With the shimmering colours of the leaves and the breathtaking panoramic views, autumn in the Alps offers a unique atmosphere for hiking enthusiasts. In this article, discover the Aravis in autumn with seven hikes, classified by level, to help you discover this beautiful region on foot.
Family walks in the Aravis in autumn
Hike from Lac de Peyre – ideal for children
Level: Easy
⌛ Time 2-3 hours
📏 Distance: 6km
📈 Elevation: 200m
Description
The hike to Lac de Peyre is a perfect trip for beginners looking to explore the Aravis. This well-marked trail takes you through some enchanting scenery, with panoramic views of majestic peaks and lush green valleys.
Practical information
The trail starts from the La Clusaz car park. The trail is about 6km long and has a 200m change in level. Allow around 2-3 hours to complete the hike, including breaks to admire the views and relax by the lake.
Points of interest
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming autumn forests and picturesque meadows. Once you reach the lake, you’ll be rewarded with a tranquil, serene view. Take a break, have a picnic and soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Recommended activity
Why not take advantage of a downhill mountain bike session on the slopes of La Clusaz to experience the adrenalin of alpine sports? Just click here!
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The Col des Annes walk, between hills and pastures
Level: Easy
⌛ Time: 3-4 hours
📏 Distance: 7km
📈 Elevation: 300m
Description
For a gentle, scenic walk, opt for the trip to the Col des Annes. This 7km route takes you through colourful mountain pastures, offering breathtaking views of the Aravis peaks and surrounding valleys. With a difference in altitude of just 300 metres, this hike is also suitable for young children!
Practical information
Start at the car park in Le Grand Bornand (you can take the shuttle bus from the resort centre). Allow about 3 to 4 hours to complete the hike, including time to enjoy the scenery and breaks.
Points of interest
While you walk you’ll be surrounded by lush green pastures where cows graze peacefully. The panoramic views of the surrounding massifs, such as the Aravis mountains and the surrounding peaks, are breathtaking. Don’t forget to take photos to capture these magical moments!
Recommended activity
Take a horse ride through the lush green mountain pastures to enjoy the beauty of the scenery while enjoying an authentic autumn experience in the Aravis mountains.
Stay in the Aravis mountains
Hike to the Beauregard Plateau, for the best views
Level: Easy
⌛ Duration: 4-5 hours
📏 Distance: 10km
📈 Elevation: 500m
Description
This 10km family hike on the Plateau de Beauregard will take you through a variety of landscapes, from autumn forests to green mountain pastures. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Aravis mountains. The difference in altitude is less than 500 metres, so you can do it with your eyes shut!
Practical information
The route starts from the Col de la Croix Fry, about 30 minutes drive from La Clusaz. Allow around 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike, including breaks and time to admire the panoramic views.
Recommended activity
The trail takes you through meadows dotted with wildflowers, colourful trees and spectacular viewpoints. At the top of the Plateau de Beauregard, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding Alps, with Mont Blanc in the background.
Recommended activity
Try your hand at via ferrata, a climbing and hiking activity that lets you explore rock faces and enjoy incredible panoramic views.
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Hike to the magical Cascade du Dard
Level: Easy
⌛ Time: 2 hours
📏 Distance: 4km
📈 Elevation: 400m
Description
The hike to Cascade du Dard is an ideal family experience. This 4km route will take you to a magnificent waterfall, with picturesque scenery along the way.
Practical information
Start from the Roche des Arnauds car park, close to the resort of La Giettaz. Allow around two hours to complete the hike, including time to enjoy the waterfall and relax in the surrounding countryside.
Points of interest
The soothing sound of flowing water will accompany you on your hike along peaceful forest paths. The waterfall itself is a true natural spectacle, with the water tumbling down the rocks in a spectacular burst. Take time to admire the waterfall up close and capture these magical moments with your camera.
Recommended activity
Take an electric bike ride along La Giettaz’s picturesque cycle routes to explore the surrounding area and soak up the autumn scenery of the Aravis mountains.
Discover the best walks in the Aravis
The Aravis for experienced walkers
A challenging hike to the Tête Pelouse
Level: expert
⌛ Time: one day
📏 Distance: 12km
📈 Elevation: 1,200m
Description
Experienced hikers looking for a challenge will find the ascent of Tête Pelouse a difficult but rewarding option. With a distance of 12km and a difference in altitude of 1,200 metres, this hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding massifs.
Practical information
The starting point is the Col des Aravis car park, accessible by car from La Clusaz. Allow a full day for this hike, including breaks and time to enjoy the peaks.
Points of interest
On the way up, you’ll pass through changing landscapes, from dense forests to rocky alpine areas. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, with the peaks of the Aravis stretching as far as the eye can see. This hike offers a real sense of achievement for seasoned mountain lovers.
Recommended activity
While you’re in the area, why not extend your adventure with a paragliding session from the Aravis peaks? It’s an unforgettable experience of free flight over the mountains.
Climbing high in the Aravis mountains
A hike to Étale in the Aravis par le Couloir de la Frasse
Level: expert
⌛ Time: one day
📏 Distance: 12km
📈 Elevation: 1,300m
Description
The Étale hike via the Couloir de la Frasse is an adventure reserved for expert hikers looking for a technical and stimulating challenge. This demanding ascent will take you to the summit of l’Étale, offering spectacular views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
Practical information
This hike starts from the Col de l’Épine car park, which is accessible by car from La Clusaz. Set aside a whole day for this hike if you want to make the most of the panoramic views and ensure you set a good pace, bearing in mind the steep gradient.
Safety and equipment
Autumn is the perfect time to try this hike in the Aravis mountains, but you’ll need to be in excellent physical condition, have mountaineering experience and a knowledge of climbing techniques. Make sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide and have the right equipment, including a helmet, harness, crampons and an ice axe.
Route
The ascent begins with the Couloir de la Frasse, a steep and craggy slope requiring climbing skills on mixed terrain. Once at the top of the couloir, you continue along an exposed ridge that leads to the summit of l’Étale.
Points of interest
As you ascend, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers and Alpine valleys. Once you reach the summit of Étale, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panorama, with the peaks of the Aravis mountains stretching to the horizon.
Recommended activity
Head out for a stargazing excursion, where you can contemplate the Milky Way and the constellations under clear skies, guided by astronomy experts.
Safety
This route involves considerable risks, with particularly technical and exposed sections. It is essential to follow the safety instructions, stay focused and avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Be sure to check the weather conditions and forecasts before setting off.
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A night hike to Rocher de la Tournette
Level: expert
⌛ Time: 7hrs
📏 Distance: 12km
📈 Elevation: 1,300m
Description
The night hike to Rocher de la Tournette is a fascinating experience for experienced hikers, but make sure you take headlamps. This iconic Aravis peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and Alpine peaks.
Practical information
The hike starts from Montremont, near La Clusaz. The well-marked trail requires good physical condition and prior knowledge of the mountains at night. Allow about 4 hours for the ascent and 2 hours for the descent. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the Aravis mountains from this hike, which is perfect to do in autumn.
Safety and equipment
Before you set off, make sure you’re properly equipped. You’ll need sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a headlamp with spare batteries, a map, a compass, plus a charged mobile phone and a first-aid kit.
A unique experience
A night hike offers a totally different perspective on the autumn landscapes of the Aravis. You’ll pass through mysterious forests and listen to the sounds of nature in the dark. When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking celestial spectacle, with thousands of twinkling stars above you.
Recommended activity
Make the most of this colourful season and go mushroom picking in the surrounding forests. Unless you’re sure about what you’re picking, arrange to go with a private guide!
Safety
Be aware of the dangers when hiking at night. Stay on the marked path, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid the risk of falling. Before you set off, check the weather conditions and tell someone about your route.
Book my dream holiday in the Aravis
The Aravis mountains offer a variety of autumn hikes to suit all abilities and interests. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a family member or looking for a challenge, we hope you’ll be able to make the most of the Aravis soon.
Finally, if you enjoyed this article on hiking in the Aravis in autumn, you might also like:
- 7 autumn walks in the Evasion Mont-Blanc
- The most beautiful resorts for a family holiday in the Alps in summer
- 5 reasons to visit the Alps in October
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