A word to all opacarophiles!* or those who love sunsets

The Champeillant Chapel (Féternes)

Just a few minutes’ walk away (accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs) from either of the two car parks (the upper one or the lower one). This spot is ideal for an ‘easy’ outing – requiring little effort but offering a wonderful visual reward.

From the Gavot plateau in Féternes, the chapel stands in an open setting, offering a 360° panorama taking in Lake Geneva, the Jura mountain range, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.

Imagine sitting in front of the chapel, the low sun skimming the horizon, the walls turning golden, the lake reflecting the colours of the sky. A peaceful moment not to be missed!

Our tip: arrive 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the glow of twilight, and bring a small blanket or a hot drink, as the air can turn chilly as soon as the sun goes down.

From the Mémises ridge (Thollon)

For a spectacular evening view , walk 5 km with a 786 m climb, or, for an easier option, take the cable car from Thollon-les-Mémises, head up to the ridge and then descend via the Bois de la Corne. The scenery is magnificent. You’ll look down on Lake Geneva from high up, with the light of the setting sun illuminating the ridges and the mirror-like water. The walk up to the ridge offers this natural ‘balcony’ overlooking the world.

Our tip: try to set off just before a cloudless day so that the evening light does justice to the view. And if you take the cable car, make sure you check the return timetable.

Mont Bénand (Bernex)

A very easy walk from the Creusaz car park(5.6 km and 184 m elevation gain), ideal for a leisurely outing.

Mont Bénand is set amongst alpine pastures and offers numerous views of the surrounding landscape: Lake Geneva, the Jura mountains, the Bernex valley, the Mémises…

At sunset, the mountain pastures take on a soft orange hue, tranquillity sets in, and it’s the perfect time to sit down and savour the changing light.

Our tip: take a pair of binoculars if you enjoy admiring the scenery – you’re in for a treat!

Le Hucel (Thollon)

Distance: 3.5 km, elevation gain ≈ 110 m.

A relatively short walk to witness a magical moment: the sunrise and, to top it all off, the chance to watch the birds migrate.

Le Hucel, situated at an altitude of 966 m, offers a 360° panoramic view of Lake Geneva. What’s more, it’s a prime spot for observing migratory birds of prey every spring: harriers, kites… over 15,000 birds use the pass formed by the Mémises to migrate.

In the early morning, the low-angled light bathes the lake and the valley in light, and the tranquillity is profound. Perfect for lovers of silence, nature and contemplative photography!

Our tip: set off early, bring a head torch for the climb in the dark, and wrap up warm. Don’t forget your binoculars or a camera if you’d like to spot the birds of prey.

Pointe de Pelluaz (Bernex)

Distance: 5.4 km, elevation gain ≈ 422 m.

In summer, the climb is steep but short. Your efforts are rewarded with a magnificent view, with Mont Blanc directly ahead.

At sunrise, the light strikes the high peaks and reveals the details of the alternating woodlands, meadows and mountain pastures. From this vantage point, the mountain, the sky and the valley all come to life together.

Our tip: we recommend setting off early in the morning to reach the summit just before the sun gets too high. Wear shoes with good grip, as the start can be steep. Take a coffee or tea with you to savour the vastness of the scenery.

Mont de Grange (Abondance)

Distance: 13 km, elevation gain ≈ 1,100 m.

A challenging but spectacular hike. The climb is hard work, but at the summit, the 360° view from the highest point in the Abondance valley is absolutely exceptional!

At sunrise, all is still and calm; the mountain pastures are slowly coming to life, the peaks take on a rosy glow, and the valley stretches out before your eyes… A truly mountain-like moment .

Our advice: set off very early, take plenty of water and a good, light breakfast, and bear in mind the return journey (the weather can change very quickly in the mountains). Also pack a windbreaker, as the air can be chilly at the summit.