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Hiking: On the Bacounis trail

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Meillerie
7.6 km
3h 40min
Medium

  • This route takes hikers in the footsteps of the famous Meillerie stones which were transported from Meillerie to Lausanne or Geneva on Savoy boats. The "bacounis" were the men whose profession was to load the boats.
    Departure at the pier of Meillerie.

  • Departing from the Meillerie landing stage, the Bacounis loop takes you on a journey of discovery through the history of the local quarry.

    In operation since the late 16th century, this quarry employed up to 450 workers to supply stone for buildings in Geneva and Lausanne.

    The quarry closed in 1939 with the arrival of concrete and the great strikes.

    Take time to visit the Prieuré de Meillerie, founded by canons of St. Augustine. Admire the Gothic chapel and the defensive tower, now...
    Departing from the Meillerie landing stage, the Bacounis loop takes you on a journey of discovery through the history of the local quarry.

    In operation since the late 16th century, this quarry employed up to 450 workers to supply stone for buildings in Geneva and Lausanne.

    The quarry closed in 1939 with the arrival of concrete and the great strikes.

    Take time to visit the Prieuré de Meillerie, founded by canons of St. Augustine. Admire the Gothic chapel and the defensive tower, now converted into a bell tower.

    Following the lake on the last stretch to Locum beach, this easy hike combines local history and lake views.

    Enjoy a dip in the lake on the way back!

    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panel and green writing.

    Tricky passages : This hike includes steep passages that require the utmost caution. It is therefore not recommended for people prone to vertigo. Be particularly vigilant in the presence of children.

    Map references : TOP 25 IGN N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil

    Hiking shoes are required. Forest paths can be muddy in wet weather. Due to steep slopes, hiking poles may be useful.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    1/ Departure from landing stage of Meillerie.
    2/ Take the direction of "Locum" by the Fauconnière. Then follow the direction of "Locum" at the successive intersections "Bois Coment", "Pierre Jean Jacques Rousseau", "Carrière des Etalins". Then follow the direction of "Pré Fournet" followed by "La Fauconnière", and its panorama, the "Rocher du Balairon" and to finish, the hamlet "les Plantés".
    3/ Go back down towards Locum, a small village on the edge of the lake. You will have to cross the D1005 (be careful) to reach the village. When you arrive at "Locum (Plage)", take the direction of Meillerie (Débarcadère) in order to return to your starting point via "la Tronche (Parking)".
  • Departure
    Meillerie
  • Difference in height
    478 m
  • Access (by car): From Evian-les-Bains, take the D1005 towards St-Gingolph. In Meillerie, turn left onto Quai Marin Jacquier to reach the Meillerie landing stage parking lot.
  • Plain text period
    All year round.
    Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand to find out the current access conditions.

    Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view
    • Mountain location
    • Close to pleasure port
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
  • Activities
    • Minimum age (in years) :  8
478 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 737 m
  • Minimum altitude : 378 m
  • Total positive elevation : 478 m
  • Total negative elevation : -478 m
  • Max positive elevation : 263 m
  • Min positive elevation : -160 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Picnic area
    • Car park
    • Parking nearby
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs allowed, on leash only (several passages and road crossings).
    • Restaurant
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