Montmin

Montmin is a small hillside settlement in the commune of Talloires-Montmin, perched high above Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Until 2016 it was its own independent commune with roughly 326 residents, before merging with neighboring Talloires into a single municipality. Today it serves mainly as a launch point for visitors chasing panoramic views, paragliding flights, and mountain hikes above one of the most photographed lakes in the French Alps.

What will you see there?

Montmin sits on a slope towering over Lake Annecy, and from several spots nearby the views stretch across the full width of the lake and the surrounding peaks and valleys. The village itself has a distinctly alpine character — stone houses, narrow access roads, and open pastureland, typical of Savoyard hamlets sitting well above the busier lakeside towns. It's from here, and specifically from the nearby Col de la Forclaz, that some of France's most famous paragliding flights take off — the aerial view of Lake Annecy from this launch site is one of the most widely shared images of the region.

Just next door is the La Sambuy ski area, which doubles as a winter sports base and a summer hub for hikers and mountain bikers. That combination keeps the area around Montmin busy year-round — skiing in winter, trails and flights in summer.

How do you get there?

Montmin sits above the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, higher up from the town of Talloires. Getting there means driving a winding mountain road that climbs from the lakeshore toward the Col de la Forclaz — the drive itself is scenic, so it's worth allowing extra time, particularly given the number of switchbacks. The nearest larger town is Annecy, only a short distance away in a straight line, though the elevation gain means the drive takes noticeably longer than the raw distance would suggest.

When should you visit?

Late spring and summer are best for hiking and paragliding, when stable thermal conditions make for safer takeoffs from Col de la Forclaz. Autumn brings smaller crowds and equally striking views of the lake framed by changing foliage on the surrounding slopes. Winter shifts the focus to the La Sambuy ski area and its nearby runs, though snow conditions vary depending on altitude and the season.

Who is Montmin for?

This is a spot for travelers looking for quiet and views away from the crowded quays of Annecy. It suits couples and families planning a day of hiking, paragliding enthusiasts (both pilots and tandem passengers), and skiers visiting outside the summer lake season. Given its small size, Montmin doesn't offer an extensive tourist infrastructure of its own — it functions more as a base for outdoor activities than a destination in itself, rounding out a stay around Lake Annecy.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go paragliding in Montmin? Yes — nearby Col de la Forclaz is one of the most recognized paragliding launch sites in France, offering flights with views over Lake Annecy.

Is Montmin its own commune? Not since 2016 — it merged with Talloires to form the joint commune of Talloires-Montmin.

Is there skiing nearby? Yes, the La Sambuy ski area is close by, offering downhill runs in winter and hiking and biking trails in summer.

How far is it from Lake Annecy? Montmin sits high above the eastern shore of the lake, above Talloires — reachable in a short drive along a winding mountain road.