Starting just up from the lovely village of Menthon-St.-Bernard on the east bank of Lake Annecy this is described as an easy walk. However, with snow on the ground the 200 metre climb shortly after the start was a little more challenging. The views of Lake Annecy would likely be superb on a less hazy day in the summer - and also give the opportunity to visit the Chateau which opens from May to September.  |
| From Loop around Chateau de Menthon |
The walk
The walk starts with some beautiful views of Chateau de Menthon and a downhill stroll to the village of Ramponnet.
Enjoy the architecture of Ramponnet before starting the ascent - probably the steepest part of the walk.
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| From Loop around Chateau de Menthon |
Taking care to cross the road, pass through Les Bosson before heading to the peak of the walk in Lanfon wood to admire Les Dents de Menthon.
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| From Loop around Chateau de Menthon |
Now all downhill through Bluffy and the return to Chateau de Menthon.
Total time 90 minutes. Route map with timings and altitude changes.
The Chateau is 12 km south of Annecy with stunning views of the lake. The first fortress was erected around 923 with multiple additions. In the 11th century, in 1008, Bernard of Menthon - St Bernard, patron saint of skiers - was born in the castle. He later founded the hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass and abbeys in the high mountains.François de Menthon, father of the present count, was a lawyer and member of the Resistance who represented France at the Nuremberg Trials. He worked for the creation of a united Europe and was Minister of Justice under De Gaulle.
The castle has 105 rooms on four levels and spreads over several hundred square metres. Visitors can admire beautifully furnished rooms, in particular the Countess's Bedroom, 13th century kitchens and the great hall, admirably decorated with pictures and antique furniture dated between the 16th and 19th centuries, Louis XIII and Louis XIV furniture, a Gobelins tapestry from 1730 and others from Aubusson.
The library contains more than 12,000 works from before 1800, including incunabulum and ancient manuscripts written on parchment, sheepskin or goatskin, with painted illuminations from monks of the Middle Ages. The bulk of the books date from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Explore more:
Route map with timings and altitude changes
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| Loop around Chateau de Menthon |
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