From the Croix du Nivolet to Margériaz, the classic walks of the massif, for every level, all within an hour of our place.
Updated 28 October 2026
The Bauges massif lies between Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, Annecy and Albertville. It is a regional nature park and a UNESCO Global Geopark, with walks for every level, from an hour’s stroll to a full day along the ridges.
From the duplex garden in La Motte-Servolex, the massif fills the eastern skyline: a long limestone wall running from Mont Revard to the Dent du Nivolet. Its main trailheads are about 40 minutes’ drive away: the La Féclaz and Revard plateau for the Croix du Nivolet and the Revard viewpoint, and the heart of the massif for Margériaz. With children, the Revard and the Nivolet are the best way in; fit walkers will find long, steep routes further in.
The walking season usually runs from May to October, depending on how much snow lingers on the tops in spring. In winter, the plateau is for cross-country skis and snowshoes: see skiing and snow near Chambéry.
Chambéry’s landmark, visible from almost anywhere in town: a cross standing on the cliff edge at just over 1,500 m.
The massif’s other great balcony, facing the lake, and the ideal outing with small children or anyone who doesn’t walk far.
A proper mountain day in the heart of the massif: high pastures in summer, and a full circle of views from the summit at around 1,800 m.
The highest point in the Bauges, at just over 2,200 m. A long outing, steep in places, that needs careful planning and is not one to improvise with children.
Across the lake, a ridge with sections fitted with cables and ladders. Best avoided in wet weather.
The easiest route starts on the La Féclaz plateau. The path climbs through the forest, then follows the top of the cliff. The climb is moderate and fine for children who are used to walking. At the top, the view drops straight down to Chambéry and Lake Bourget, with the Chartreuse and the Belledonne range across the valley. Keep children close as you arrive: the cross sits right above a sheer drop.
A road runs up to the plateau. On a clear day you look down on Lake Bourget and Aix-les-Bains, more than 1,000 m below, and across to Mont Blanc. As early as the late 19th century, a rack railway carried spa guests up here from Aix. If you feel like walking further, waymarked trails link Le Revard and La Féclaz through the forests and meadows of the plateau, so you can make a loop as long or as short as you like.
In summer, the Margériaz ski runs give way to pasture. Walking up from the resort involves noticeably more ascent than the Nivolet. On the high ground, the karst landscape of the Bauges is everywhere: water has carved the limestone into slabs, cracks and sinkholes. Stay on the paths, as some of the fissures are deep.
In summer, the salt-water pool stays open until 8pm, long enough for a swim facing the cliffs you have just walked. At sunset the Nivolet and Revard cliffs often turn orange. Settle into a lounger: it is the best moment to pick out tomorrow’s route.
For a rest day, Lake Bourget is about 15 minutes away: see things to do at Lake Bourget. And on the way back down, farms and village dairies in the massif often sell their own Tome des Bauges: see Savoie food and markets.
In late October, the Nivolet cliffs turn red every evening across from the terrace and the Bauges forests are taking on their colours. Our ideas for making the most of these quieter days.
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Write to us before booking and tell us about your pet: we decide case by case.
We hire out e-bikes at €15 a day. Book them with your stay to be sure to get one.
Chambéry station is 15 minutes away by taxi or bus. Once here, a car is handier for the mountains; for the lake and the town, the e-bikes are enough.
A duplex for 4 with a garden and a salt-water pool, about 40 minutes from the trailheads. Pick your dates.
