Between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, stands an imposing green rock at over 650 m altitude: the Roc de Chère. Because of its singularity and its ecological and geological interest, this 68-hectare protected site belonging to the Bornes massif was classified a nature reserve in 1977. Would you like to discover it during your stay in Haute Savoie? Head for the Chère rock reserve, a 20-minute drive from the Annecy La Ravoire and Les Fontaines campsites.
Access to Chère rock
From the La Ravoire or Les Fontaines campsite, take the D1508 (south) to Doussard. Turn left through the village to reach the eastern shore of Lake Annecy (D909A) as far as Talloires. Continue towards Menthon-Saint-Bernard. After about 2 km, you’ll see a sign for “Golf du lac d’Annecy” on your left. Take this road (chemin d’Echarvines à Chère) and park in the parking lot on your right. Are you there yet? Strap on your hiking boots and start this short, child-friendly climb. Allow around 50 minutes for the outward journey and 40 minutes for the descent. The view of the mountain lake and the Alps is well worth the detour!
Recommended hiking route to Roc de Chère
At the parking lot, you’ll see a large information panel about the reserve and its ecosystems. You’ll see that there are several hiking trails. We recommend the belvedere circuit, marked in green.
You’ll soon enter the woods. Be sure to follow the signs at the crossroads. The path takes you to a breathtaking vantage point offering a beautiful panorama of the lake, the Tournette summit and the Château de Duingt. For the descent, follow the green circuit through the undergrowth to the same parking lot, skirting the Annecy golf course.
- Level: Easy
- Duration: 1h30
- Start: Roc de Chère parking lot (near the golf course)
- Loop circuit: yes
Good to know: The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked.
Ecosystems to discover
This natural site has the particularity of hosting five distinct zones, each with its own microclimate: limestone slopes, a marshy valley, a central plateau, a central depression and sandstone ridges. This variety explains why maples and boxwoods cohabit with rhododendrons in such a small area.
During your stay, don’t forget to take a paragliding or mountain-biking experience in the Massif des Bauges nature park, after your toes-in-the-water strolls along the shores of the lake!