Looking for the best hikes in Haute-Savoie? With its grandiose panoramas and imposing cliffs overlooking the city of Annecy, it’s impossible to miss the Parmelan.
Haute-Savoie is a hiker’s paradise. And there’s so much to choose from, it’s hard to know where to turn. But in the midst of this countless list of trails, the Parmelan is considered one of the region’s must-sees. Located in the Bornes massif, this superb ascent is an integral part of the Annécian landscape and the life of the Hauts-Savoyards.
But what are the easiest ways to get there, and which trails are best? Here are the top 3 Parmelan hikes.
1. The Parmelan via Villaz
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 7.1 km
- Ascent: 710 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
The Parmelan via Villaz is a superb loop hike offering a fine view of Mont Blanc, but not only that. From your first stop at Chalet Chappuis, you’ll enjoy a sublime panorama of the Aravis mountain range and Lake Annecy. The trail then climbs the Grand Montoir, well known for its aerial passages and steep landscapes.
This Parmelan hike is accessible and very pleasant in summer, but it’s also a superb playground for winter snowshoeing. The trail is perfectly signposted, and the view from the summit is simply breathtaking!
2. Head of Parmelan via Chalet de l’Anglettaz
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2h30
- Distance: 5.6 km
- Height difference: 365 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
Leaving from the Chalet de l’Anglettaz is the easiest way to reach the head of the Parmelan. On this hike, the gradient is gentler, and the more level surfaces make for a smoother ascent.
In just half an hour’s walk, you’ll reach the Petit Montoir, the starting point of a wider trail from which you can see the Aravis mountains and Mont-Blanc.
Allow 1h30 to 2h from the starting point to reach the Chalet Camille Dunan at the foot of the Parmelan summit. Open from May to September, it offers a refreshing stopover on your Parmelan hike to an altitude of 1,834 meters.
You can also find the Parmelan refuge directly at the top of the climb. Manned from mid-May to the end of September, it’s the ideal place to spend the night on the plateau and enjoy a unique experience. Not to mention the ecstasy of waking up and drinking your coffee in such a majestic setting!
3. Le Petit Montoir- Tête du Parmelan- Col de Pertuis circuit
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Distance: 11.6 km
- Ascent: 1,021 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
The Petit Montoir, Tête du Parmelan and Col de Pertuis tour takes you over some of the region’s most beautiful passes. You’ll follow the Parmelan ridge before reaching the Col de Pertuis. It’s a trail less travelled than the others, yet the diversity of its landscapes is a real feast for the eyes.
This Parmelan hike is great fun in spring and summer, but not recommended in winter. It’s a superb route that will allow you to discover the Parmelan in a new light, and it’s also a good way of venturing onto the massif at weekends without suffering the overcrowding of sunny days.
If you’re visiting the Haute-Savoie region, get off the beaten track and take a tour that’s both grandiose and original, and still a little unspoilt by tourism.
Beware, however, that some sections of the trail can be rather technical. The circuit via the Col du Pertuis may not be ideal for novices, but it’s a pleasant challenge if you’re already a bit of a hiker.