Go hiking

in complete safety

Every weekend it’s the same old song.
Your newsfeed on social media is full of photos. Each one is even more impressive than the last. Photos of mountains, magnificent views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura. The amazing memories of hiking past lakes and across mountains with your friends.

Would you like to take photos like this too? And see these views with your own eyes? Feel the warm sun on your cheeks and the light breeze through your hair. And of course, that amazing feeling of pride when you reach the peak. Come on, admit it, it’s your dream!

So what are you waiting for, it’s time!

©Expérience de la sortie Full Moon Night proposée par le Bureau de Montagne du Salève|Alpcat Médias

1st step

Choose your itinerary

It’s your turn to set off along the footpaths through the great outdoors.

Of course, your first hiking outing might feel a bit overwhelming. You’re not sure where to go or what to take with you. You might be afraid of getting lost, hurting yourself, overestimating your ability.
Don’t worry! We are here to help.

The first thing to do is choose the itinerary that is perfectly suited to you.
Make your choice according to your level of ability, distance, duration and geographical area.

Lake Geneva, Mont-Blanc, Jura… In the Monts du Genevois, you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the best views. How lucky are you!

Choose your itinerary

2nd step

Be well prepared

Have you chosen your itinerary?
Now it’s time to get yourself prepared. Before going hiking, you need to be equipped with all the right gear. Here are some recommendations to make sure you don’t forget anything.

The most important thing is of course hiking boots. Don’t even think about wearing trainers! You’ll need shoes that support the ankle, are waterproof and with good grip to make sure you don’t slip.
Have you found the right shoes?

The next most important item is a backpack! It must be comfortable to carry and big enough for everything you’ll need for your day of hiking.

Here is a list of what you’ll need to put in it:

A water bottle
A cap and hat
Sun cream
Sunglasses
A waterproof jacket
A warm top
Cereal bars, dried fruit, sandwiches
A knife
A bin bag
A mobile telephone (charged)
A first aid kit
Walking sticks
A torch with batteries
Paper and a pen
Spare laces for your shoes

And of course, you must remember to bring a camera, to make sure your memories last a lifetime!

ot-monts-de-geneve-balade-saleve-alpcat-medias--34i6638-hd.jpg

One last thing to check before leaving: the weather forecast.

Depending on the weather conditions, the seasons, and the crowds, the condition of the footpaths could vary.

Whatever the season, it’s important to check the weather forecast before setting off into the mountains!

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST

3rd step

Respect nature

Classified Natura 2000 zone and decrees for the protection of biotopes… The Monts du Genevois and the rest of Haute-Savoie boast countless sensitive natural areas.
Some of them are found along the coastline, in the mountains, in wetlands or elsewhere, and all these areas are open to hikers but are protected by regulatory measures.
Before setting off hiking, make sure you are aware of these rules and guidelines.

consult the hiker's charter

VIEW THE MAP OF CLASSIFIED NATURA 2000 SITES

Arretes-prefectoraux-de-protection-de-biotope-en-Haute-Savoie

VIEW THE MAP OF BIOTOPE PROTECTION AREAS IN DEPARTMENT 74

Biotope protection areas

Le Petit Salève
Massif des Voirons
Versant Ouest du massif du Vuache
Marais de Grange Vigny et à la dame
Crêt du Puit et Teppes de la Repentance
Vignes des Pères
Bois de Vernaz et les Îles d’Arve
Biolay
La Feuillée
Marais de l’Etournel
Marais de Blésy

Here are some examples of restrictions in classified natural areas:

Do not pick plants or flowers
No not light fires
Do not camp
Dogs are forbidden, even if they are kept on a lead
Motor vehicles are forbidden

Contact the town in question or the Haute-Savoie regional office if you require any further information

Natura 2000

Massif du Salève
Massif des Voirons
Massif du Vuache
Etournel et défilé de l’Écluse

Here are some examples of restrictions in classified natural areas:

Do not pick plants or flowers
No not light fires

Respect the protected areas

Stay on the marked footpaths

Respect private property, fields and Alpine pastures

Close fences and barriers behind you

Do not light fires

Keep dogs on a lead

Pick up your rubbish

Clean the soles of your shoes

Let flowers grow

Be discreet and leave animals in peace

Respect other users, these footpaths are to be shared with others

Mountain-bikers, respect the highway code in all places and in all circumstances

Be careful when crossing roads

4th step

Follow the markings

Have you informed someone that you are going hiking and of your chosen route? Perfect!

When you arrive, equipped with your map, start off on the right foot by pinpointing the departure point.
As you walk, make sure you identify and follow the markings.
Information panels, direction posts, stickers, and paint could all be used to indicate the route on posts, rocks, trees or walls.

To ensure coherence throughout the area, the markings and signposts have to respect an official charter.
This charter guarantees the quality of materials used, respect of the environment around the footpaths, the durability of materials used and the colours.

ot-monts-de-geneve-balade-saleve-alpcat-medias--34i5883-ld.jpg

ot-monts-de-geneve-balade-saleve-alpcat-medias--34i5554-hd.jpg

5th step

Enjoy the view

You’re ready. The great open spaces await!
Don’t forget to take photos along the way. Share your photos with us on social networks using the hashtag #Montsdegeneve !
But above all, enjoy the peace-and-quiet and calm atmosphere of this natural environment.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled to make sure you don’t miss anything in this magnificent place!

ot-monts-de-geneve-balade-saleve-alpcat-medias--34i5783-hd.jpg

#montsdugenevois

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #montsdegeneve

L'hiver arrive au Salève ! 👉 contact@lesmarchesdelacroisette.fr 📲 04 50 95 99 34 📸 #lesmarchesdelacroisette #montsaleve #saleve #lacroisette #food #hautesavoie #localfood #qualitytime #faitmaison #montsdegeneve #savoyard #gourmand #restaurant

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #montsdugenevois

𝗨𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮̀ 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗲 🤩 Reconnaissez-vous ce point de vue ? Félicitations et merci à @agylus_dorgon qui nous a partagé cette très jolie photo 😊

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #cruseilles

© Pocpicture #photo #photography #nature #landscape #lumix #tz200 #lumixtz200 #vintage #france #picoftheday #pocpicture #cruseilles #hautesavoie #annecy #parmelan #hikingadventures #hiking #autumn #montainsview #montains #mountains #landscape

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #montsdugenevois

𝗡𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲 𝟮𝟬 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗲, 𝗰'𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲́𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗹'𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 😊 C'est l'occasion de vous poser la question : quel est le plus beau souvenir d'enfance que vous gardez en tête ? 🥰 📸 Photo : ©Alpcat Médias

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #montsdugenevois

𝗟𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝘃𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮̀ 𝟯𝟲𝟬° 👀 Selon la légende, il semblerait que le massif des Voirons tienne son nom du panorama qu'il offre sur ses alentours. "Voir rond" et "Voirons", vous avez saisi la nuance ? 😉 📸 Photo : ©Jeudi15 Films

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #montsdugenevois

𝗠-𝟭 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗲̈𝗹 🥳 Dans tout juste un mois, Noël sera là... on attend avec impatience cette période de fête et vous ? En attendant les fêtes de fin d'année, on vous propose de découvrir ou redécouvrir le Grand Parc de Noël à Andilly : idéal pour se mettre déjà dans l'ambiance 🎄 📸 Photo : ©OT Monts du Genevois - A. Modylevskaia

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #saleve

Le Salève par Collonges... #saleve #collongessoussaleve #croisette #coldelacroisette #automne #brouillard #épingleàcheveux #hairpin #putaincestdur #pourcentage #dji #mini4pro #drone #dronephotography photography montsdugenevois epiccols conquerthecols colscyclisme djiglobal

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #saleve

Sea of clouds... a common thing in November over Geneva… Some people live in the clouds 😉 #geneva #montdugenevois #clouds #saleve #hautesavoie #landscapephotography #landscape

View on Instagram

a few seconds ago

Instagram #montsdugenevois

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘇-𝘃𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮̂𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 ? 🤔 Ce patrimoine architectural abrite aujourd'hui le Manoir des Livres : une bibliothèque patrimoniale dédiée à la mise en valeur des livres d’artiste. @archipelbutor 📸 Photo : @celineducrettet