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. The Tour du Lac de Tavaneuse

Start: Chevenne car park (Abondance) — Distance: 8 km — Elevation gain: 450 m — Duration: 3 hrs

This is undoubtedly the most iconic hike in the area. From the starting point at the Chevenne car park, the trail climbs steadily through the Chablais alpine pastures before reaching Lac de Tavaneuse, sitting at 1,992 metres like a mirror at the foot of the ridgeline. This crystal-clear mountain lake is an unforgettable discovery for children, who will love paddling in its waters during summer.

The full loop around the lake offers a 360° panorama of the surrounding peaks, including the Dent d'Oche which proudly dominates the skyline. A route perfectly suited to families with children aged 6 and above.

Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake. On a clear day, the view over the Aravis range and the Mont Blanc massif is absolutely stunning.

2. The Chapel and Oratory Trail

Start: Chapelle Sainte-Anne (Abondance) — 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 Chapelle Sainte-Anne, it heads towards the Abondance alpine pastures along a shaded path lined with dry-stone walls and meadows. Along the way, you will come across several oratories and chapels — including Saint Joseph and Saint Théodule — that have marked this Savoyard mountain landscape for centuries.

The route then passes Notre-Dame de Lourdes, a stone oratory long cherished by local families, before winding gently 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 eager to discover a living, storied mountain.

Tip: This circuit starts right from the village of Abondance — no car needed. Perfect for a family half-day out.

3. The Pointe d'Autigny and the Three Crosses

Start: Le Sauvage (2,229 m) — Elevation gain: 579 m — Duration: 3 hrs 10 — Level: No difficulty

One of the finest hidden gems in the Chablais massif, accessible from May through to the first snowfall. From the car park at Le Sauvage, the trail winds through spruce forests and active grazing pastures — with Abondance cows roaming freely — before reaching the highpoint of the Pointe d'Autigny at 1,808 metres. The panorama that unfolds is one of the most generous in the valley: Lake Geneva to the north, Mont Blanc to the east, and the Chablais summits stretching as far as the eye can see.

What makes this route truly special is the presence of the three crosses at the summit — steeped in local folklore — and the tannes (natural caves carved into the rock) that children love to explore along the way. A hike that blends nature, views and curiosity, with no technical difficulty whatsoever.

Variants are available from Le Mont (5h35) or Ubine (1h45) to suit different family fitness levels.

Tip: Waymarked PDIPR trail, beige signposts with green lettering. In poor weather, the Chalets d'Autigny provide shelter halfway along the route.

4. Mont de Grange from the Abondance Valley

Start: Pré La Joux car park (La Chapelle-d'Abondance) — Distance: 10 km — Elevation gain: 1,159 m — Duration: 6 hrs 30 — Level: Difficult

A word of warning: this is not a stroll. This is a genuine mountain ascent, best suited to families with older teenagers who are fit and experienced on long mountain days. 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 Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc. Lake Geneva appears to the north, and the Abondance valley stretches out below.

The route crosses alpine meadows where red deer and mouflon graze freely (the Mont de Grange nature reserve is home to one of the largest deer populations in the French Alps), before climbing via a steep, demanding trail to the summit. The descent follows the same path — take extra care 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 for young walkers. The recommended season runs from June through to the first snowfall.

This peaceful lake, edged by meadows and 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. Sabrina and the 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.