Autumn walks Top 5 short hikes

Autumn walks are so beautiful when we see all these colors! There’s nothing like grabbing your backpack and hiking boots and heading out into the great outdoors to clear your head, disconnect from everyday life and take in the sights.
To make the most of the autumn scenery, we’ve put together our top 5 short hikes to do (and do again!) at Leman Mountains Explore.

Ready for some eye candy? Discover our top 5 short hikes

Around Lac des Plagnes Abondance

Average time: 45 minutes
Number of kilometers: 1.8km
Level of difficulty: very easy

One of the region’s must-do autumn walks. Lac des Plagnes is the largest lake in the Vallée d’Abondance. Easy to access by car, with a parking lot nearby, the tour of Lac des Plagnes can be completed quickly on foot and is suitable for all walkers (and even dogs) thanks to its fairly wide path.

Itinerary Lac des Plagnes

Go down to the lakeside and continue along the dike, towards Chalets de Lens via the refuge des Tindérets. Turn left at the end of the dike, and you’ll see the sunny side of Mont de Grange, the highest point in the Abondance valley at 2,432 m, on your left.

Follow “Tour du lac” (wooden markers). Caution: it is not advisable to take the “sentier des pêcheurs” (fishermen’s path) right along the edge of the lake, which becomes quite difficult to access when the ground is wet. The tour ends with a descent to the lakeside just below the cottages. Cross several wooden footbridges to reach the dike, planted with larch and birch trees.

A walk in the Bois de la Corne Thollon-Les-Mémises

Average time: 1h30
Number of kilometers: maximum 7.1km
Level of difficulty: easy

Take to the skies and cross the wooded paths to discover a small clearing at the foot of the Mémises and a beautiful view of Lake Geneva. A lovely autumn walk to share with the whole family!

Itinerary

From the tourist office, take the path under the gondola, then turn right for Bois de la Corne. Return via Chez les Vesin or the same path.

The black lake Saint-Paul-En-Chablais

Average time: 10 minutes
Number of kilometers: 800m
Level of difficulty: easy

Ready to feast your eyes? Nestled in a green setting, Lac Noir offers a magnificent spectacle: the Dent d’Oche in Bernex and the autumn colors reflected on the water.

Itinerary

Park in the La Beunaz parking lot. Leave the parking lot and take the path opposite. Follow the “Lac noir” sign.

Arvouin pass and lake La Chapelle d'Abondance

Average time: 30 minutes to 1h15
Number of kilometers: 3.4 to 6.6km
Level of difficulty: moderate

An easy hike suitable for all walkers, with the Lac d’Arvouin surrounded by mountains as the reward. A more moderate hike if you want to reach the Lac d’Arvouin pass and admire the peaks of La Chapelle d’Abondance.
Near Lac d’Arvouin, the mountain pasture of the same name is home to herds of Abondance cows, which supply the milk for the local cheese.

Itinerary

Park at the “Sevan Devant” parking lot. Follow the signs to “Lac d’Arvouin”. Return by the same route. The hike is accessible from May to the end of October (weather permitting).

Le Belvédère du Hucel Thollon-Les-Mémises

Average time: 15 minutes
Number of kilometers: 900m
Level of difficulty: difficult

Looking for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Geneva? This is the viewpoint for you! A 360-degree viewpoint between the lake and the mountains of Thollon-les-Mémises, at an altitude of 966m.
Le Hucel is also a prime site for observing bird migration in spring. No fewer than 15,000 birds of prey pass through the site every year.

Itinerary

300 m from the main town, at the hamlet of Le Nouy, follow the signs for “Le Hucel”. The observation point is located at the foot of a relay antenna, visible from afar, overlooking the hamlet. From the hamlet, it’s a ten-minute walk along a relatively difficult path.