10 nature walks with your family

You’ll need to get up early and keep quiet to stand a chance of spotting our little friends, the ibex – masters of the cliffs and icons of Alpine wildlife!

These majestic animals roam the rocky slopes, where they find shelter and food. Their proud bearing, curved horns and peaceful gaze make them a powerful symbol of the mountains.

Another option: the unmissable excursion with Alp’Evianature, ‘Animal Tracks and Traces’, which offers an easy hike to track another iconic mountain dweller: the chamois. A fun and educational activity, ideal for families keen to explore nature.
InThollon-les-Mémise, every Tuesday from 8 July to 26 August. €26 per adult.

Find out more at leman-mountains-explore.com or atyour local Tourist Information Centre.

An unforgettable first paragliding experience – it feels just like diving into a lake!

Take off at 1,600 metres fromthe top of the Thollon-les-Mémises cable car for a tandem flight with a qualified instructor. Did you know that Jean-Claude Bétemps, the inventor of paragliding, lives here?

Flights take place all year round, weather permitting – please enquire at the Tourist Information Office.

Find out more about Jean-Claude Bétemps, the inventor of paragliding

The calm, turquoise waters of Lake Geneva are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding.

For an even more magical experience, try ‘sunset paddle’, a paddle at sunset.

SUP hire at Evolution 2: from €12

Find out more about the Evolution 2 Water Sports Centre

The Dranse Delta Nature Reserve stretches right to the shores of Lake Geneva; a sensitive and unspoilt natural area.

Why not explore it at dusk, just as many animals emerge from their hiding places? An unusual and magical tour that will allow you to discover the reserve in a whole new light, accompanied by the park ranger.

Mondays and Thursdays in July from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm / in August from 8 pm to 10 pm.
The tour starts near Saint-Disdille beach. Suitable for children aged 6 and over.
From €12 per person (book at the Tourist Information Office).

Find out more about the Dranse Delta Nature Reserve

At the Genti’ânes farm, nine donkeys are waiting to take you and the whole family for a ride.

Set in unspoilt countryside, in an enchanting setting, you’ll set off with your donkey by your side on walks to explore the trails of the Chablais.

Departures from Thollon-les-Mémises.
€50 per donkey. Enquiries at the Tourist Information Office.

Find out more about the Genti’ânes farm

From March to May, many birds (black storks, buzzards, black kites, red kites, etc.) head for their breeding grounds in northern and eastern Europe.

You can spot these travellers with their wings spread wide from Le Hucel, in Thollon-les-Mémises .

Allow an hour’s walk from the Thollon-les-Mémises Tourist Information Centre.

Find out more about Le Hucel

Do you love plants and would you like to learn how to use them? Arnica, gentian and many other plants line the paths.

Cédric Cordonnier leads the nature walk.
Mondays in Thollon-les-Mémises and Thursdays in Abondance.
From €15 per person.

Find out more about Cédric Cordonnier

Hop on your mountain bike!
This 20-kilometre route is perfect for a bike ride. The route is easy, and the trail is suitable for everyone: families, keen cyclists, children, older people and pushchairs.

For the route: starting from Abondance, you’ll follow the River Dranse and pass through the hamlet of Richebourg. You’ll cycle past the centre of the village of La Chapelle-d’Abondance, where you can stop for a tasty bite to eat. You’ll continue along the river, below the village of Châtel, before reaching Le Linga and Tré-les-Pierres.

Find out more about the mountain bike route along the banks of the Dranse

Where can I hire a mountain bike?

A great activity to do with teenagers,to get them away from their screens and discover a real giant!

The Saix de Miolène via ferrata is a south-facing rock face. The route offers an exposed climb: rocky sections comprising a succession of ledges, dihedrals and overhangs.

Three sections: the ‘Cabri’, the ‘Chamois’ and the ‘Bouquetin’, which may or may not be tackled in succession. Numerous physically demanding sections, varying in difficulty in the second and third parts, should only be attempted by experienced via ferrata climbers or those under supervision.

Guided outings with a guide.
Equipment hire available in Abondance and La Chapelle.

Find out more about the via ferrata

When you go for a leisurely hike, you can discover the lake at its most natural: its shores, its banks (and its magnificent villas, which you wouldn’t otherwise see).

Set against a majestic backdrop, with Les Mémises, the Alps and the Jura mountains all in view.

Allow half a day or a full day for a guided trip and discover the unique delights of a hike on the water.

Hire your kayak from Evolution 2.

Find out more about kayak hire at Evolution 2