Animals are a defining feature of the Annecy Mountains scenery. Let’s go and meet them!
© Dominique Beaufaron /
© Dominique Beaufaron Dominique shares his love of donkeys with you. You’ll get to know your fellow travellers before guiding them along the trails of Serraval or Manigod. 2 or 3 donkeys generally accompany 1 or 2 families to the bivouac site in Le Sappey or Le Cerny. Once there, everyone helps to set up the enclosure for the donkeys and we get settled. Weather- and mood-depending, we either pitch up tents or get ready to sleep out under the stars. In the evening, we all gather around the campfire and embrace nightfall… We listen to the sounds. We chat. We sing. We share legends about donkeys and… we let the magic begin! The next day, we continue on our way, with views over the Aravis mountains. We set off to meet the mountain stockbreeders and wildlife. In the mountain pastures, ibex and marmots live alongside the cows and donkeys! A truly one-of-a-kind family experience where donkeys provide opportunities for unforgettable encounters and discussions!
© Gaelle Dupuy Au Bois du Moulin 
© Gaelle Dupuy Au Bois du Moulin Le Bois du Moulin is a timeless haven of nature ideally located at the gateway to the Aravis mountains. Come and spend a night in one of this equestrian farm’s unusual accommodation options – a raised tent, gypsy caravan or tiny house – to take some time out and refocus on yourself. To extend your stay, Gaëlle, a qualified coach who loves horses, can organise thematic weekends for you. On the theme of wellness and personal development, the horse becomes your partner. Reflecting your mood, it has the gift of being able to bring out what needs working on and can help you get to know yourself better. An incredible and hugely rewarding experience: well worth trying!
Every year in May and June, Saveurs des Aravis, together with local producers, organises walks up to the mountain pastures deep within the Aravis mountains. A wonderful opportunity to spend the day with stockbreeders and their sheep, goats or cows in a traditional atmosphere abuzz with discussions, songs, dances and tasting sessions. Sign up here!
Various mountain stockbreeders look forward to welcoming you from June onwards. Come and meet Virginie and her goats at the Bouchasse mountain pasture for an insight into the secrets of how her delicious cheeses are made. An easy walk, great to do with children, from the top of the La Sambuy chairlift (which is open from 24/06/22). For hiking enthusiasts, head to the Eau Froide mountain pasture for an altitude change of 910 m. The jingling bells of Bernard’s goats will greet you on arrival. And you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with stunning views over Lake Annecy! Enjoy the scenery while having a drink and sampling the produce made and sold on-site.
For a truly insider’s view, head to the Freu mountain pasture at Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin! Listen to Guillaume as he tells you all about his day-to-day routine. Learn about life on the farm and milking the cows and goats. A dormitory and rooms are available to allow individuals, groups, couples or families to come and enjoy this outstanding environment right beside the animals.
The Aravis Équitation riding centre in La Clusaz organises one- to three-hour outings on horseback to take you along the mountain trails. From high up in your saddle, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over the Aravis mountains and surrounding peaks.
In the Bauges mountains, Les Cyclamens riding centre also organises outings for half a day or a whole day to explore the regional nature park on horseback. Horse lovers will also be able to take advantage of trekking and bivouacking trips to share authentic moments with their animals and the other riders!
