The best walks and hikes around Planay
4.4
(52)
221
hikers
15
hikes
Hiking around Planay, located in the Savoie department of France, offers access to diverse alpine landscapes. The region is characterized by the French Alps, featuring dramatic peaks and high mountain passes. Hikers can explore a variety of terrains, from challenging mountain routes to more accessible valley trails. The area's natural setting provides panoramic mountain views and extensive grounds for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Planay
- The most popular hiking route is The Cistercian abbey of Fontenay — loop,…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
4.2
(11)
43
hikers
12.6km
03:28
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
3.3
(4)
9
hikers
4.01km
01:08
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.7
(3)
13
hikers
7.65km
02:07
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
11.0km
03:05
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The Abbaye de Fontenay is worth a visit, a beautiful old abbey in lovely grounds.
0
0
The Abbey of Fontenay, like all monasteries and places of worship, was, of course, founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding significance, it has also been honored with the title of "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. The German-language television series "Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites around the world in quarter-hour segments. One episode also deals with this abbey, and the website reads: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monastic ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls its followers to return to early Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks establish their first monastery, "Citeaux," after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The order grows rapidly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread throughout France, even to Germany. The Fontenay Abbey is also founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
3
1
The Abbey of Fontenay was, like all monasteries and places of worship, of course founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding importance, it has also been "ennobled" by UNESCO with the title of "World Cultural Heritage". The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites all over the world in quarter-hour contributions. One episode also deals with this abbey, on the website you can read: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monks' ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls on its followers to return to original Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks found their first monastery "Citeaux", after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The religious order grows quickly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread across France and into Germany. The Fontenay monastery was founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link: => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
5
0
The world heritage monastery is worth a visit. However, there is an entrance fee.
3
0
A world heritage abbey from the 12th century. Its territory extends over 1200 ha. The Abbey is decorated with a landscaped park classified in 2004 as a “Remarkable Garden” by the National Council of Parks and Gardens. You can book tickets in advance to visit this place on this site: https://www.abbayedefontenay.com the price starts from 9 euros.
2
0
During a tour of the Fontenay Abbey you will also come to the smithy. Here you can see how the monks used to work iron.
0
0
Iron was already being processed here around 1200
0
0
Founded by Saint Bernard in 1118, Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. The Romanesque architecture gives a remarkable homogeneity to the 12th-century buildings that have remained intact after more than eight centuries of history. The visitor discovers successively the church, the cloister, the monks' dormitory, the chapter house, the scriptorium and the great forge. After visiting the monastery, garden lovers can freely stroll through the two-hectare park and admire the new landscaped garden with numerous species of plants and shrubs. Fontenay Abbey is now privately owned and was one of the first French sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. The former monastery is located in a listed and fully preserved valley. The hiking trails invite you to numerous walks through the beech and ash forest. Admission is currently 11 euros, but it's worth it ;-)
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Planay?
There are over 15 hiking routes around Planay, offering a variety of experiences. The komoot community has recorded 17 different trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to more moderate challenges.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Planay?
Hikes near Planay are characterized by diverse alpine landscapes. You'll encounter dramatic peaks, high mountain passes, and scenic valleys. The terrain varies from well-maintained paths to more rugged mountain routes, providing panoramic views of the French Alps.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, Planay offers several easy trails. For instance, the Fontenay Abbey loop from Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay is an easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) route that takes about an hour to complete, leading through historical grounds.
Can I find challenging hikes with significant elevation around Planay?
While the provided routes are mostly easy to moderate, the region around Planay, being in the French Alps, is known for its challenging mountain routes and high mountain passes like Col de l'Iseran and Col de la Croix-de-Fer. These areas offer significant elevation gains and breathtaking views for experienced hikers.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the Planay area?
Yes, many routes around Planay are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is The Cistercian abbey of Fontenay — loop, which is 7.9 miles (12.6 km) long and explores historical landmarks.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while hiking near Planay?
The Planay area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the majestic French Alps, with distinctive peaks like the Aiguilles d'Arves. Nearby attractions include the historic Fontenay Abbey, the charming town of Montbard, and the Parc Buffon.
Are there family-friendly hiking options around Planay?
Yes, the region offers trails suitable for families. The easier routes, such as the Fontenay Abbey loop from Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, are generally well-suited for families looking for a pleasant walk without extreme difficulty.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Planay?
The best time for hiking in Planay is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the alpine trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. This period allows for full access to the diverse landscapes and offers comfortable hiking conditions.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Planay?
The trails in Planay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the French Alps, and the opportunities to explore both natural and historical sites.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the hiking trails in Planay?
Planay is located near charming villages like Bonneval-sur-Arc and Beaufort, which offer local amenities, including cafes and restaurants. Additionally, its proximity to popular resorts like Courchevel and Meribel means there are various services available within a short drive.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Planay?
While specific parking details for each trailhead are not always listed, most trailheads in the Planay region, especially those near villages or popular attractions like Fontenay Abbey, typically have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Are there specific considerations for winter hiking in Planay?
Winter hiking in Planay, given its alpine location, requires careful planning. Many trails may be covered in snow and ice, necessitating specialized equipment like snowshoes or crampons. Always check local weather and avalanche forecasts, and consider guided tours for safety during winter months.
Most popular attractions around Planay
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
