The Annecy Mountains are home to a rich variety of plant life that's waiting to be discovered in the Bauges, Bornes and Aravis regions.
© Thonescdv /
© Lionel Scaturro Above Lake Annecy, in the heart of the Bauges or Aravis mountains, you’ll discover a whole wealth of protected plant life. In the forest, across the pastures and among the rocks, you’ll learn to recognise these wild plants, just for the pleasure or to put them to good use in delicious dishes, syrups, oils, balms, soaps and other products. All great reasons to go on a nature walk and return to your roots, in the company of our passionate plant specialists, gatherers and herbalists who will unveil all of nature’s best-kept secrets.
© LA Selle 
© OT Thonescdv The mountain guides of Saint-Jean-de-Sixt or Grand-Bornand propose half-day nature walks on the theme of mountain flora. For even deeper insight, you can also follow a 2-day course in Manigod or even a whole week at the Auberge Nordique du Grand-Bornand. Perfect for satisfying your enthusiasm as you learn to identify, harvest and use these plants that can do you so much good, nature’s way!
Around Lake Annecy or in the Bauges Regional Nature Park, Lionel will serve you a cup of herbal tea with biscuits, both made with ingredients from the wild. The tone is set! You’ll then head off with your group in search of the region’s edible plants, but also learn to recognise toxic varieties in order to avoid confusion. On your return, you’ll use your harvest in various recipes that will differ from one season to another. An opportunity to try new flavours for your drinks and nibbles or more elaborate culinary creations.
If you want to take things further, opt for a whole weekend of life in the wild. You’ll learn to survive in the forest with the minimum of equipment, gathering edible wild plants for food, cooking with the most basic means, lighting a fire without matches or lighter, setting up a bivouac and so on. Here’s your chance to recharge your batteries, as close to nature as it gets!
For a few hours, a day or longer, Sabrina shares with you her passion for nature and her knowledge of wild plants. These courses will teach you how to recognise plants and their properties, and how to integrate them into your day-to-day life. For good health, in cooking, in cleaning products or for your bodycare routine, you’ll be able to create your own products from carefully-picked ingredients. Because gathering in the wild isn’t about harvesting just anything, anywhere and anyhow, Sandra will pass on her expertise to help you gain the confidence to do it all by yourself.
