Top 5 hikes in Saint Jean d’Aulps

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, in Haute-Savoie, Saint-Jean d'Aulps is a charming village filled with natural wonders. Known for its picturesque atmosphere and rich heritage, it also offers an exceptional playground for hiking enthusiasts.

Saint-Jean d'Aulps, with its ideal location between lakes and mountains, offers a variety of landscapes that delight hikers. Whether you choose trails through pine forests, paths winding along dramatic cliffs, or scenic routes leading to majestic peaks, this region offers something for everyone.

In this article, we take you on a journey to discover the five best hikes to do in Saint-Jean d'Aulps. Each route has been selected for its natural beauty, diversity of scenery, and its potential to offer an unforgettable hiking experience.

Pointe de Nantaux

Starting in the heart of the Vallée d’Aulps, the hike to the Pointe de Nantaux is undoubtedly one of the most impressive in the area. This moderately difficult loop stretches over 9 kilometers with an ascent of around 800 meters. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.

The trail leads you through beautiful pine forests, lush meadows, and steeper rocky sections before reaching the summit. Once at Pointe de Nantaux, at 2173 meters above sea level, you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Alps, including stunning views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, and the Giffre Valley.

Beyond its natural beauty, this hike around Saint-Jean d'Aulps is also a perfect place to observe local wildlife. It is common to spot chamois or marmots along the way.

Summer offers ideal conditions for this hike, with pleasant temperatures and easy access. However, experienced hikers looking for a magical winter landscape can also tackle it in colder months, provided they are well equipped.

Roc d'Enfer

For seasoned hikers looking for a challenge, the ascent of Roc d'Enfer is a top choice. This demanding hike is reserved for experienced mountain walkers. The loop covers nearly 14 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of 1100 meters and can be completed in one day, in about 7 to 8 hours.

The Roc d'Enfer, peaking at 2243 meters, lives up to its name. The trail is steep and technical, with some exposed sections that require good mountain experience. It is recommended to check weather conditions before departure and to bring proper equipment.

The reward is well worth the effort. The route passes through dense forests and flowery alpine meadows before reaching the rocky summit. The 360-degree panorama is magnificent, encompassing Mont Blanc, the Aravis range, Lake Geneva, and more.

This hike is particularly popular in summer when the weather is stable and the meadows are in bloom. Autumn is also a wonderful time to enjoy the forest’s brilliant colors.

Tour des Dents Blanches

The Tour des Dents Blanches is an exceptional multi-day hike near Saint-Jean d'Aulps that will delight nature lovers and fans of dramatic alpine scenery. More than just a hike, it’s a true mountain adventure spanning around 55 kilometers with a total ascent of 4000 meters.

The trail crosses areas of outstanding natural beauty, from flower-filled meadows to rugged ridges and dense spruce forests. The Dents Blanches, a striking mountain range, dominate the landscape and provide spectacular views throughout the route.

The itinerary can be divided into several stages, allowing hikers to spend the night in mountain refuges or guest lodges. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the quiet of the mountains after a day of hiking. The Tour des Dents Blanches is typically done between June and September, when weather conditions are favorable and trails are clear of snow.

Pointe de Chavache

Pointe de Chavache is another remarkable hike in Saint-Jean d'Aulps. Balancing physical challenge and natural beauty, it offers a rewarding experience for motivated hikers. With a 10-kilometer route and a 900-meter elevation gain, it’s considered moderate to difficult and can be completed in a single day.

The trail begins with a pleasant forest path, then climbs through alpine meadows and rocky sections to the summit at 2012 meters. From the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Chablais mountains, Lake Geneva, and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.

Along the way, you may spot marmots and chamois, while alpine flowers add bursts of color in summer. The best season for this hike is summer, but autumn also offers beautiful scenery with golden hues covering the valley.

Tour du Mont Ouzon

The Tour du Mont Ouzon is a beautiful hike in Saint-Jean d'Aulps that immerses you in the natural splendor of Haute-Savoie. This moderate route is accessible to most hikers and rewards them with impressive panoramic views.

The loop extends over about 12 kilometers with a 700-meter elevation gain. Plan for 5 to 6 hours to complete it. The trail passes through spruce forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the Chablais range, and Lake Geneva. From the summit at 1880 meters, the 360-degree view is simply unforgettable.

This hike is especially enjoyable in summer and autumn. In summer, the alpine flora is in full bloom, while in autumn, the forests are painted in warm, vivid colors.

Among the Portes du Soleil resorts, other routes also offer fantastic hikes. You can plan a day of hiking in Morzine, a hike in Les Gets, or an excursion around Avoriaz.

If you wish to buy a property in Saint-Jean d'Aulps and enjoy these breathtaking landscapes all year round, feel free to contact our real estate agency in Les Gets to discover our exclusive listings in the area.