{"id":80312,"date":"2025-09-25T15:59:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T13:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=80312"},"modified":"2025-09-25T14:36:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T12:36:24","slug":"hikes-for-autumn-colour-aravis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/hikes-for-autumn-colour-aravis\/","title":{"rendered":"7 hikes for autumn colour in the Aravis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Aravis mountains are best known for skiing. However in autumn, the wonderful scenery is perfect for recharging your batteries, enjoying peaceful walks and taking in the changing colours of the trees.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Chinaillon to La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, here is our list of the seven most beautiful autumn hikes in the Aravis, along with our top practical tips and safety advice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Discover all of our chalets in the Aravis<\/h2>\n\n
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\n See the full list<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why go hiking in the Aravis mountains in autumn?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The perfect season to find peace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In autumn, the Aravis mountains become a haven of peace, far from the hustle and bustle of the high season. It\u2019s a wonderful opportunity to get to know the real heart of the region<\/strong>, in a way that few visitors ever do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking in the Aravis at this time of year allows you to enjoy quiet trails, focusing on the flora and fauna of the mountains. Each of your trips, from a leisurely stroll to a demanding hike, will be an opportunity for contemplation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n 10 reasons to plan a mountain holiday this autumn<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The flaming colours of autumn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An autumn hike in the Aravis mountains is a unique experience. The forests on the mountainsides are ablaze with reds and oranges<\/strong>, contrasting with the snow-capped peaks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This season showcases nature in all its glory, giving you the chance to observe the wildlife<\/strong> as they prepare for the coming winter. Keep your eyes peeled and take your time, and you might be lucky enough to spot some wild animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n What animals might you encounter in the mountains in autumn?<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Col des Annes. Photo : \u00a9 Office de Tourisme Le Grand-Bornand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Our seven most beautiful autumn hikes in the Aravis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Family-friendly \u2013 Beauregard plateau<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>10km
Duration: <\/strong>4\u20135 hours
Elevation gain: <\/strong>500m
Departure point: <\/strong>The <\/strong>col de la Croix Fry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 10km family hike with little change in level crosses a variety of landscapes, from autumn forests to green mountain pastures. The Beauregard plateau offers a popular viewpoint over Mont Blanc and the Aravis massif.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail leads through meadows studded with wildflowers and colourful woodland. You can drive to the starting point or take the free shuttle bus that runs throughout the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family-friendly \u2013 Col des Annes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>7km
Duration: <\/strong>3-4 hours
Elevation gain: <\/strong>300m
Departure point: <\/strong>Grand-Bornand car park<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a gentle hike to enjoy with your children, try the walk to the Col des Annes. This 7km route with little change in altitude crosses colourful mountain meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Aravis peaks and surrounding valleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be surrounded by green pastures where cows graze peacefully. The views of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking, so don\u2019t forget your camera because you\u2019ll want to capture these magical moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intermediate \u2013 Mont Lachat\u2013Lac de la Cour\u2013Samance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>9km
Duration: <\/strong>2hrs 30
Elevation gain: <\/strong>262m
Departure point: <\/strong>Le Chinaillon<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover Lac de la Cour on this moderate 9km loop. The route takes you through mountain pastures, along the ridges of Mont Lachat, and through charming hamlets in the commune of Le Grand-Bornand, including Samance and Le Chinaillon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, you will cross the Chinaillon stream and pass Lac de la Cour, an idyllic place to stop for a picnic. The terrain alternates between mountain trails and country lanes, with a few sections on tarmac roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intermediate \u2013 Chalets de Mayse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>12.2km
Duration: <\/strong>5hrs 30
Elevation gain: <\/strong>986m
Departure point: <\/strong>Le Chinaillon<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover the tranquil Lake Lessy on this circular route starting from Chinaillon. Although it is not particularly difficult, you need to be in good physical shape to cross the Col de la Forclaz at 1,844 metres and the Col sous le Bouclon at 1,909 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you follow the route anti-clockwise, the initial climb is made easier by the shade of the undergrowth. Stop for a drink and a snack at the two lake-side refreshment bars. Please note that snow sometimes remains at high altitude until March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Difficult \u2013 La T\u00eate du Danay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>11km
Time: <\/strong>5 hrs
Elevation gain: <\/strong>810m
Departure point: <\/strong>Grand-Bornand ice rink<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This route crosses the Dodes forest to reach the hamlet of Macheret. The destination is the summit of Danay, at an altitude of 1,731m. It\u2019s a mountain surrounded by vast expanses of fir trees, from which it takes its name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This varied circuit will take you along several forest trails and through mountain pastures. The summit offers magnificent views of Les Bornes and the Aravis massif. This hike is relatively difficult and is not recommended in the event of early snowfall.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expert \u2013 Confins to the Grande Forclaz valley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>12km
Duration: <\/strong>5hrs
Elevation gain: <\/strong>950m
Departure point: <\/strong>Les Confins car park<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hike from Les Confins to the Grande Forclaz valley is a demanding alpine route for experienced hikers. It crosses contrasting landscapes, from the Confins valley to the austerity of the Grande Forclaz.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last section of the ascent, as well as the descent, require caution due to steep and rugged passages and loose or unstable terrain. This route is often combined with an ascent to the Pointe de Tardevant (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expert \u2013 La pointe de Tardevant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: <\/strong>13km
Duration: <\/strong>7 hours
Elevation gain: <\/strong>1,100m
Departure point: <\/strong>Les Confins car park<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The climb to Pointe de Tardevant, which rises to 2,500 metres, is a challenging route offering spectacular views of the Aravis and Mont Blanc. Starting from the Confins car park near La Clusaz, you will pass Lake Tardevant before following the ridges to the peak.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can return the same way or via the Combe de la Grande Forclaz. This second option creates an even wilder but longer loop, which should only be attempted by experienced hikers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Practical advice for your autumn walks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What to wear when hiking in the mountains in autumn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n