Randonner dans les Monts de GenèveRandonner dans les Monts de Genève
©Randonner dans les Monts de Genève|Alpcat Médias

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!

Balade au SalèveBalade au Salève
©Balade au 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 de Genève, you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the best views. How lucky are you!

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!

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!

3rd step

Respect nature

Classified Natura 2000 zone and decrees for the protection of biotopes… The Monts de Genève 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.

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

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

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.

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!

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