Lathuile: Hiking Trails, Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Lathuile combines a hillside setting at the foot of the Taillefer with views of the Bout-du-Lac wetlands. For travellers interested in landscapes, trails and history, it offers a range of highlights, from the historic Sentier de la Mine to hiking and cycling routes and buildings with a long history.

Landscapes of the Taillefer and Bout-du-Lac

The village of Lathuile lies on a hillside at the foot of the Taillefer, overlooking the Bout-du-Lac wetlands. The Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges is also near Lathuile: a protected geopark of villages, meadows, forests and striking limestone formations. The Cascade de Nanceau can be seen year-round, although it carries less water during dry periods. If you plan to visit the waterfall, bear in mind that its flow may be lower in dry weather.

Hiking, cycling routes and excursions

The Boucle du Taillefer is an accessible hike on Lake Annecy. It follows the Taillefer ridge and then passes through the agricultural valley of Entrevernes. Check the route conditions before setting out.

Several specific planning details are provided for the Boucle des Bochettes: it is suitable for experienced hikers, takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, and reaches a maximum elevation of 1,000 metres. The difficulty rating, duration and maximum elevation offer different points of reference for planning the hike. As the duration and difficulty may be revised, check the latest route information before setting out.

The guided hike to Pointe de Banc Plat is listed as taking seven hours of walking and is rated very difficult. The meeting point is Montgellaz in the commune of Lathuile, and carpooling is possible. The time given for the Boucle des Bochettes and the walking time for the Pointe hike refer to different routes. Check the latest practical information before joining the guided hike.

Les Balcons de Lathuile is listed as a 5.51-kilometre circular route starting from the Le Polé car park. At kilometre 1.77, the route passes the Église de Lathuile; it also joins the voie verte cyclable before returning to the starting car park. The Chemin du Facteur, meanwhile, offers a chance to discover Lake Annecy, villages and regional cultural heritage. The routes therefore have different points of reference: Les Balcons is described by its circular layout, length and a waypoint, while the Chemin du Facteur focuses on discovering the lake, villages and cultural heritage.

Canyon – La Mine is a vertical canyoning descent with hanging pools and continuous rope descent. Good command of rope techniques is required. Check access and activity conditions before taking part.

Church, Château de Reveu and mining history

The parish church of Saint-Ours in Lathuile was built in 1862–1863 and has a neo-Gothic design. Its construction dates and architectural style provide a specific historical context for the church.

The Château de Reveu is documented from 1485; its stair tower is dated to the 15th century. Later, the château became the town hall and school, probably in 1889. These dates therefore refer to different stages: the earliest record of the building, the dating of the stair tower and its later use, whose year remains uncertain.

The Sentier de la Mine follows in the footsteps of 20th-century miners through forests, mountain pastures and hamlets. Coal mining there ended in 1948. The trail thus combines a route through different landscapes with a clearly defined historical theme.

Savoyard cuisine around Lathuile

Around Lathuile, the Refuge de la Combe offers organic goat’s and sheep’s cheeses made on site, along with Savoyard cuisine prepared using farm produce. This includes cheese, cured meats, salad and a daily dessert. Access and opening hours may vary by season; check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: L'etale, Saint-Félix, Loisin, Saint-Jean-D'aulps, Taninges, Chatel, La Rivière-Enverse, La Clusaz.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.