What to do in autumn in Haute-Savoie?

One of the world's most beautiful free flight sites facing Mont-Blanc. Car access 1360 m, wheelchair accessible, paragliding and hang gliding. Free, year-round at Passy.

Heart-shaped waterfall in Passy-Chedde, formed by the Ugine torrent. 5 min walk from free parking. Free access year-round, classified natural site.

Last remnant of Thonon's medieval fortifications: Porte des Lombards, square tower, 19th-century Rabelaisian friezes. Exteriors free, JEP visits in September.

A 24-hectare natural area on the shores of Lake Léman: ancient forest, centuries-old chestnut trees, lakeside shores, and remarkable biodiversity. Free access year-round.

National 'Jardin Remarquable' label and scientific direction by the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle since 1936. 2,500 alpine species. FREE entry.

On the shore of Lake Annecy, the Jardins de l'Europe form an English-style arboretum laid out in 1863: 250 remarkable trees, free 24/7 access.

High-altitude lake at 2,352 m in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, facing Mont-Blanc massif. Access via Flégère or Col des Montets, Chamonix.

Free community museum of building trades: 3 floors of historic tools. Cercle des Compagnons du Bâtiment. Wed-Fri 2.30-5pm, Sun 9.30am-12.30pm.

Trail through the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval to the Bout du Monde at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: 6 km loop through up to 30 waterfalls inside the Sixt-Passy National Nature Reserve.

145 km from Saint-Gingolph (Lake Geneva) to Seyssel (Rhône) via Évian, Thonon, Cluses and Sallanches. EuroVelo 17, mix of greenways and shared roads.

Panoramic platform at 1254 m, remnant of the former Mont Veyrier cable car. Sweeping 180° view over Lake Annecy, Bauges and Mont-Blanc. Free access year-round.

70 m waterfall classified since 1909, visible from the valley or 30 min walk from Burzier. Free access year-round in Sallanches, Haute-Savoie.

Ruins of a 10th–12th-c. castle, residence of the Sires of Faucigny before Bonneville. Col at 862 m, 15–20 min trail. Free access year-round, restoration in progress.

The largest leisure park in Mont-Blanc country: 30 hectares, 2 lakes, free swimming, 20+ sports and relaxation activities. Free access all season in Les Contamines-Montjoie.

5-hectare public garden on the shore of Lake Annecy: rose garden, aviary, perennial border, beach and terraces opening onto the Casino Imperial.

Artificial 50-hectare lake with supervised beach, swimming, pedal boats, paddle, go-kart racing and Mont-Blanc views. Free access year-round in Passy.

Contemporary art centre of national interest, labelled by the Ministry of Culture in 2020. Free for all. Wed-Sun 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Parc Montessuit.

Historical trail on the Plateau des Glières via the Pas du Roc: cliff steps cut in 1830 by Spanish republican refugees, then a Maquis route in 1944.

33 km dedicated greenway on the western shore from Annecy to Marlens, on a former railway line. Flat, asphalted, wheelchair-accessible. 1.5 M passages a year.

Pass at 1,486 m between La Clusaz and La Giettaz. Mont-Blanc view, chapel, alpine meadows, hiking, Reblochon. Route des Grandes Alpes. Free access D909.

270 m waterfall overlooking Sallanches, 3rd highest in France and 1st in the Alps. Protected site since 1991, S-shaped rock fold, summer swimming. Free access.

13th-c. castle of the lords of Cervens, cylindrical keep + round towers. Listed MH 1932. Exteriors free, privately owned. Commune of Lully.

Natural park 5 km along the Dranse in Morzine. Fitness trail with 20 stations, shaded paths, skate park, tennis, equestrian centre. Free access.

Public park in Ambilly with shaded lawns, a biotope pond, accessible paths and two children's play areas, right opposite the town hall.