Two hikers follow an Alpine trail, surrounded by lush green landscapes and majestic mountains.
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Peaceful cows in the Aravis mountain pastures, under a blue sky that's perfect for getting away from it all.
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A peaceful lake surrounded by green mountains and sunny mountain pastures, an invitation to escape.
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A vast alpine landscape with majestic mountains and picturesque chalets in the heart of nature.
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A majestic trek in the Aravis mountains, with panoramic views of Alpine peaks and lush green valleys.
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A peaceful lake surrounded by flower-filled meadows and Alpine peaks, an invitation to mountain adventure.
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Reflections of the Aravis peaks in a peaceful lake surrounded by lush green meadows.
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Mountain hut nestled in a mountainous landscape, with majestic peaks and a vast green valley.
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Sheep grazing on Alpine rocks, with the majestic Aravis mountains in the background.
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hiker climbing a rocky path beneath the majestic Aravis mountains.
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A spectacular sunset over the Aravis mountains, an invitation to alpine adventure.
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Picturesque wooden Mountain hut in the heart of the Alps, surrounded by greenery and majestic mountains.
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Sunny alpine Mountain hut, hikers gathered around colourful tables, surrounded by lush green mountains.
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Breathtaking views of the Aravis mountains, lush green valleys and brilliant blue skies.
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Hikers on an Alpine trail, surrounded by the majestic scenery of the Aravis mountains. Adventure guaranteed!
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A hiker on an Alpine trail, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green landscapes.
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A hiker contemplating an Alpine chalet surrounded by majestic mountains and forests.
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A herd of chamois on a rocky slope, surrounded by magnificent Alpine mountains.
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A magnificent panorama of the Aravis, between majestic mountains and a peaceful lake surrounded by greenery.
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From a scenic mountain viewpoint, a hand holds Reblochon cheese and a knife, overlooking lush valleys and peaks.
1 / 0
Two hikers follow an Alpine trail, surrounded by lush green landscapes and majestic mountains.
Peaceful cows in the Aravis mountain pastures, under a blue sky that's perfect for getting away from it all.
A peaceful lake surrounded by green mountains and sunny mountain pastures, an invitation to escape.
A vast alpine landscape with majestic mountains and picturesque chalets in the heart of nature.
A majestic trek in the Aravis mountains, with panoramic views of Alpine peaks and lush green valleys.
A peaceful lake surrounded by flower-filled meadows and Alpine peaks, an invitation to mountain adventure.
Reflections of the Aravis peaks in a peaceful lake surrounded by lush green meadows.
Mountain hut nestled in a mountainous landscape, with majestic peaks and a vast green valley.
Sheep grazing on Alpine rocks, with the majestic Aravis mountains in the background.
hiker climbing a rocky path beneath the majestic Aravis mountains.
A spectacular sunset over the Aravis mountains, an invitation to alpine adventure.
Picturesque wooden Mountain hut in the heart of the Alps, surrounded by greenery and majestic mountains.
Sunny alpine Mountain hut, hikers gathered around colourful tables, surrounded by lush green mountains.
Breathtaking views of the Aravis mountains, lush green valleys and brilliant blue skies.
Hikers on an Alpine trail, surrounded by the majestic scenery of the Aravis mountains. Adventure guaranteed!
A hiker on an Alpine trail, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green landscapes.
A hiker contemplating an Alpine chalet surrounded by majestic mountains and forests.
A herd of chamois on a rocky slope, surrounded by magnificent Alpine mountains.
A magnificent panorama of the Aravis, between majestic mountains and a peaceful lake surrounded by greenery.
From a scenic mountain viewpoint, a hand holds Reblochon cheese and a knife, overlooking lush valleys and peaks.
From € 830 /pers.

Hiking

Trek the Aravis: from pastures to peaks

June to September
5 days| 4 nights
Level 3
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Climb the Aiguille Verte (2,048 m) and dominate the Aravis mountains, with views of Mont Blanc.
Cross the lapiaz of the Pointe Percée (2,750 m), the massif's limestone cathedral.
Dinner in a Mountain hut opposite Lac de Lessy, a high altitude mirror surrounded by wild ridges.
Explore the pastoral side of the Col de Doran, between lush green mountain pastures and steep rock faces.
Follow the tracks of the ibex on the crests of the Pointe d'Areu, with its breathtaking panorama over the Arve valley.
End your adventure in the hamlet of Les Confins, with its traditional chalets and farmhouse cheeses.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 / 5
Accommodation
Refuge
D-
280m
D+
750m
Distance
7.5 km

We meet at 10am in Le Grand-Bornand to get to know each other and check our equipment. A shuttle bus will take us to the old village of Chinaillon, with its traditional houses and chapel. The route then climbs up to the Culaz balconies, rich in flora, before descending slightly into the forest.


We then reach the Chalets de Mayse, the beating heart of local pastoralism. A second pass gives us a view of Lac de Lessy, on the shores of which is the Mountain hut where we will spend the night. Our first Savoyard dinner is well deserved!

DAY 2 / 5
Accommodation
Refuge
D-
750m
D+
1100m
Distance
16 km

After a hearty breakfast, we skirt the lake before climbing the Aiguille Verte, the Bargy's iconic summit, offering a 360° view of the entire Aravis range. Crossing the Samance mountain pasture and the Maroli valley, we are immersed in pastoral life, with its herds and high-altitude farms.


Gradually, we approach the Pointe Percée, the highest point in the massif (2,750 m), discovering its characteristic lapiaz. We arrive at the Mountain hut Gramusset, the ideal spot for a blazing sunset.

DAY 3 / 5
Accommodation
Refuge
D-
1500m
D+
900m
Distance
15 km

We start the day descending towards the Col des Annes, before switching to the wilder side of Le Reposoir. Here, the atmosphere changes: we're at the north-eastern end of the Aravis mountains, less frequented and more rugged.


A number of summits come into view (Tête du Château, Pointe d'Areu, Tête de la Forclaz). As we gain height, we are treated to exceptional views of the Arve Valley and Mont Blanc. A long descent then takes us to the Mountain hut where we spend the night.

DAY 4 / 5
D-
1100m
D+
1200m
Accommodation
Refuge
Distance
13 km

Today we're exploring the other side of the Aravis mountains. The ascent through the Dière valley takes us to the Col de Doran, guided by the Pointe Percée and the Quatre Têtes. From here, the contrast is striking: a green, pastoral plateau rises up from the rocky landscape.


Shepherds and their flocks bear witness to mountain life. The rest of the route takes us through more technical areas: narrow passes, scree slopes, ibex in the rocks. A long descent takes us to our last Mountain hut, where the friendly atmosphere brings our itinerary to a fitting end.

DAY 5 / 5
D-
1000m
D+
500m
Distance
14 km

The last stage of our journey. We cross the historic border between Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, marked by a symbolic rock. The descent takes us to the hamlet of Les Confins, a landmark in the valley.


On the way, stop off at some farms to buy some local cheeses, including the famous Reblochon. Arrival at La Clusaz, the end of the tour. A shuttle bus will take you back to Annecy or Le Grand-Bornand.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Béatrice - International mountain leader (IML)

Béatrice

International mountain leader (IML)

DutchDutch
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Born in Belgium but made for the mountains! For as long as I can remember, I've loved playing outdoors, walking along paths and observing the natural world around us. After a first professional life in the art world, I went travelling, mainly on foot. Back in Europe, I wanted to make this passion my profession and, above all, to share it. I'm keen to pass on my knowledge of the mountain environment and to help others develop their hiking skills. Now settled in the Aravis, I can't wait to help you discover the secrets of this small limestone massif, which is full of surprises!


Find out more about Béatrice

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: Throughout your stay, you will be guided by an experienced mountain leader.
Accommodation: Each night, you will sleep in a comfortable refuge, in a shared room with single or double beds, depending on the composition of the group.
Meals: All meals are included, from dinner on the first evening to the picnic on the last day.
The shuttle: Transport between the train station and the starting point, as well as the return shuttle at the end of the trip, are handled by the guide.

Not included

Return transport to the station or to the meeting point if you arrive directly.
Personal expenses, including drinks in some Mountain huts.
Picnic on day 1 and evening meal on day 5.
Everything not included in the "what's included" section.

What level should you expect

Level 3
You should be at least 16 years old to participate
  • You already have experience of mountain walking and want to take it to the next level with a more challenging route.
  • You're capable of walking 7 to 8 hours a day, with 1000 to 1200 m of ascent, over varied terrain.
  • You're ready to carry your rucksack in complete autonomy for 5 days, with everything you need for the adventure.
  • You're not afraid of heights and you're comfortable with technical or aerial passages.
  • You're looking for real alpine immersion, with nights in a refuge in the heart of the Aravis mountains, away from the crowds and as close as possible to the essentials.

Getting there

Start: Le Grand-Bornand (10h00)
End: La Clusaz (16h00)

Transport

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It is possible to take a train to the bus station at Le Grand-Bornand.


  • Departure station > Annecy


From there, you can take the Y62 bus between Annecy station and Le Grand-Bornand.


  • Bus > Le Grand-Bornand (1h15 min)


On the last day, a free shuttle will take you from the arrival point in La Clusaz to Le Grand-Bornand. If it is not yet running at this time, the trip will cost you only € 1.60. You can also choose to return by train directly from La Clusaz.


Plan your journey (carpooling, train, etc.) in the most economical and environmentally-friendly way with Tictactrip.

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You can get to Le Grand-Bornand by car, where you can park your car free of charge at the Grand-Bornand bus station.


On the last day, you can return from the arrival point in La Clusaz to the Grand-Bornand thanks to a free shuttle. If it does not yet circulate, the trip will cost you only 1.60 €.


If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before the start: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 474 97 09 38 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to carry my bag with all my equipment?

Yes, you'll be carrying your own rucksack, with all the equipment you need for 5 days of adventure (clothes, food, water, etc.).

What equipment should we take with us?

Once your enrolment has been confirmed, we'll send you a full list of the equipment you'll need. Throughout the expedition, you will be completely self-sufficient: you will need to pack everything you need in your rucksack.

Is there transport to get to the starting point?

Transport is organised between the Grand Bornand bus station and Le Chinaillon. Details will be sent to you before departure. On the last day, you can take a shuttle from the finishing point back to La Clusaz and then to Le Grand-Bornand.

What level of hiking is required?

This adventure is aimed at hikers with previous mountain experience who are ready for a more sporting challenge. If you're capable of walking 7 to 8 hours a day with 1000 to 1200 m of ascent, carrying a rucksack in complete autonomy for 5 days and tackling technical or aerial sections, this expedition is for you!

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:


  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.


Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.


What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or mountain expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

Oops! All dates are fully booked!

From € 830 /pers.

No worries! You can leave us your email, and we’ll make sure to contact you first when new dates become available.

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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