Hike to Croix de Sainte-Catherine & Tour de Branchy

A few months ago, I went on a short hike to Vallon de Sainte-Catherine, a small hill on the west flank of Semnoz, and walked a loop in Seynod after that.

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

I went by bike to the Zone Industrielle de Vovray, in the Seynod neighbourhood of Annecy. I started on the nearby forest path to the Vallon de Sainte-Catherine and soon reached the ruins of a former convent (Couvent de Sainte-Catherine) and the trail to Croix de Sainte-Catherine. There was a good view on the Pays de l’Albanais from the cross. Then I kept walking in the Vallon: The trail was very muddy so I walked instead in a glade for a while. At La Boverie, I found a trail to get down to Vieugy in the valley. Instead of looping back directly, I went on a walk in the area. I made a detour to have a look at the Tour de Branchy, a tower located near the road between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains. Then I passed Val Semnoz, a large shopping strip mall, on the way to Parc de la Maison de Malaz. Finally, I went back to the Zone Industrielle to pick up my bike.

Above, oil tanks in the Zone Industrielle.

Above, at the car park before the start of the forest trail.

Above, in the Vallon, at the place where the convent used to be.

Above, Croix de Sainte-Catherine.

Above, view on Pays de l’Albanais.

Above, Montagne de la Mandallaz.

Above, Val Semnoz and Parc de la Maison de Malaz.

Above, Tour de Branchy is visible in the background.

Above, La Boverie.

Above, the path goes up for a little bit above the ruin.

Above, I lost the trail at some point but I kept on the ridge until I found the path again.

Above, on the way down to Vieugy.

Above, out of the forest in Vieugy.

Above, Semnoz.

Above, old Eglise Saint-Martin de Vieugy.

Above, new church.

Above, Mont Veyrier and Parmelan.

Above, near a horse riding school and stables.

Above, Tour de Branchy.

Above, road to Aix-les-Bains.

Above, on the way to Val Semnoz.

Above, more horses.

Above, La Grande Mouette at a round-about.

Above, in Val Semnoz.

Above, Parc de la Maison de Malaz.

Above, Basilique de la Visitation.

Above, back at the Zone Industrielle.

Above, lake on the way home.