Alex: Hiking between forests and mountain views

Alex lies at the foot of the Dents de Lanfon (1,824 m) and the Dent du Cruet (1,833 m). The hiking trails, mountain scenery and a few specific features of the area offer different points of reference as you plan your trip. The routes vary considerably in difficulty, duration and elevation gain.

Hiking: three different routes

The Circuit de la cascade de Montviard loop is suitable for beginners. It starts at the Villards-Dessus car park, takes two hours and has an elevation gain of 236 m. Much of the route passes through forest. In spring, the meadows in the hamlet of Villards-Dessus are covered with daffodils—this seasonal landscape is then part of the route’s character too.

A longer circular hike for intermediate hikers leads to the Chalet de la Rochette. It starts in the village square, takes four hours and has an elevation gain of 762 m. The route climbs through the forest to the Rochette Dessous alpine pasture; from there, you can see Lac d’Annecy. The Chalet de la Rochette is privately owned.

A third option is the expert route to the Chalet de l’Aulp-Riant, with an elevation gain of 949 m. It starts at the car park in Villard-Dessus square and is described as an out-and-back route. The ascent is listed as taking 3 hours and 5 minutes. From Aulp-riant Dessus, you can reach the GR 96. From there, the exceptional view stretches across Lac d’Annecy, the Aravis and the Bauges to the wild side of the Tournette.

The two circular hikes differ in both duration and elevation gain: the beginner-friendly Circuit de la cascade de Montviard is shorter and has less elevation gain than the four-hour route for intermediate hikers. The expert route, by contrast, is an out-and-back hike; its time estimate refers to the ascent. These differences give you practical guidance when choosing a hike to suit the time you have planned.

Mountain scenery and local history

The mountain names and elevations shape the landscape around Alex. The viewpoints mentioned, however, are along the hiking routes described: the views of Lac d’Annecy, the Aravis, the Bauges and the Tournette are listed for Aulp-riant Dessus; Lac d’Annecy can also be seen from the Rochette Dessous alpine pasture. In spring, the daffodils blooming in the meadows of Villards-Dessus add another seasonal highlight.

Another local landmark is the Château d'Arenthon, a historic fortified house near Alex. It used to watch over the exit from the Col de Bluffy and the Fier Valley. After its restoration, it housed the Fondation d’Art Contemporain from 2001 to 2014. The château is currently owned by a company and is not open to the public.

Getting there and planning your trip

Alex can be reached by bus on line Y62/63 from the Aravis resorts, Thônes or Annecy. If you plan to travel by bus, check the line’s timetable in advance. This lets you factor your journey into your hiking-day plans without assuming a duration for the hikes that has not been specified.

A local product is another practical point of reference for planning your trip: goat cheese from Alex is sold directly at the Chèvrerie d’Alex “Les Chamoisées.” When looking for a hotel in Alex, you can use the destinations described as a basis for planning your trip. Consider whether your stay will focus on the short loop, a longer hike or the views from Aulp-riant Dessus. This will help you decide what you want to focus on before comparing suitable options.

Discover more destinations: Lugrin, Brens, Publier, Chevenoz, Cernex, Habère-Lullin, Chavanod, Thônes

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.