option for extra charge. Possible for groups of 2 and above.
The price varies depending on the season.
From June 06 - June 21 2020 — 645 € per person
From June 22 - September 01 2020 — 690 € (the high season option) per person
From September 02 - September 13 2020 — 645 € per person
The price varies depending on the season.
From June 06 - June 21 2020 — 645 € per person
From June 22 - September 01 2020 — 690 € (the high season option) per person
From September 02 - September 13 2020 — 645 € per person
You are just sending a request, no payment is needed at this point. Our Expert will get in touch with you to answer all your questions and help you book the best option for you.
From 645 € per person
Dates of departure: from June 09 to September 13 2020
High season : June 22 - September 01 2020
High season : June 22 - September 01 2020
Options can be customized in terms of accommodation
- It is possible to upgrade accommodation and have a single supplement option for those in your group preferring to have their own room for extra 200 € (220 € - during the high season).
- You may want to spend an extra night in Saint Jean de Sixt with halfboard for 65 € (75 € - during the high season) per person in a double room or for 82 € (92 € - during the high season) in single room.
- If you feel like spending an extra night in Annecy giving yourself some time to walk around - bed and breakfast option in a double room for 77 € (89 € - during the high season) per person or bed and breakfast option in a single room for 129 € (139 € - high season) are also available.
- It is possible to upgrade accommodation and have a single supplement option for those in your group preferring to have their own room for extra 200 € (220 € - during the high season).
- You may want to spend an extra night in Saint Jean de Sixt with halfboard for 65 € (75 € - during the high season) per person in a double room or for 82 € (92 € - during the high season) in single room.
- If you feel like spending an extra night in Annecy giving yourself some time to walk around - bed and breakfast option in a double room for 77 € (89 € - during the high season) per person or bed and breakfast option in a single room for 129 € (139 € - high season) are also available.
What's included
Accommodation for 6 nights (shared double room)
Half-board except in Annecy (B&B): 5 dinners
Luggage transfer
Transfer from Thônes to Montremont (9km)
The travel pack
Tourist taxes
The boat ticket to Annecy
What's not included
Drinks
Personal expenses
Picnics
Single supplement
The bus ticket to the pass of Bluffy
The meals in Annecy
Insurance
What is not mentioned in "What's included"
Good to know
How do I get to St Jean de Sixt?
► By car
You can park your car in a parking behind the 1st hotel during the whole tour. You can pick it up by bus or taxi and the end. Please call the hotel before your arrival and leave the keys in case they need to move the car.
From Annecy to St Jean de Sixt :
- There are buses from Monday to Saturday at 08h15, 9h30, 10h50, 12h30 (Wednesday and Saturday), 14h15, 15h40, 17h15, 18h30 et 19h40. Departure on Sunday at 08h15, 10h50, 14h15, 15h40, 17h15 et 19h40. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
- Taxi: see "if you arrive by plane"
► By train
Annecy train station. Bus from the bus station (the way from the train station is marked) to St Jean de Sixt : Voyages CROLARD, Tel. : 04 50 02 40 11 or www.voyages-crolard.com. The ticket is about 10€ per way. Only in July / August Or taxi: Tarifs: see «if you arrive by plane» - Bus
► By plane
Geneva Airport is the closest one.
At the start, from Geneva to St Jean de Sixt:
In taxi from Geneva airport to St Jean de Sixt: 220€ per way; on Sunday, bank holidays or after 6pm : 290€ / way
By train / bus from Geneva to Annecy and taxi:
From Geneva airport to Annecy: by train or bus (some buses are direct); 2h to 2h30; www.sbb.ch
From Annecy train station to St Jean de Sixt in taxi: about 105€
By train / bus from Geneva to St Jean de Sixt; only possible in July / August:
From Geneva airport to Annecy: train or bus (see above)
From Annecy train station to St Jean de Sixt by bus: Voyages Crollard
At the end: from Annecy to Geneva: bus / train or taxi
You can park your car in a parking behind the 1st hotel during the whole tour. You can pick it up by bus or taxi and the end. Please call the hotel before your arrival and leave the keys in case they need to move the car.
From Annecy to St Jean de Sixt :
- There are buses from Monday to Saturday at 08h15, 9h30, 10h50, 12h30 (Wednesday and Saturday), 14h15, 15h40, 17h15, 18h30 et 19h40. Departure on Sunday at 08h15, 10h50, 14h15, 15h40, 17h15 et 19h40. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
- Taxi: see "if you arrive by plane"
► By train
Annecy train station. Bus from the bus station (the way from the train station is marked) to St Jean de Sixt : Voyages CROLARD, Tel. : 04 50 02 40 11 or www.voyages-crolard.com. The ticket is about 10€ per way. Only in July / August Or taxi: Tarifs: see «if you arrive by plane» - Bus
► By plane
Geneva Airport is the closest one.
At the start, from Geneva to St Jean de Sixt:
In taxi from Geneva airport to St Jean de Sixt: 220€ per way; on Sunday, bank holidays or after 6pm : 290€ / way
By train / bus from Geneva to Annecy and taxi:
From Geneva airport to Annecy: by train or bus (some buses are direct); 2h to 2h30; www.sbb.ch
From Annecy train station to St Jean de Sixt in taxi: about 105€
By train / bus from Geneva to St Jean de Sixt; only possible in July / August:
From Geneva airport to Annecy: train or bus (see above)
From Annecy train station to St Jean de Sixt by bus: Voyages Crollard
At the end: from Annecy to Geneva: bus / train or taxi
What clothes and gear do I need?
To carry your things:
- A 40L backpack to carry your picnic and personal belongings during the day
- Your main piece of baggage: a travel bag in good condition (weight limit: 15kg)
For Hiking:
- Walking boots which have a thick sole and a waterproof membrane
- Woollen socks
- A thick jumper or a polar fleece
- Comfortable walking trousers
- A pair of shorts, t-shirts
- A light cotton long-sleeved shirt
- Bathing suit
- A large plastic bag
For Your Lunch Time Picnic:
- Plastic bowl, plate or box
- Cutlery (knife, fork, spoon)
- One litre water bottle (compulsory)
To Protect You from The Elements:
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Cap or sunhat
- A windbreaker, a waterproof poncho, or a 'Gore-Tex' jacket
- A woolly hat in winter
For the Evening:
- A pair of light shoes for the evening - if these are trainers these could be used as a backup for your walking shoes if they begin to rub or get very wet – these cannot however replace your walking shoes!
- Changes of clothing
- Tissues and toilet paper
- Bag of toiletries
- First-Aid Kit: medication, plasters, '2nd skin' dressing, disinfectant, arnica and aspirin tablets in case of any minor injuries… (Although we suggest bringing all of this, don't worry, your first-aid kit will most likely come back unused, but it's always better to be safe than sorry)
- A 40L backpack to carry your picnic and personal belongings during the day
- Your main piece of baggage: a travel bag in good condition (weight limit: 15kg)
For Hiking:
- Walking boots which have a thick sole and a waterproof membrane
- Woollen socks
- A thick jumper or a polar fleece
- Comfortable walking trousers
- A pair of shorts, t-shirts
- A light cotton long-sleeved shirt
- Bathing suit
- A large plastic bag
For Your Lunch Time Picnic:
- Plastic bowl, plate or box
- Cutlery (knife, fork, spoon)
- One litre water bottle (compulsory)
To Protect You from The Elements:
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Cap or sunhat
- A windbreaker, a waterproof poncho, or a 'Gore-Tex' jacket
- A woolly hat in winter
For the Evening:
- A pair of light shoes for the evening - if these are trainers these could be used as a backup for your walking shoes if they begin to rub or get very wet – these cannot however replace your walking shoes!
- Changes of clothing
- Tissues and toilet paper
- Bag of toiletries
- First-Aid Kit: medication, plasters, '2nd skin' dressing, disinfectant, arnica and aspirin tablets in case of any minor injuries… (Although we suggest bringing all of this, don't worry, your first-aid kit will most likely come back unused, but it's always better to be safe than sorry)
Do I need to apply for a visa?
All nationals of third countries, which have yet not reached a visa-liberalization agreement with the Schengen member states, need to obtain a Schengen visa prior of their arrival in Europe.
To check whether you need a Schengen Visa to travel to one of the Schengen member countries, here is the list of countries, citizens of which must apply for a Schengen Visa prior to their travel to the EU.
To check whether you need a Schengen Visa to travel to one of the Schengen member countries, here is the list of countries, citizens of which must apply for a Schengen Visa prior to their travel to the EU.
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