5 Family Hikes Around Abondance

The Abondance valley is a true playground for families who love the mountains. With its waymarked trails, mountain lakes shimmering in turquoise hues and breathtaking panoramas, the Chablais massif offers some of the finest hiking routes in Haute-Savoie. Whether your children are very young or already seasoned walkers, here are five hikes from Abondance that will delight the whole family.

1. Lac de Tavaneuse from Prétairié

Start: Prétairié car park (Abondance, 10 min by car — follow signs for Prétairié, park at the end of the road) — Level: moderate — Duration: approx. 3 hrs — Out and back — Season: 1 June to 15 October

This is undoubtedly the most iconic hike in the area. From the Prétairié car park, the trail follows a path to a small bridge, then heads towards Lac de Tavaneuse via the Tavaneuse chalets. The lake, sitting at 1,806 metres like a mirror at the foot of the ridgeline, is one of the finest in the Chablais. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters make for an unforgettable discovery for children. The return follows the same route.

Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake — it is the perfect spot for a break. Dogs must be kept on a lead due to the presence of livestock. Waymarked PDIPR trail, beige signposts with green lettering.

2. The Chapel and Oratory Trail

Start: Lac des Plagnes car park (Abondance, less than 10 min by car) — Distance: approx. 6 km — Elevation gain: moderate — Duration: 2 hrs 30

This is one of the most charming trails in the valley. Starting from the Lac des Plagnes car park, it follows a shaded path along dry-stone walls and meadows, uncovering the rich religious heritage of the commune of Abondance. Within the first few steps, you encounter the Chapelle Sainte-Anne (built in 1671, dedicated to helping women conceive), then the Chapelle Saint-Guérin (1675, invoked for his healing powers), and finally the Chapelle Saint-Théodule (1646, protector of harvests and livestock) — three small chapels steeped in local popular history.

The route also passes the Oratoire des Trables before winding gently back down to the Lac des Plagnes for a well-earned rest by the water. A circuit that is both cultural and natural, ideal for families with curious children who will discover a mountain that is alive with stories.

Tip: Accessible year-round from the Lac des Plagnes car park. Perfect for a family half-day out.

3. Pointe d'Autigny and the Three Crosses

Start: Le Sauvage car park (Abondance) — Duration: half a day — Level: Moderate — Out and back — Season: 1 June to 15 October

One of the finest hikes in the Chablais massif, achievable in a half-day and open from 1 June to 15 October. To reach the start, leave Abondance in the direction of La Chapelle-d'Abondance, turn left towards the hamlet of Le Mont, then continue to the Le Sauvage car park at the end of the track.

The trail then crosses the alpine pastures of the Col de la Plagne, with Abondance cows roaming freely, before reaching the magnificent Chalets d'Autigny with their open views over the Ubine valley, Mont Chauffé and the Cornettes de Bise. From there, you continue to the Three Crosses and then to the Pointe d'Autigny summit at 1,808 metres, equipped with a viewing table. The panorama is one of the most generous in the valley: Lake Geneva to the north, Mont Blanc to the east, and the Chablais summits as far as the eye can see.

Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy the panorama at the summit. Dogs must be kept on a lead due to the presence of livestock. Waymarked PDIPR trail, beige signposts with green lettering.

4. Mont de Grange from the Abondance Valley

Start: Chapelle Saint-Théodule, lieu-dit Follebin (Abondance) — Distance: 10 km — Elevation gain: 1,159 m — Duration: 6 hrs 30 — Level: Difficult

A word of warning: this is not a gentle walk. This is a genuine mountain ascent, best reserved for families with fit teenagers who are experienced on long mountain days. From Abondance, take the direction of the Lac des Plagnes, then Follebin — a small car park is located just beyond the Chapelle Saint-Théodule. At 2,432 metres, Mont de Grange is the highest point in the Chablais and rewards the effort with an exceptional 360° panorama over the Northern Alps — the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc and the Vaudoise Alps. Lake Geneva appears to the north, and the Abondance valley stretches out below.

The route passes the Bailly and Jouly alpine chalets, then Lenlevay — where Abondance cows graze in summer — before joining the GR5 and the Coincon ridge towards the summit. The 3,000-hectare Natura 2000 nature reserve is home to red deer, chamois, mouflon, marmots, black grouse and golden eagles, best spotted early in the morning. The descent follows the same route — extra care is needed in wet conditions.

Tip: An early start is essential. Do not attempt this hike in stormy weather or if the forecast is uncertain. Bring warm layers, walking poles and plenty of food and water.

5. The Tour du Lac des Plagnes

Start: Lac des Plagnes car park, direction Charmy l'Adroit (Abondance) — Distance: 3 to 4 km depending on variant — Elevation gain: 20 m (upper variant: 88 m) — Duration: 35 min (upper variant: 50 min)

The most accessible walk in our selection, perfect for very young children or a leisurely end-of-day outing. The Lac des Plagnes, an artificial lake created on former marshland, is one of Abondance's hidden treasures. The full loop follows an almost flat trail, marked with wooden signposts, with no difficulty whatsoever for young walkers. The recommended season runs from June through to the first snowfall.

This peaceful lake, edged by meadows and a dense spruce forest, is a wonderful setting for discovering local wildlife and flora. In summer, the lakeside comes alive: fishing opens from May (brown trout and Arctic char), and refreshment stands operate in season. A charming little chapel, Sainte-Anne, is well worth a short detour along the way.

Tip: The upper variant gains some height and offers a lovely view of the lake from a series of small cascades — allow 50 minutes. Watch out for the wooden footbridge before the Chalet de Cabourre: the area can be slippery.

How to Prepare for Your Hike Around Abondance

The Chablais mountains are generous, but a little preparation goes a long way:

• Hiking boots for all routes (except the Lac des Plagnes loop)
• Water and snacks in good supply, especially for children
• Sun cream and a hat — the sun is strong at altitude
• Check the weather forecast before heading out, particularly for routes with significant elevation gain
• Ask the Abondance Tourist Office about trail conditions depending on the season

All five hikes are within a 20-minute drive from Hôtel Les Touristes. Our team will be delighted to recommend the best route for your family based on age and fitness level. And after all that fresh mountain air, nothing beats a good Savoyard meal together!

Happy hiking — see you soon in Abondance!

The Les Touristes Team

Planning a stay in Abondance to make the most of these trails? Book directly at Hôtel Les Touristes, right in the heart of the village.