Hike from Sevrier to Quintal & Vieugy

In winter 2020, starting in Sevrier, I walked across the Semnoz to Quintal and Vieugy, visiting Croix du Chef-Lieu, Belvédère de Sainte-Catherine and Grottes de Quintal on the way.

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

In the early afternoon, I took a LIHSA bus (line 52 / 53) to Sevrier and got off near the church (Église Saint-Blaise). I found a steep trail in the Semnoz forest to Croix du Chef-Lieu, where I had already been, coming from Annecy. There was a great view on Lake Annecy and the Bornes mountains from there. I then walked across the mountain in order to reach Belvédère de Sainte-Catherine on the other side. It offered a great view on Pays de l’Albanais. I started on the way down to Quintal. Midway, I made a detour to the caverns of Grottes de Quintal. Once I reached Quintal, I visited the local church, Église Notre-Dame de la Visitation. Although it was getting late, I made a detour to the Chemin des Seigneurs then finally took a trail to Vieugy, where I waited for a local SIBRA bus back to Annecy.

Above, Église Saint-Blaise in Sevrier.

Above, Semnoz.

Above, Dents de Lanfon on the other side of the lake.

Above, trailhead.

Above, cliff of Roc de Chère.

Above, Croix du Chef-Lieu.

Above, Lake Annecy.

Above, Église Saint-Blaise below.

Above, La Tournette.

Above, Chapeau de Napoélon and Pyramide du Parmelan.

Above, Port de Sevrier.

Above, crossing  the Semnoz.

Above, UNESCO sign near the road to Crêt de Châtillon.

Above, Belvédère de Sainte-Catherine (Sur Bacon).

Above, Tête de la Mandallaz.

Above, Montagne des Princes.

Above, Pays de l’Albanais, with Le Vuache and Grand Crêt d’Eau in the background.

Above, on the way down to Quintal.

Above, Grottes de Quintal.

Above, second cavern.

Above, the village of Quintal.

Above, looking back at Semnoz.

Above, Église Notre-Dame de la Visitation.

Above, inside the church.

Above, small bell. The Paccard bell foundry (Fonderie Paccard) was born in Quintal at the end of the 18th century (and since moved to Annecy-le-Vieux and is now in Sevrier) and the tower of the church hosts the first bell ever crafted by Paccard.

Above, snow on the Semnoz.

Above, on Chemin des Seigneurs.

Above, Mont du Chat.

Above, Semnoz.

Above, on the way to Vieugy.

Above, Annecy.

Above, ford across Ruisseau des Trois Fontaines.

Above, another ford.

Above, after sunset.

Above, full moon.

Above, waiting for the bus in Vieugy.