Are you a mountain enthusiast looking to explore Mother Nature around Chambéry? Discover the region’s must-see peaks and secret massifs.
Stretching from the Bauges massif to the Chartreuse and Épine, if there’s one thing you can be sure of in the greater Chambéry area, it’s that you’ll find trails and family walks to suit all tastes and abilities. With over 500 kilometers of marked hiking trails, the diversity of landscapes and the variety of terrain will give you access to routes of different formats with panoramas as contrasting as they are striking.
So let’s set off for Chambéry’s best hikes, with good walking shoes and a swimsuit to enjoy the region’s lakes and waterfalls after the wonder of its high mountain landscapes.
1. Mount Granier
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Distance: 11.4 km
- Ascent: 1,049 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
Mont Granier is to Chambéry what Parmelan is to Annecy: the city’s emblematic landscape. This famous vertiginous cliff overhangs the city’s cluse, offering breathtaking views of Lac du Bourget, the Bauges and the Belledonne mountain range.
This hike around Chambéry offers a variety of landscapes and exceptional views along the way. After just 1 hour’s walk, you’ll reach the Col de l’Alpette, and once you’ve crossed it, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the sublime Mont-Blanc.
As you continue along the path to the foot of the chimney, cables and bars will help you climb up to the famous Mont Granier. A magnificent 360° view of the Alps awaits you on arrival.
The hike is quite physical, and certain sections, such as the rocky bar just before the cabled passage, can be impressive for those prone to vertigo. However, it’s well worth the effort, with the summit finish simply breathtaking.
2. Cascade du Pissieu
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Height difference: 117 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
With a change of scenery, let’s head off to cool off by the Pissieu waterfall. This family-friendly walk will take you through some sublime scenery emblematic of the Bauges region. Following the Nant d’Aillon stream, you’ll make your way along the edge of the forest.
Easy, quiet and shady, this is a great idea for a hike around Chambéry to cool off in the middle of summer and end the day with a swim in an enchanting setting.
3. The Nivolet cross by Sire
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Difference in altitude: 236 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
La Croix du Nivolet par le Sire is a classic among Chambériens. Easy and accessible, it’s the place to go for a day or half-day when the weather’s nice.
In the heart of the Bauges massif, the route starts at the La Féclaz ski resort. It then crosses the Charvettant forest before leading you to the huge Nivolet cross. Then enjoy a pleasant picnic with a magnificent view of Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountains.
This hike around Chambéry is just as enjoyable during the spring-summer season as it is in winter, when its beautiful snow cover makes for sublime snowshoe hikes.
4. The Nivolet cross and the Doria waterfall
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 620 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
If you’re tempted by La Croix du Nivolet, there’s another trail that allows you to make a loop with the Doria waterfall. It’s the ideal hike to combine grandiose views, fresh air and a swim. It’s also a good alternative to the crowds on the beaches of Lac du Bourget in high summer.
The scenery along the way is simply sublime: flower-filled meadows, forest and an exceptional panorama at the highest point. To reach the waterfall, however, you’ll need to take a short via ferrata section, for which you’ll need the proper equipment. But the hike is truly magnificent and well worth the detour.
Good to know: for direct access to the Doria waterfall, you can also park at the parking lot in the hamlet of Lovettaz. Here you’ll find the signpost to the path, and it’s just a half-hour’s walk to the bathing area.
5. The Cascades of the Cirque de Saint Même
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Height difference: 226 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Dreaming of enchanting landscapes and high waterfalls in a forest with trees worthy of aHarry Potter Forbidden Forest shoot? Then the Cirque de Saint-Même waterfall loop is for you.
This superb hike takes you to the source of the Guiers-Vif. Following the torrent, you’ll pass through the hamlets, forests and clearings of the Cirque de Saint-Même. The trail is ideal for young and old in search of coolness or adventurers looking for the most beautiful icy waterfalls in a magical landscape.
A victim of its own beauty, the Cirque de Saint Même remains very busy at the height of the season. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the Cirque de Saint Même in complete privacy, opt for an early morning. Similarly, the waterfall’s surroundings can be muddy and slippery, so remember to bring good shoes so you can enjoy the moment in comfort. And of course, be prepared for a good shower when you arrive at your destination!
6. Dent du Chat via Col du Chat
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Distance: 10.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 678 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
Recognizable by its pointed canine tooth shape, the « dent du chat » is located to the north of the Chaîne de l’Épine. Overlooking Lac du Bourget, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Savoie and Belledonne massifs.
Contrary to its reputation as a technical hike, the vast majority of the trail presents no particular difficulty and remains largely accessible. Only the presence of ladders and cables on the last section of the trail can prove more impressive, especially for those prone to vertigo.
But the view at the finish is worth every sacrifice, as the spectacle is sublime! From the plateau, you can see Mont Granier, the Belledonne mountains, Le Nivolet and Le Revard, not to mention the famous and fascinating Mont-Blanc.
7. La Croix des Bergers
- Duration: approx. 2h30
- Distance: 6.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 162 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Looking for a pretty view without too much effort? Take the La Croix des Bergers trail. This short walk (approx. 2.5 hrs) takes you to a superb panorama at the summit, alternating between forest and alpine meadows.
This hike around Chambéry is totally accessible to children and is not technically demanding. It can be done in summer or winter on snowshoes, and offers superb views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It really is an all-season classic.
8. Mont Colombier via Col de la Clochette
- Duration: approx. 2h30
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 827 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
If the name Mont Colombier doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve probably seen it if you’re passing through Chambéry. It is the central summit of the Bauges massif, offering a panoramic view of the Savoyard, Haut Savoyard and Isérois peaks. Our hike takes you through forests and cliffs, with an unforgettable finish at the summit!
As soon as you reach the Col de la Clochette, however, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of Aix-les-Bains below. The ascent and descent of the hike can be a little steep at times, but provides even more motivation to enjoy the view once you’ve reached the summit.
With the exception of certain passages, this hike around Chambéry remains accessible, and the best time to go is from May to November.
9. Les Grands Moulins
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Height difference: 469 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
The steep relief of the Grands Moulins provides a magnificent backdrop to the city of Chambéry. But this beauty is not only sublime from afar, the climb offers a concentration of impressive and varied landscapes. It represents a superb sporting discovery as well as a pleasant home for ibex. Not to mention the magnificent view from the summit.
With a 360° panorama, the Grands Moulins plateau offers fabulous views of the Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vercors and, of course, Mont-Blanc mountains.
But don’t forget to bring enough water for the ascent. Although the refuge de Perrière usually provides water, in periods of severe drought it can run dry.
10. Black Lake
- Duration: approx. 4h30
- Distance: 16.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 585 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
A veritable source of inspiration for local painters and poets, Lac Noir owes its reputation to the Granier massif, reflected in its limpid spring. The trail takes you through typical local hamlets such as Les Atrus, Bellecombette, La Palud and Darbe.
This is a pleasant, easy hike around Chambéry, offering a different view of the region, including a lovely section through the vineyards. This trail is an invitation to get away from it all, to enjoy the beautiful scenery without having to worry about the height difference.