The Annecy basin offers an outstanding playground for lovers of gentle walking. Between turquoise lakes, shaded forests and flower-filled alpine pastures, easy trails let you immerse yourself in nature without technical demands.
These routes usually involve less than 400 metres of elevation gain, well-maintained paths and a total duration of 1.5 to 3 hours at most. Perfect for a half-day outdoors, they suit families with children, less experienced walkers or anyone who simply wants to enjoy the mountain setting without a hard physical effort.
A true natural highlight and protected reserve, Roc de Chère offers an exceptional walk near Annecy between lake and woodland. This rocky promontory stretching out into the lake has a circular route of around 2 hours, with just 100 metres of elevation gain.
The path winds through a surprisingly Mediterranean forest at this altitude, before opening onto superb views of the lake and mountains. Reachable from Talloires or Menthon-Saint-Bernard, it is one of the most popular hikes thanks to its unbeatable effort-to-scenery ratio.
This short but striking hike leads to an impressive 60-metre waterfall. The well-kept trail follows the stream for around 1 hour return from the village of Angon.
With just 200 metres of elevation gain, this route is ideal for those who enjoy cool shade and unspoilt natural scenery. Bridges and boardwalks add a touch of adventure without any technical difficulty. In summer, the fresh air of the site makes it a welcome escape on hot days.
From Col de la Forclaz, several easy paths give access to panoramic views over the lake. The most accessible reaches the viewpoint in just 30 minutes, with very little elevation gain.
This spot offers one of the most photographed panoramas in the region: Lake Annecy in its full length, framed by mountains. Ideal for a contemplative outing at the end of the day, when the golden light enhances the landscape.
Near Annecy, Lac de Montriond offers a perfectly flat 2.5 km circular trail. This gentle walk follows the shores of the emerald-coloured lake in a peaceful forest setting.
Accessible to pushchairs and to people with reduced mobility on some sections, this route offers a full nature experience with no difficulty at all. Picnic areas along the way make it easy to linger a little longer.
This walk combines heritage and nature. The path that climbs gently up to the château offers splendid views over the lake. Allow 1.5 hours return from the village, with 150 metres of elevation gain.
The route crosses flower-filled meadows in spring and lets you admire the architecture of the medieval château. A cultural and scenic walk around Annecy that will appeal to all kinds of visitors.
Even for an easy hike, the right kit makes a big difference to comfort and safety:
Walking shoes with grippy soles (trainers may be enough on very easy trails)
Layers of clothing, as temperature changes with altitude and exposure
Enough water (at least 1 litre per person)
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
A small first-aid kit
A charged phone with emergency numbers saved
Easy hikes around Annecy are best from April to November. Spring brings green scenery and waterfalls swollen by snowmelt. Summer usually offers stable weather, but the trails can be busy, so early starts are best.
Autumn brings vivid colours and fewer visitors. In winter, some low-level trails remain walkable, but check conditions before setting off.
Easy trails are generally well marked with yellow waymarkers. Even so, it’s worth downloading a mapping app such as IGN Rando or Visorando to avoid any surprises.
Check the forecast before you leave: even on an easy trail, fog or a storm can quickly turn a pleasant walk into a tricky situation. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.
Easy hikes are a great way to build team spirit in a restorative natural setting. Unlike intense sports activities, they encourage conversation and create a relaxed atmosphere that suits all levels.
For a company looking to bring people together, combining a morning hike with lunch by the lake or an afternoon activity creates a memorable day out. The trails around Annecy are ideal for nature-based team-building formats, where shared effort and inspiring scenery help strengthen connections between colleagues.
Local professionals can organise the whole outing: route guidance suited to the group’s level, transport logistics, local catering and even extra activities to enrich the experience. A turnkey option that lets everyone enjoy the day without worrying about the planning.
Once you feel comfortable on easy trails, you may want to try more ambitious routes. The Annecy area offers a natural progression towards intermediate hikes, with well-known peaks such as Mont Veyrier or La Tournette.
Support from a professional guide helps you make that step safely. Learning how to read a map, manage effort at altitude and move efficiently on the mountain all comes gradually, opening the door to the Alpine outdoors.
For groups or companies, multi-day programmes allow people to progress step by step, from easy trails to panoramic summits, in a safe and supported group challenge.