Walk suggestions
Le Bois Vidal
Aix-les-BainsJust a stone’s throw from Aix-les-Bains town centre, this wood boasts 2,150 metres of paths that invite you to explore the 15-hectare site and its facilities. You’ll enjoy the tranquillity that reigns here as you relax on a deckchair or sunbed, and admire the views over the town, the northern part of the lake and the Dent du Chat mountain from the panoramic lookout point. You can take the whole family with you, to take advantage of the play areas and picnic tables and enjoy some quality time together. Our four-legged friends are also welcome in this wood to enjoy the natural surroundings and perhaps meet other dog-walkers.
By the water
Start from the Grand Port in Aix-les-BainsDiscover the lake, its wildlife and vegetation along the lakeside path. Starting at the Grand Port of Aix-les-Bains, this walk will take you across the Vagabond park whose pond and wild vegetation offer shelter to the birds, frogs and insects present around the lake. You’ll then arrive at the Maison de la Roselière, which has become a bird sanctuary. Next, you’ll follow the footpath at the water’s edge towards the pontoons jutting out into the lake, in an unspoilt setting that will lead you to the Ardre Point in Brison-Saint-Innocent. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this walk and the path is closed off in the winter season in order to protect the birds.
Lakeside path
There’s no better way to make the most of the lake than by following this path built for walkers and cyclists. Alone or with the family, this shared route ensures you benefit fully from the site and the majestic scenery that unfurls before you. A great way to escape and enjoy the beaches and pontoons that you’ll find along the way. The 4-km path leading from Aix-les-Bains watersports centre, via the Lido beach in Tresserve to the outdoor activities centre of Les Mottets in Viviers-du-Lac, where another itinerary begins, can be picked up at any point along the way!
Outdoor activities centre
Les MottetsLocated at Viviers du Lac, the activities centre of Les Mottets has lots of solutions for families and groups of friends eager to take advantage of the site: two lakeside beaches, vast lawns with picnic tables and self-service barbecues for daytime or evening use, a small marina to moor your boat, a pond and an observatory from which you can study the European pond turtle! This freshwater species has been reintroduced into Lake Bourget. The site is easy to reach which means everyone can enjoy it and spend quality time together on this walk of about 2 km.
Gorges du Sierroz
Grésy-sur-AixAfter being closed for 40 years, these natural gorges at Grésy-sur-Aix were reopened in 2021, bearing witness to the region’s fascinating history. The site has been visited by many famous figures, such as Alphonse de Lamartine and Queen Hortense, and marked by tragedies such as the drowning of Baroness Adèle de Broc, a close friend of the Queen. Nowadays, the walk leads you through the gorges along walkways to see the rich vegetation and the waterfalls that tumble into the Sierroz river. The 1.8-km there-and-back trail is accessible to all and offers a chance to recharge your batteries amid a haven of greenery.
Château thomas II
Start from Bourget-du-LacThis walk starts at Bourget-du-Lac, from the Croix Verte car park or the beach, and takes you along a path that highlights the passage of time on its way to the ruins ofChâteau Thomas II and to the observatory of Les Aigrettes. In the interests of the preservation of nature and the lake wildlife, our region’s treasures, dogs and bicycles are not allowed on this route. This walk is about 1.2 km long and within the reach of anyone who is keen to enjoy the natural scenery of its marshes and wetlands.
Notre dame de l’étoile
On le Mont du ChatOn the Mont du Chat in Chapelle-du-Mont-du-Chat, this short walk takes you to some superb viewpoints overlooking the Lac du Bourget and the beautiful chapel of Notre Dame de l’Etoile. The chapel is very easy to reach, just an 800-metre there-and-back walk from the car park which is indicated just before you reach the panoramic viewpoint. There are seats and picnic tables here, as well as a toposcope that tells you more about the site. Between lake and mountains, this itinerary on the heights takes you exploring the wilder part of the lake.
The Fier birdwatching trail
MotzYou’ll take this trail from Motz, at the Fier sport and nature centre in the northernmost part of the region. It is ideal for children who will learn about migratory birds at the observatory but also at the information points. From the panoramic viewpoint at the far end of the site you’ll be able to admire the confluence of the rivers Fier and Rhône. This 2.5-km loop trail takes you to see the wildlife and also offers an opportunity to let off steam with features such as a skatepark and a skating track. In the summer season, you can swim in the lake as well.
The Albens
marshesThis walk in Albens starts at the cemetery car park, leads around the cemetery and then across the marshes in a peaceful wooded setting. There are also picnic tables where you can enjoy the natural surroundings of this little-known site. The basic trail is a 3-km there-and-back route, but can be extended to reach the river Deysse or even the Crosagny ponds!
For further details and more suggestions for family walks click here
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