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Doussard, Haute-Savoie: an alpine getaway in Rhône-Alpes

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Nestled in the heart of Haute-Savoie, Doussard captivates with its proximity to Lake Annecy and the majestic Alps. For nature enthusiasts, history buffs, or adventurers, Doussard offers something for everyone.

Begin your journey with an invigorating hike along the trail to the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve. This route immerses you in the diverse Savoyard region, where ducks and beavers thrive. Enjo...
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Walking around Doussard

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Embark on a hike in Doussard.
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Mountain bike itinerary: Le chemin du facteur
1.8 km

Mountain bike itinerary: Le chemin du facteur

An easy loop from one hamlet to another, to visit and discover local Bauges heritage. Landmarks to visit: communal oven and fountain in Marceau, Pont d'Arnand bridge, Giez church and golf course, Montmin canyon, Verthier hamlet. From the Doussard Beach carpark, cross D1508 road towards the sports complex; pass between the tennis courts to the bike path that you will take to Lathuile (les Marais), at the intersection with route du Bout du Lac. Turn left, and then head into the marshy area on the right-hand side. The trail rides along Ruisseau de la Bornette stream. When you exit the marsh, take another left, cross route du Bout du Lac, and then turn right onto a narrow paved road that ascends towards Marceau and that rides along Ruisseau de la Bornette stream. Visit the communal oven and fountain. When you leave the hamlet, turn right onto the 1st drivable road, and then take the GR96 trail to Arnand where a nice bridge allows you to cross the Ire River. Take the road heading downhill, and then turn right onto route des Côtes until you reach the intersection with Chemin de la Serraz, turn right here. Next, pass through the small Z.A. des Vernays business park. The path continues through the forest, slightly uphill, and then heads back downhill to Le Birdie hotel, in Giez. Turn left onto the road that descends towards the prairie, and then just after the driving range turn left onto a path called “Chemin des Planches à la Gare”, which leads to the bike path. Take the bike path to a place called “Sous les Murets”, where it intersects with Chemin Rural de Vesonne. Turn right to join up with Route de Vesonne, continue riding on D42 road, cross Nant de Montmin creek – a very popular spot for canyoning among local guides and whitewater enthusiasts – then turn left onto Chemin de la Forge, and then right onto chemin du Pré de l’Ile which descends to the small hamlet “le Villard”. Turn right, and take a path called Rochafaux, which rides along Nant de Montmin creek to Verthier hamlet. Take time to marvel at the washhouse, the old chapel, and Blain house… – Take Route du Vieux Pont, cross Route de Talloires and continue on Route de la Vieille Eglise – the entrance to the Bout du Lac d’Annecy Nature Reserve – until you reach D1508 road. Cross this main road at Pont Monnet bridge, then turn right on to the bike path towards Bout du Lac, ride to the tennis courts and cross back over D1508 road to your starting point.

2 h
19 km
Very easy
Route de la Plage Plage de Doussard 74210 Doussard
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Mountain bike itinerary:  La Favergie
1.8 km

Mountain bike itinerary: La Favergie

This route crosses the small streams (Bornette, Ire, Glière, Chaise…) that flow into the region’s major rivers (Rhône and Isère). Landmarks to visit: communal oven and fountain in Marceau, Giez golf course, Qoq ice house, artificial lake educational trail. Track n°1 - GREEN 21,5km D+/- : 110m From the Doussard Beach carpark, cross D1508 road towards the sports complex; pass between the tennis courts to the bike path that you will take to Lathuile (les Marais), and the intersection with route du Bout du Lac. Turn left, and then head into the marshy area on the right-hand side. The trail rides along Ruisseau de la Bornette stream. When you exit the marsh, take another left, cross route du Bout du Lac and then turn right onto a narrow paved road that ascends towards Marceau and that rides along Ruisseau de la Bornette stream. Visit the communal oven and fountain. When you leave the hamlet, turn right onto the 1st drivable road, and then take the GR96 trail to Arnand where a nice bridge allows you to cross the Ire river. Take the road heading downhill, and then turn right onto route des Côtes until you reach the intersection with Chemin de la Serraz, turn right here. Next, pass through the small Z.A. des Vernays business park. The path continues through the forest slightly uphill and then downhill to Giez golf course which you cross (Chemin de Rosaz). Take a short detour to visit the church and enjoy your first views of Mont Blanc. Turn left onto Route de Saint-Gingolph, continue riding straight on Route de Rovagny and then descend through the clearing to D142 road which will take you to the hamlet of Englannaz. Cross the hamlet until you reach D2508 road and then take the bridge that crosses over the Glière river; turn right to enter Parc des Pins, then ride alongside the stadium and protection wall. When you reach the “boulodrome” (petanque courts) turn left towards “centre ville” (town centre); take Rue Nicolas Blanc street and then Route du Thovey , stop to visit a recently restored “Glacière” (ice house) and an old Gallo-Roman site. Cross D182 road continue along route des Grandes Pièces and then follow the bike path; take the first right heading towards Cons-Sainte-Colombe and then the 1st left. Enter the forest; the trail will cross two clearings and then ride along the “Biel” stream before coming out onto D182 road. Turn left and then right, and then ride to the artificial lake ("Plan d'eau") in Marlens.

2 h
21 km
Very easy
Route de la Plage Plage de Doussard 74210 Doussard
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What to do in Doussard

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Explore the many bookable activities in Doussard and make the most of every moment.
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Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Bout du Lac d'Annecy
1.1 km

Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Bout du Lac d'Annecy

The Bout du Lac nature reserve is a rare, unspoilt area on the shores of Lake Annecy, inviting you to discover a protected natural area. The site is accessible to the mobility-impaired and hearing-impaired. The Bout du Lac nature reserve is a wetland area crossed by two rivers, the Eau Morte and the Ire, which feed Lake Annecy. This marshy area to the south of the lake is an exceptional habitat. Wet forests, reedbeds, wet meadows and alkaline peat bogs make up this ecosystem, offering a diversity that is conducive to the establishment of a large number of common, rare or sensitive animal and plant species. The site's major interest lies in the presence of the underwater herbarium, which supports the development of a fauna of invertebrates and fish, and also in the reed bed, which is a refuge for the common toad, a protected area for the European beaver and for the reptiles of Haute-Savoie. Breeding birds such as the reed bunting, spotted locustella and three warblers can be found in the higher parts of the reedbed. The bittern sometimes completes this list. Wintering birds (tufted duck, common pochard and ruddy duck) spend the cold season here in good conditions. Next on the list are the willow and alder thickets, the pedunculate oak woodlands, the arable and hay meadows and the gallery forests along the watercourses. The remarkable diversity of these biotopes supports a remarkable flora. Protected species include gentian pneumonanthe, snake's tongue, water ragwort, sweet-smelling orchid and Swiss woodruff.

Bout du Lac Route de la vieille Eglise 74210 Doussard
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La Chavane du Plan
3.6 km

La Chavane du Plan

Nestling amid green mountain pastures at 1,000 metres above sea level, the 200 year-old walls of La Chavane stand in the peaceful hamlet of Plan Montmin. Nearby, the Forclaz Pass offers an exceptional panoramic view over Lake Annecy. Catherine and Benoît are pleased to welcome you all year round in the Massif des Bornes-Aravis, not far from the Massif des Bauges, in an old mountain farm typical of the region. Four spacious and cosy rooms, each with private bathroom and separate toilet, can accommodate up to 3 people (one of them 4). A large common living room with a large work or game table and a cosy reading corner with numerous books and board games is available to guests. A table d'hôtes meal is occasionally possible for groups and on reservation. Only 5 minutes away, the Col de la Forclaz, a paragliding and hang-gliding paradise, also well known to cyclists and hikers, offers an unforgettable view of Lake Annecy. Mountain walks and hikes, canyoning, paragliding and hang-gliding from the Forclaz pass, swimming and water sports on Lake Annecy... The most beautiful outdoor activities are within easy reach of La Chavane du Plan. And when the snow is there, you can go snowshoeing from the house or try your hand at downhill skiing on the gentle slopes of the charming resort of Montmin at the foot of the Col de la Forclaz. Summer or winter, whether you are a fan of board sports, in the air, on the snow or on the water, an experienced cyclist, a mountain walker or simply in search of peace and quiet, La Chavane will seduce you.

1695 route de Plan Plan Montmin Montmin 74210 Talloires-Montmin
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IGN cards

3431OTR - LAC D'ANNECY RESISTANTE
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 25 RÉSISTANTE
Scale : 1:25 000
17.20€
3431OT - LAC D'ANNECY
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 25 ET SÉRIE BLEUE
Scale : 1:25 000
13.90€
TOP75032 - CHAINE DES ARAVIS - MASSIF DES BAUGES
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 75
Scale : 1:75 000
9.80€
VEL11 - LAC D'ANNECY ET LAC DU BOURGET A VELO
Editor : IGN
Collection : DECOUVERTE A VELO
Scale : 1:35 000
9.10€
TOP100D73 - SAVOIE CHAMBÉRY ALBERTVILLE PARC NATIONAL DE LA VANOISE PNR DU MASSIF DES BAUGES
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
TOP100D74 - HAUTE-SAVOIE ANNECY THONON-LES-BAINS MASSIF DU MONT BLANC CHAÎNE DES ARAVIS
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 100
Scale : 1:100 000
8.40€
202 JURA ALPES DU NORD
Editor : IGN
Collection : TOP 200
Scale : 1:200 000
6.80€
89026 - GRANDES TRAVERSÉES DU JURA - GTJ
Editor : IGN
Collection : DECOUVERTE DES CHEMINS
Scale : 1:105 000
9.10€
D38 ISÈRE
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES DÉPARTEMENTALES IGN
Scale : 1:150 000
5.90€
D01-69 AIN RHÔNE
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES DÉPARTEMENTALES IGN
Scale : 1:150 000
5.90€
NR14 AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES RECTO/VERSO MASSIF CENTRAL
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
NR15 AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES RECTO/VERSO MASSIF ALPIN
Editor : IGN
Collection : CARTES RÉGIONALES IGN
Scale : 1:250 000
6.80€
EUROPE
Editor : IGN
Collection : DÉCOUVERTE DES PAYS DU MONDE IGN
Scale : 1:2 500 000
7.00€
SUISSE
Editor : IGN
Collection : DÉCOUVERTE DES PAYS DU MONDE IGN
Scale : 1:303 000
7.00€

What to visit in Doussard

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Take a boat tour around Doussard.
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Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Bout du Lac d'Annecy
1.1 km

Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Bout du Lac d'Annecy

The Bout du Lac nature reserve is a rare, unspoilt area on the shores of Lake Annecy, inviting you to discover a protected natural area. The site is accessible to the mobility-impaired and hearing-impaired. The Bout du Lac nature reserve is a wetland area crossed by two rivers, the Eau Morte and the Ire, which feed Lake Annecy. This marshy area to the south of the lake is an exceptional habitat. Wet forests, reedbeds, wet meadows and alkaline peat bogs make up this ecosystem, offering a diversity that is conducive to the establishment of a large number of common, rare or sensitive animal and plant species. The site's major interest lies in the presence of the underwater herbarium, which supports the development of a fauna of invertebrates and fish, and also in the reed bed, which is a refuge for the common toad, a protected area for the European beaver and for the reptiles of Haute-Savoie. Breeding birds such as the reed bunting, spotted locustella and three warblers can be found in the higher parts of the reedbed. The bittern sometimes completes this list. Wintering birds (tufted duck, common pochard and ruddy duck) spend the cold season here in good conditions. Next on the list are the willow and alder thickets, the pedunculate oak woodlands, the arable and hay meadows and the gallery forests along the watercourses. The remarkable diversity of these biotopes supports a remarkable flora. Protected species include gentian pneumonanthe, snake's tongue, water ragwort, sweet-smelling orchid and Swiss woodruff.

Bout du Lac Route de la vieille Eglise 74210 Doussard
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Where to eat in Doussard

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The flavors of Doussard await you.
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Where to sleep in Doussard

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Find a comfortable stay in Doussard.
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La Chavane du Plan
3.6 km

La Chavane du Plan

Nestling amid green mountain pastures at 1,000 metres above sea level, the 200 year-old walls of La Chavane stand in the peaceful hamlet of Plan Montmin. Nearby, the Forclaz Pass offers an exceptional panoramic view over Lake Annecy. Catherine and Benoît are pleased to welcome you all year round in the Massif des Bornes-Aravis, not far from the Massif des Bauges, in an old mountain farm typical of the region. Four spacious and cosy rooms, each with private bathroom and separate toilet, can accommodate up to 3 people (one of them 4). A large common living room with a large work or game table and a cosy reading corner with numerous books and board games is available to guests. A table d'hôtes meal is occasionally possible for groups and on reservation. Only 5 minutes away, the Col de la Forclaz, a paragliding and hang-gliding paradise, also well known to cyclists and hikers, offers an unforgettable view of Lake Annecy. Mountain walks and hikes, canyoning, paragliding and hang-gliding from the Forclaz pass, swimming and water sports on Lake Annecy... The most beautiful outdoor activities are within easy reach of La Chavane du Plan. And when the snow is there, you can go snowshoeing from the house or try your hand at downhill skiing on the gentle slopes of the charming resort of Montmin at the foot of the Col de la Forclaz. Summer or winter, whether you are a fan of board sports, in the air, on the snow or on the water, an experienced cyclist, a mountain walker or simply in search of peace and quiet, La Chavane will seduce you.

1695 route de Plan Plan Montmin Montmin 74210 Talloires-Montmin
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾