Walking in the Haute Savoie: South

A guidebook of hikes in the beautiful Haute Savoie mountains of France. The 30 circular routes of between 7 and 20km are based around Annecy, La Clusaz, Grand Bornand, Plateau d-Assy, Samoëns, Sixt, Sallanches, Thônes, la Roche-sur-Foron. Graded from easy to difficult, they are suitable for most abilities, but a few have some exposed sections and need a head for heights. They are on well-waymarked trails which are easy to follow and less busy than the trails around Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

Visitors flock to the Chamonix area, but the Mont Blanc range is only part of the Haute Savoie. This whole area is one of outstanding natural beauty, with stunning views of high mountains as well as lower peaks to enjoy.

The guide is divided into 6 areas covering the Arve Valley, the Haut Giffre valley, the Chaîne des Aravis, Plateau de la Borne and Lake Annecy. Each walk has a summary of all you need to know before you set out (distance, time to hike, ascent, maximum altitude and instructions for accessing the start). A detailed route description is accompanied by a sketch map and stunning photographs. The book includes advice on getting there, accommodation and equipment, alongside information about local wildlife and Savoyard food and drink, and a glossary of useful French words.

A companion volume, Walking in Haute Savoie: North, is also available (ISBN: 9781852848101)

Janette Norton

Janette Norton lived in France, near Geneva, for over 30 years with her physicist husband, Alan, raising four children and working in the marketing field. Her love of mountain walking dated from the time she was a guide in her twenties, and the proximity of the Alps and Jura to her home inspired her to continue her passion. After her children grew up, she branched out to explore other areas of France.