Hike to Semnoz

The Semnoz is a mountain in the Bauges Massif that dominates the north-west side of Lake Annecy. It is also a popular ski resort during winter and the summit, Crêt de Chatillon, is easily accessible by road. In good weather, it offers great view on the Albanais, the other mountains in the Bauges Massif and even the Mont Blanc. Here is a description of the trail (Sentier des Gardes) that I followed.

Here is a map of the path I walked (download KML):

I went on a hike to Semnoz in July, starting in Saint-Jorioz at La Bergerie, a convent. I got to the trailhead by bike from Annecy then parked below the Bergerie before continuing on foot. The path is on the eastern flank of the mountain and is mostly in the forest. From the Chalet de Bénévent, it follows cross-country skiing tracks. I got a bit lost in the trails but I reached the Chalet Nordique at some point. There, I stopped to try out the summer luge track nearby and then some kind of downhill mountain bike. I then continued my hike, taking the path to Crêt de Chatillon, the summit of the Semnoz mountain. On the way down, I took a more direct path towards Chalet de Bénévent then followed the same trail as on the way up. To get back to Annecy, I took my bike on the Route du Col de Leschaux, which goes downhill until Sévrier and the lake, then used the Voie Verte.

Above, Semnoz seen from Annecy.

Above, La Bergerie. A nunnery apparently.

Above, Chalet de Bénévent.

Above, Chalet Nordique.

Above, summer luge track.

Above, downhill mountain bike track. There are bikes and helmets for rent.

Above, Pays de l’Albanais seen from the take off area for paragliders.

Above, Lac du Bourget.

Above, on the way to the summit.

Above, summit.

Above, looking towards the Bauges.

Above, La Tournette. The Mont Blanc could not be seen that day.

Above, Roc des Boeufs.

Above, looking towards Mont Trélod (in the clouds).

Above, on the way down.

Above, back at La Bergerie.

Above, Dents de Lanfon and Lanfonnet, on the Route du Col de Leschaux to Sévrier.

Above, church of Sévrier.

Above, Mont Veyrier.

Above, Montagne d’Entrevernes.

Above, back in Annecy.

Above, Basilique de la Visitation.