4.5
(1783)
22,118
hikers
220
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around La Mandallaz offer access to a diverse landscape characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, and significant geological features. This mountain, part of the Jura massif, provides varied terrain for exploration, including well-maintained paths and more rugged trails. Hikers can expect a mix of chestnut, oak, and pine forests, along with notable geological formations like the Sillingy Fault Mirror. The region's elevation reaches over 900 meters, providing panoramic views of the Annecy area and Lake Annecy.
…Last updated: May 18, 2026
5.0
(2)
31
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(3)
24
hikers
4.44km
01:28
210m
210m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(3)
14
hikers
15.5km
04:24
330m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
3.89km
01:09
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
11.7km
03:13
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very nice hike to do again
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Great view of Annecy and the lake
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Here lived free from May 12 to August 19, 1944 the maquisards of the secret army of the Megevant group, called "PAN PAN". A little history, even during a mountain bike outing, doesn't hurt!
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The Vuache Fault mirror is an easy to access but impressive site that is well worth a little detour!
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Head of Mandallaz and Sillingy fault mirror
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It’s beautiful… but not really passable by bike except mountain bike. It’s a gravel/stone path which, without big suitable tires, will make you skid.
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Mandallaz Mountain, also known as Mandallaz Mountain (pronounced Mandalle), or Balme Mountain, is a mountain in the Prealps located in the Haute-Savoie department (France). The word mandallaz comes from the Old French muer, which gave rise to the verbs "remer" and "mouvoir," and more specifically the noun remue. It thus refers to a small chalet located in an alpine pasture, and in Savoyard, muanda, with the diminutive suffix -allaz. The mountain is locally known as Balme Mountain or La Balme-de-Sillingy, from the name of the eponymous commune. In a transcript of a meeting of the Florimontane Academy (1912), a note states that "Mandallaz is wrongly called the mountain of Balme de Sillingy." It can also be called Mandallaz Mountain or simply La Mandallaz. The Mandallaz Mountains are a small pre-Alpine massif, eight kilometers long and three to four kilometers wide, located northwest of the Annecy basin. It extends through the communes of Annecy (formerly Pringy), Choisy, Cuvat, Épagny-Metz-Tessy, La Balme-de-Sillingy, Sillingy, and Allonzier-la-Caille. Its most prominent peak, the Tête de la Mandallaz, at the southern end of the mountain overlooking La Balme-de-Sillingy and Épagny-Metz-Tessy at an altitude of 900 meters, is not its highest point; the highest point is located in the center of the mountain at 923 meters. The Mandallaz offers panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, the Alps, the Montagne d'Âge, and the surrounding countryside.
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There are over 200 hiking trails around La Mandallaz that are accessible from bus stations. This includes a wide variety of routes suitable for different skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The trails around La Mandallaz offer diverse terrain, from dense forests featuring chestnut, oak, and pine trees to rolling hills. You can expect well-maintained paths and some more rugged sections. The region is known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, and the majestic Alps, especially from viewpoints like the Belvédère de la Tête de la Mandallaz.
The bus-accessible trails around La Mandallaz cater to all levels. You'll find over 90 easy routes, 115 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options. For example, the Tête de la Mandallaz – Sillingy Fault Mirror loop from Sillingy is a moderate trail exploring forest paths and geological features.
Yes, many routes are suitable for families. Trails with moderate ascents and descents, often through diverse forests, make for enjoyable outings. The View of Annecy and Lake Annecy loop from Les Burnets is a shorter, moderate option that offers scenic views without being too strenuous.
Many trails in the La Mandallaz area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock. The diverse forests provide plenty of shade and interesting scents for your pet.
Absolutely. Many of the trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same bus stop without retracing your steps. An example is the View of Annecy and Lake Annecy – Tête de la Mandallaz loop from Les Burnets, which offers panoramic views on a moderate path.
La Mandallaz is rich in natural and historical points of interest. You can discover geological features like the Sillingy Fault Mirror, explore caves such as the Grotte du Curé, or visit the Grotte du Maquis, which served as a shelter for resistance fighters during World War II. The summit of La Mandallaz also offers superb panoramic viewpoints.
La Mandallaz offers hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage in the diverse forests. Summer is popular for longer hikes, and even winter can be beautiful for snowshoeing or crisp walks, though some higher trails might require appropriate gear. Always check local conditions before heading out.
The komoot community highly rates the trails around La Mandallaz, with an average score of 4.49 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the Alps, the peaceful atmosphere of the dense forests, and the variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels. The geological and historical points of interest also add a unique dimension to the hiking experience.
Yes, there are numerous easy routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Lac de la Balme de Sillingy loop from La Balme-de-Sillingy is a moderate route that is relatively flat and offers pleasant lakeside views, making it a good option for those starting out or looking for a relaxed walk.
The diverse forests and natural habitats of La Mandallaz support a rich wildlife population. Hikers might spot wild boars, badgers, and roe deer. There are also indications of lynx and wolf presence in the area, though these are much rarer sightings. Birdwatching is also rewarding, especially in the quieter forest sections.
While most routes are easy to moderate, there are some longer options for those seeking a greater challenge. The Hiking loop from La Balme-de-Sillingy is a longer moderate trail, covering over 15 km through varied terrain, offering a more extensive exploration of the region's woodlands and views.


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