Immersive hiking and nature experience in the heart of the Aravis mountain range
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationLe Grand-Bornand / Aravis mountain range
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AgeFrom 12 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions65.23 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Welcome to the heart of an old mountain village for a unique hiking holiday. Staying in a traditional chalet dating from 1837, fully renovated and rated 3 stars , you will enjoy an ideal location at 1300m altitude to explore the peaks.
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, your guide Solenn will share her passion for these unspoiled mountain ranges. This dynamic trip invites you to contemplate breathtaking landscapes and observe the local wildlife : chamois, ibex, deer, and even the majestic bearded vulture.
The program perfectly combines a spirit of sharing with immersion in nature. You'll experience memorable moments such as breakfast at sunrise and an authentic fondue at altitude . The adventure intensifies during a multi-day trek with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge . Designed for your comfort, this trip includes a flexible full-board option (picnic lunch or dinner depending on the outings). Finally, a free day will allow you to relax, savor local cuisine, or visit Annecy, before returning to the comfort of your family-run guesthouse.
The highlights
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Guided hikes to discover local wildlife and magnificent peaks
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Traditional chalet dating from 1837, rated 3*, in the heart of an old mountain village at 1300m
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One night in a mountain refuge during a unique, fully-board hiking trip
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- On this trip, we take the time to have time, we forget about all the clocks.
- The number one objective is the notion of pleasure, not performance.
- If you're capable of day hikes (including breaks), the mountain elevation gain will be a breeze. Here, everyone climbs at their own pace.
- Keep in mind that even though we'll take our time and aren't here to set any records, these mountain outings aren't leisurely strolls but rather serious hikes (don't come with a "flower in your hand" if you've never walked before 😉). You don't need to be a top athlete, but you do need to be able to walk for several hours with breaks.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 517 m
- Average daily descent: 200 m
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 850 m
- Average daily descent: 323 m
Management
French
English
Hello! I'm Solenn, and I've been a mountain guide for over 10 years now. Living in the Aravis mountains, I know this region like the back of my hand! I'm passionate about my work because of the human connection and the opportunity to share experiences. I work with groups like a conductor, ensuring the adventure is tailored to everyone's expectations and needs. I look forward to meeting you.
Program
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Arrival and welcome drink
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrivals at the cottage will be from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.
A welcome drink accompanied by a briefing about your week by your guide will take place at 6:30 pm.
Around 8pm, your meal will be served at the gîte.
Day 1 -
Discovering the Aravis
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the mountain conditions of the day, your guide will be pleased to take you out for a half day or a full day.
A departure from the gîte with a return to your accommodation (picnic included during the hike).
No need to take the car to see the mountain wonders and all the different trails surrounding the cottage.
Day 2 -
2-day mountain trek
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 645 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Let's go for two superb days in the mountains! We're heading to a high-altitude refuge to allow you a total immersion in nature.
Day 3 -
Back to civilization
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a night in a mountain refuge, there is still a beautiful day of hiking ahead.
You will see, the local wildlife will be there with perhaps an encounter with an ibex, a marmot at the turn of a path or even the largest bird of the Alps, the bearded gyapete (because yes, we will be right in the middle of their habitats).
Day 4 -
Free day
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
With two large terraces, it's time to enjoy the deckchairs for some reading time in the sun or to go and enjoy the local market on Wednesday morning in Grand-Bornand.
A free day to relax, enjoy some time to go to a restaurant, visit Annecy or go to the beautiful village swimming pool?
Breakfast is the only thing included in the package that day. You are free to go shopping for food at the gîte or enjoy yourself otherwise.
Day 5 -
Sunrise in the mountains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Let's go for a sunrise in the mountains!
It is before dawn that you will leave to reach a magical spot at altitude.
A night departure, by the light of your headlamps in a simply magical atmosphere.
Breakfast will be provided up there. What could be better than a coffee/tea with a delicious breakfast at altitude while watching the sunrise... A truly unforgettable experience!
Day 6 -
Fauna and flora
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Passionate about wildlife, Solenn will be delighted to guide you to these hidden spots to observe nature. A final day trip with a half-day excursion including a picnic lunch.
Day 7 -
Departure and end of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Please leave all the sheets in one of the bathrooms. Enjoy your stay in our beautiful mountains!
Day 8
Note
The mountain imposes its rules: the indicated route is given as a guide only and may be modified at any time by your guide depending on weather conditions or the state of the trails, in order to guarantee the safety of all.
Meal organization at the gîte (community spirit):
For meals not included in the package, we favor a mountain-style and participatory approach . These are prepared together, in a rotating format of pairs or trios, by the participants.
- For example: If the midday picnic is provided by the organization, the evening meal will be prepared at the gîte by members of the group.
- Logistics: The cost of groceries for these shared meals will be divided equally by the number of participants.
With everyone's agreement, a WhatsApp group will be created before departure. This space will allow us to finalize the last organizational details, answer your questions, and of course, share the best photos and videos of this wonderful trip!
Accommodation
Welcome to the family chalet (a building listed by the architects of France)!
This one dates from 1837 and was completely renovated in 2024. Rated 3 stars (and we refused the 4th to stay within a reasonable price range), our cottage is renowned for its comfortable bedding, its view and its tranquility in front of the mountains.
Located at an altitude of 1300m in the historic center of the old village, its geographical location in the heart of the Aravis makes this place unique for all these starting points for walks.
During this trip, we'll have the opportunity to spend a day hiking and experience the atmosphere of a mountain refuge for a night. Authentic and pleasant, a place where life is good, after a good meal we'll head to a dormitory with single beds. Blankets will be provided by the refuge, but please remember to bring your sleeping bag liner.
Access
Arrivals are scheduled between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm at the gîte. A welcome drink will be offered at 6:30 pm, along with a briefing on the organization of your week by your guide.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the accommodation:
- Bus: In front of Annecy train station (bus station), take the Alpbus / Cars Région bus (Line Y62/Y63) to the Grand-Bornand Village bus station. From there, take the local shuttle (Skibus in winter/summer) which goes up to Chinaillon and get off at Vieux Village.
- Taxi / Private Hire Vehicle: Allow approximately 45 minutes for the journey from Annecy (estimated fare between €80 and €110 depending on the time and traffic conditions).
Price details
The price includes
- The hikes are led by Solenn, a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a traditional 3-star chalet
- The meals indicated in the program (for the organization of meals not included, these are organized in a mountain spirit with preparation in pairs (or trios) by the participants staying at the gîte)
- Accommodation in a mountain refuge for one night
- The sheets
The price does not include
- The journey to the place of stay
- Meals not included in the program (example: if a picnic lunch is provided, dinner at the gîte will be prepared by part of the group. The cost of groceries will then be shared equally among all participants)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Once the customer contact has been made by telephone with your guide, he or she will take care of sending you by email a technical sheet of the equipment for the stay in the gîte as well as for the two-day trek.
Clothing to bring
- Once the customer contact has been made by telephone with your guide, he or she will take care of sending you by email a technical sheet of the equipment for the stay in the gîte as well as for the two-day trek.
