Grotte aux Loups

Grotte aux Loups is a small karst cave carved into sandstone and conglomerate rock on the Maladière hillside above Lake Geneva, next to the commune of Allinges in the Chablais area of Haute-Savoie. Also known as "Gueule du Loup" (Wolf's Mouth), it sits right on the boundary between Allinges and Perrignier, and the easiest approach is from the Allinges castles, following a marked trail through the forest.

Where does the trail to the cave start?

The starting point is the car park at the Châteaux d'Allinges, a historic fortress worth a visit in its own right. From there the path enters the forest and, after a gentle stretch, reaches a junction leading toward the Maladière hill. The full loop covers just under 5 km and takes roughly two hours, with a modest but noticeable amount of climbing.

How difficult is the final approach to the cave?

The last stretch, dropping steeply down to the cave entrance, is by far the hardest part — a narrow path running above a drop, secured with chains in places. It suits hikers who are fit and comfortable with exposed terrain; anyone with children or a fear of heights should be extra careful, or simply skip the descent and enjoy the view from above instead.

What history lies behind this place?

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the cave served as a leprosarium, a shelter for people suffering from leprosy, run under the authority of a nearby Cistercian abbey in Perrignier. The site is said to have held a simple chapel, quarters for the sick, and a cemetery. Once its medical role faded, the cave and surrounding rock were later worked as a quarry, extracting stone used for millstones.

What can you see from the Maladière viewpoint?

Just above the cave lies the La Maladière viewpoint, opening onto a wide panorama of Lake Geneva, including the point where its two basins meet — the Grand Lac and the Petit Lac. It's one of the reasons the walk is recommended even to those who choose to skip the risky climb down to the cave entrance — the view alone makes the effort worthwhile.

When is the best time to visit?

The trail is accessible most of the year, though it's especially pleasant in spring and autumn, when the forest offers shade and the view over the lake tends to be clearest. Because parts of the route are exposed, it's best avoided on windy days or right after rain, when rocks and roots turn slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Grotte aux Loups? On the Maladière hillside, on the border between the communes of Allinges and Perrignier in Haute-Savoie, in the Chablais region above Lake Geneva.

Where's the best place to start the hike? From the car park at the Châteaux d'Allinges — a marked trail through the forest leads from there.

Is the route safe for children? Reaching the cave entrance itself requires care — the path is narrow, partly secured with chains, and runs above a steep drop. Families or anyone uneasy with heights can simply stop at the Maladière viewpoint instead.

What was the cave used for in the past? In the Middle Ages it served as a leprosarium run by a nearby Cistercian abbey, and later as a quarry for millstone extraction.

What's the view like from the nearby viewpoint? A panorama of Lake Geneva, including the spot where its two basins, the Grand Lac and Petit Lac, meet.