Family trek : explore the wilderness of the Aravis massif
This family-friendly escapade to the heart of the mountain pastures winds its way through a landscape shaped by man and nature. Man has created traditional villages covered in "tavaillons" (slabs of oak or spruce used as roof tiles in the Middle Ages), as well as farmland known locally for its Reblochon cheese. Nature here is rich in wetlands, the work of glaciers and animal species. Chamois, ibex, marmots, golden eagles and the discreet bearded vultures are still very much present in this massif. Your guide will be happy to tell you all about this rich heritage and to share with you the wonders of the mountain. From the most emblematic sites (Plateau de Beauregard, Lac des Confins and Lac de Lessy) to other more secret ones. The route also takes in the village of La Clusaz and the authentic Chinaillon/Grand Bornand area. It's an adventure with a variety of landscapes and atmospheres, where you and your family can make the most of the local treasures.
You will like
A semi-itinerant tour adapted for families;
A hike with donkeys to motivate both young and older children;
Meet Sunday at 10:30am at the Beauregard cable car near the church in La Clusaz.
PLATEAU DE BEAUREGARD
Take the cable car up to 1644 m. A gentle start on the well-named Plateau de Beauregard, classified Natura 2000 mainly for its rich wetlands. Panoramic 360° views over the Thônes valleys, the Aravis mountains, the Bargy and Mont-Blanc. Three loops of varying difficulty to suit all tastes. Night in a hotel** in La Clusaz. 2 hour to 4 hour walk depending on the chosen itinerary / Elevation: +100m, 250m or 350m
Day 2
TÊTE DU DANAY WITH DONKEYS
Free shuttle bus to 'Lac des Confins'. Take a short tour of the lake at the foot of the famous 'Combes des Aravis', then climb to the 'Tête du Danay'. A sublime 360° panorama that allows you to admire the work of the glaciers. An easy descent along the ridge and then through a beautiful spruce forest to reach Les Confins.
Donkeys accompany us all the way. Faithful travelling companions, they carry our picnic, let themselves be brushed, led by the bridle or cuddled by the children. And to finish the day with a bit of thrill, why not take advantage of one of the giant zip lines at the Confins leisure area? Night in a hotel*** in La Clusaz. 4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +380 m / -850 m
Day 3
AIGUILLE VERTE MINI-TREK J1
At the foot of the Bargy, on the magnificent Samance mountain pastures, stroll through a protected area where ibex and bearded vultures are not uncommon and livestock farming is well established. The chalets at Cuillery offer a taste of bygone days and a chance to sample the valley's organic Reblochon cheese. The hike can be extended by heading up to Roc des Tours or Aiguille Verte. Magnificent views, particularly of Mont Blanc and Lac de Lessy. Finally, you reach the small Lessy refuge for a magnificent night in the mountains. Night in a refuge without luggage transfer. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +700m ; -200m
Day 4
AIGUILLE VERTE MINI-TREK J2
After an unforgettable night, you wake up at the foot of Lac de Lessy. It's an easy hike via the 'Col de la Forclaz' that will take you gently back to Chinaillon. There are several options for this day, including a stop at the Forclaz rocks before returning to your hotel. Night in a hotel***. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +/-530m
Day 5
MONT CHARVIN MINI-TREK J1
Transfer from your hotel to the small village of Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin for this second mini-trek. It's a beautiful climb that takes you through the forest and then the mountain pastures to Les Fontanettes (a pleasant mountain pasture chalet/refuge). Take a break here, before embarking on the final part of the climb to Aulp de Marlens (1660m). At 2.00 p.m. at the refuge, you can take part in a ‘discovery of the life of a mountain farmer’ activity (cost: €5 to €10/person, payable on site). Overnight in the refuge without luggage transfer. 3 hour walk / Elevation:+750m /- 50 m
Day 6
MONT CHARVIN MINI-TREK J2
The Col des Porthets (2072m) is your morning goal. It is dominated by Mont Charvin (the second highest peak in the Aravis range). A wild, alpine world awaits you. Take a welcome break at Lac du Mont Charvin before making your way through the beautiful mountain pastures to La Joux, where you will be picked up to take the shuttle bus back to La Clusaz. 4 hour walk / Elevation: +400m -900m
End point Friday at 4:00pm at the La Clusaz bus station.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available, the possibility of unknown factors affecting this itinerary is possible including situations beyond our control which may change the route, timings etc.
Personalised tour available, please ask...
The trip
LEVEL **
Elevation: +/- 750m average per day.
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours average per day.
Type of trek: Accessible to children aged 7 and over, with flexible, adaptable itineraries. Easy hikes of 6 to 10 km maximum per day.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: Level of difficulty
GUIDING
Your trip is organized in a group of 6 to 14 people under the responsibility of a guide. A qualified professional, he or she is the guarantor of the smooth running of the trip, the activities, the exploration of the environment...
As a thank you, it's common practice to tip your guide at the end of your hike. It's not obligatory, but greatly appreciated.
GET YOUR IMAGINATION WORKING
The Aravis mountains are particularly well-suited to exploring the Alpine environment:
- Typical mountain pastures, often still run by working shepherds or alpacists;
- Accessible summits and passes, with a mountain atmosphere that's perfect for exploits;
- Plenty of wildlife, which can be observed with binoculars or spyglasses, but which you can also look out for traces and signs of life;
- Wide views of the Alps, so you can talk geography or geology (if you feel like it!);
We've designed this programme with children in mind, but also with the pleasure you'll get from sharing this experience with them.
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights in family rooms for 2 to 4 people in a hotel** and *** ;
2 night in dormitory in refuge.
MEALS
Picnics are included comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products. Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
MAPS
IGN Top 25 - 3531 OT - Megève - Col des Aravis
IGN Top 25 - 3430 ET - La Clusaz - Le Grand Bornand
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet at 10.30am on Sunday at the Beauregard cable car near the church in La Clusaz, in hiking attire.
BY TRAIN
Depart from Paris-Gare de Lyon train station to Annecy. Several trains each day, from 3:40 to 4:20 hours ride. Then bus to La Clusaz.Return: Bus from La Clusaz to Annecy and train around 7pm to Paris Gare de Lyon (arrival around 11pm).
Times given are indicative and should be verified in a train station or on Oui.sncf
Consult timetables of bus 62 and 63 Annecy - La Clusaz - Le Grand-Bornand on the website Altibus.com
BY CAR
Take the A41 motorway, exit number 17 at Annecy Nord and follow Thônes and then La Clusaz. Or A40 to Bonneville (exit 16) and then La Clusaz. Free parking at La Clusaz train station.
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in crantées
A pair of plastic 'Croc' type shoes to play in the water.
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks. For children, a small backpack of 15 litres to carry a waterproof jacket and waterbottle.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 10kg per person. Your luggage is carried everyday by a driver and will be transported between accommodation. Luggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, think about their backs!
If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.
YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHT WITHOUT LUGGAGE
On nights 3 and 5, your luggage won't be delivered at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening.
You can gather your belongings in a waterproof bag (furnished) which will be transported by the donkeys.
6 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Refuge & hotel
Level ** 
From 845 €
