Nestled between Annecy, Albertville, Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry, the Bauges Regional Nature Park is characterised by high limestone peaks, traditional dairy farming and exceptional natural heritage. The well-preserved, picturesque area is the perfect place to spend superb days in the heart of nature. You hike from villages to mountain pastures and along beautiful paths to the summits of incredible mountains. A GR Route, the Tour des Bauges opens the doors to this unique mountain massif. You can discover geological curiosities, unique flora and fauna and taste the famous tome des Bauges cheese directly where it’s produced. You might even spot a chamois goat.

I divided the route into five stages, starting from the village of Bellecombe-en-Bauges. This is the ‘classic’ starting point if you arrive from Annecy, but you can of course start the hike wherever you want. All stages end at a place where you can find accommodation. Make sure you book nights in a refuge in advance as they quickly fill up in some places. If you prefer to camp, you’ll be happy to know that bivvying is allowed through the Bauges Regional Nature Park, provided you pack up before 9 am. Campfires, however, are forbidden.

To reach the route, the car or bus are your best allies. If you come by car, there’s parking at the start of the route in Bellecombe-en-Bauges. The villages of Le Châtelard, Lescheraines and École are the only ones served by regular bus lines from Annecy, Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains. If you take the bus to École, you start your Tour des Bauges directly at stage 2. If you start in Lescheraines, you will have to walk about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) towards Arith to meet the route at the end of stage 5. For more information on how to get to the Bauges, see: lesbauges.com/itineraire-bauges.html.

Finally, as for any high-altitude hike, I recommend walking between the beginning of June and the end of September in order to avoid snow on the passes and summits. Some parts of the itinerary are suitable for nice winter walks, but then you’ll need to bring snowshoes.