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8.2 km
~2 hrs 52 min
740 m
Out and Back
“A steep forest surge onto Parmelan’s pale karst maze, rewarded with sweeping Annecy–Aravis panoramas.”
This is a short, steep loop that climbs quickly from the forested lower slopes into the limestone world of the Parmelan plateau—an area known for its stark rock pavement, sinkholes, and wide-open views over the Annecy basin and the Aravis range. At around 8 km (5.0 mi) with roughly 700 m (2,300 ft) of ascent, it’s “Difficult” mainly because the gradient is sustained, the footing becomes rocky and uneven near the top, and the plateau can feel disorienting in poor visibility.
Nearest major hub: Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France. Most hikers start from one of the common trailheads on the north side of Annecy, typically around Villaz / Nâves-Parmelan / Dingy-Saint-Clair depending on the exact loop variant.
If you share the lon/lat for your intended “Hike head,” I can pin it to the nearest named parking area, village stop, or landmark and tailor the directions precisely.
0.0–2.0 km (0.0–1.2 mi) | +350 m (+1,150 ft) approx.
The loop typically begins on a forest track or well-used path that wastes no time gaining height. Expect a steady climb through mixed woodland—beech and conifers are common here—with roots, damp soil, and occasional rock steps. In the morning or after rain, this lower section can be slick, especially where the trail has been polished by traffic.
2.0–3.5 km (1.2–2.2 mi) | +250 m (+820 ft) approx.
The gradient often steepens as you approach the limestone band. The path becomes rockier, and you’ll start seeing the first signs of the plateau geology: pale limestone blocks, small cavities, and broken pavement-like rock. This is where trekking poles can help with rhythm on the climb, but you’ll want hands free if the route uses any short scrambly steps.
3.5–4.5 km (2.2–2.8 mi) | +100 m (+330 ft) approx.
You top out onto the Parmelan plateau—a broad, pale limestone expanse. The “loop” portion usually traverses open ground with low alpine vegetation and scattered cairns/waymarks. In clear weather, navigation is straightforward; in fog, the plateau can become confusing because many faint paths braid across similar-looking rock.
The plateau is the defining feature of this hike. It’s a classic karst landscape: limestone dissolved by water over time, leaving fissures, grooves, sinkholes (dolines), and sharp-edged rock. This creates two practical concerns:
You’ll likely pass near a refuge/cabane area on or near the plateau (depending on the exact loop). These simple mountain shelters are common in the Haute-Savoie pre-Alps and can be a useful windbreak, but don’t assume services—carry what you need.
Surfaces
Unknown
Ground
Unpaved
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