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Free access · Year-round
Mont Veyrier
An iconic mountain overlooking Annecy that peaks at 1,291 metres, offering an exceptional panorama of Lake Annecy, the Bauges, Aravis and Mont-Blanc from the Sentier des Crêtes.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Panoramic peak
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
4–6 hours (return trip)
Best season
April–October (avoid frost and snow)
Parking
Free (Petit Port, Annecy-le-Vieux stadium)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable
Town
Annecy (Annecy-le-Vieux)
What is Mont Veyrier
Mont Veyrier is a mountain located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, peaking at 1,291 metres in altitude. It overlooks the municipalities of Annecy (formerly Annecy-le-Vieux), Villaz and Veyrier-du-Lac, and is part of the Bornes massif. With its neighbour Mont Baron (1,299 m), it constitutes one of the most emblematic and most visited peaks in the Annecy basin.
Mont Veyrier offers an exceptional panorama of Lake Annecy, the Bauges massif, Semnoz, the Bornes, Aravis and, on clear days, Mont-Blanc. The summit is accessible by numerous waymarked trails that wind through shaded forests of beech and conifers. The famous Sentier des Crêtes connects Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron along limestone cliffs, offering a bird's-eye view of the lake throughout the route.
An old cable car, built in 1934 by banker Laydernier, linked Veyrier-du-Lac to the summit of Mont Baron until 1984. The former arrival station was dismantled in 2001, leaving today a concrete platform that serves as a much-prized viewpoint. Two orientation tables help identify the surrounding peaks. A botanical trail is also present on the Pré Longé path.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Hiking starting point: Petit Port car park, Avenue de Chavoire (D909), 74940 Annecy View on map
Coordinates
45,9181° N — 6,1805° E View on map
Altitude
1,291 m (Mont Veyrier summit) · 1,299 m (Mont Baron summit)
Opening hours
Free access year-round. Not recommended in case of snow, frost or fog (exposed ridge sections).
Fee
Free
Parking
Free at Petit Port (Avenue de Chavoire, Annecy-le-Vieux) and at Annecy-le-Vieux stadium. Vehicle access to Col du Pré Vernet and Col des Contrebandiers prohibited since July 2024.
Animals
Dogs accepted on leash
Accessibility
Not accessible by stroller or wheelchair. Mountain trail with rocky sections, roots and steep sections. Exposed sections on the Sentier des Crêtes (cables and railings).
Access duration
1 hour 30 minutes–2 hours 30 minutes ascent from Petit Port (depending on pace). 4–6 hours return trip with Mont Baron loop.
Contact
Lake Annecy Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 45 00 33
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy centre (~10 min), follow the Lake Annecy shoreline towards Veyrier-du-Lac via the D909 (Avenue d'Albigny). After the Impérial Palace and Albigny beach, continue for 2 km. Pass through the reed bed district, arrive at the Petit Port roundabout. Park at the large free car park at Annecy-le-Vieux stadium (on the left) or at the small shops car park (100 m further on). The hiking departure starts just after the bakery, at the Bois Jettaz sign, Avenue de Chavoire (path on the right). ATTENTION: since July 2024, vehicle access to Col du Pré Vernet and Col des Contrebandiers is prohibited (municipal order due to overcrowding).
Open in MapsBy bike
From Annecy centre, follow the cycle path along the lake (Voie Verte du Lac d'Annecy) towards Veyrier-du-Lac, then join Petit Port via the D909 (approximately 7 km from the centre). Bike racks at the hiking departure point.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Mont Veyrier is accessible year-round, but the best conditions are found from April to October. In summer (July–August), the ascent is very busy, especially at weekends: prefer an early morning start (before 8 a.m.) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. The forest ascent remains shaded, but the Sentier des Crêtes is exposed to the sun. In autumn (September–October), visitor numbers decrease, forest colours are magnificent and the lake view is often clear in fine weather. In winter and spring (November to March), the trail may be snowed and iced, making exposed passages dangerous without crampons. Several accidents occur each year on the ridge in winter conditions. In rainy weather, trails become very slippery (clayey ground in lower sections). The sunset from Mont Baron viewpoint is particularly stunning: many hikers camp on the old cable car platform.
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Mont Veyrier free?
Yes. Access to Mont Veyrier is free and cost-free year-round. The car parks at Petit Port and Annecy-le-Vieux stadium are also free.
How do I get to Mont Veyrier from Annecy?
The most common starting point for Mont Veyrier is Petit Port in Annecy-le-Vieux, accessible by car (10 min from the centre) or by bus line 20. The trail starts on Avenue de Chavoire, just after the bakery, at the Bois Jettaz sign.
Can you still drive up to Col du Pré Vernet?
No. Since the order of 26 July 2024, vehicle access to Col du Pré Vernet and Col des Contrebandiers is prohibited to protect the overcrowded site. You must park at Petit Port and walk up.
How long does it take to climb Mont Veyrier?
From Petit Port, allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes to climb to the summit of Mont Veyrier depending on your pace. The complete loop with Mont Baron and return takes 4 to 6 hours. Plan to bring enough water (no water source on the route).
Is Mont Veyrier accessible to beginners?
Mont Veyrier is accessible to beginner hikers in good physical condition. The ascent from Petit Port is sustained (850 m elevation gain) but without major technical difficulty. The Sentier des Crêtes has secured exposed passages (cables, railings) not recommended for people prone to vertigo.
What is the best season to hike Mont Veyrier?
The best periods for Mont Veyrier are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Visitor numbers are calmer than in summer, temperatures are pleasant and the lake view is often clear. Avoid winter (November–March) without suitable equipment: the ridge can be iced.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
