La Tournette

La Tournette rises above the village of Les Clefs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and it is the highest peak encircling Lake Annecy. Part of the Bornes Massif within the Bauges Prealps, an offshoot of the Western Alps, the mountain has a topographic prominence of 1,514 metres (4,967 ft) - high enough to earn it Ultra status among European summits.

How do you get to the top?

Most hikers start from the Col de la Forclaz, reached by road from either Montmin or Les Clefs. From there the path climbs through open pasture before turning steeper near the summit, where the final stretch is equipped with chains and iron rungs bolted into the rock. The exposure on this last section calls for a steady head and settled weather, so it's worth checking conditions before setting out. Routes also approach from Manigod and the Thônes valley, letting more experienced hikers traverse the wider massif in a single outing.

What will you see from the summit?

The panorama from La Tournette is one of the most recognisable in this part of the Alps: the whole of Lake Annecy spreads out below, backed by the Aravis range and, on clear days, the distant white wall of Mont Blanc. A small 19th-century chapel, Notre-Dame de la Tournette, sits right on the summit and still draws both pilgrims and hikers. The peak is also a well-known paragliding launch site, with pilots riding thermals rising off the lake for long cross-country flights.

When is the best time to visit?

The hiking season runs from June through October; snow lingers on the exposed sections earlier in the year and makes the route unsafe. July and August bring the most reliable weather, though an early start is wise since Alpine thunderstorms tend to build over the ridge by afternoon. In autumn, the forests around Les Clefs at the mountain's base turn shades of gold, adding another reason to time a visit for that season.

Why base yourself in Les Clefs?

Les Clefs sits at the foot of the massif, on the French side of the Thônes valley, and works as a natural starting point for trips into the Bauges Prealps. Its small scale and proximity to the trailheads make it a convenient place to stay for anyone planning a full day on the mountain without commuting from a larger base such as Annecy itself. Roads from Les Clefs also lead directly up to the Col de la Forclaz, the starting point for most ascents.

Frequently asked questions

How high is La Tournette? Its topographic prominence is 1,514 metres, making it the highest peak surrounding Lake Annecy and qualifying it as an Ultra summit.

Is the climb difficult? The final approach is exposed and secured with chains, so it demands a good level of fitness and no fear of heights; the rest of the route is moderate.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The Col de la Forclaz is the most popular trailhead, reachable by road from Les Clefs or Montmin.

Is there anything to see at the top besides the view? Yes - the 19th-century chapel of Notre-Dame de la Tournette, a pilgrimage site and landmark for hikers, plus the launch point used by paragliders riding thermals off the lake.