Leschaux: Semnoz, hiking trails and history

When looking for a hotel in Leschaux, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: the Semnoz landscape and its trails, the history of the village, or the Col de Leschaux. Leschaux lies on the slopes of the Semnoz massif and has a rural character. The following features can help you assess the destination based on your specific interests.

Semnoz and alpine farming

The Semnoz alpine pastures cover just under 500 hectares and are spread across five municipalities. A separate local figure refers to the 77 hectares of pastureland around the Chalets des Villards and Vernettes, within the municipality of Leschaux. This puts the landscape in a cross-municipal context alongside a specific area located in Leschaux. During the summer grazing season, the Semnoz pastures feed Tarine, Abondance and Montbéliarde cattle; this pasture-based farming produces cheese and butter.

If you would like to include regional products in your trip plans, GAEC des Noisetiers offers farmstead Abondance cheese. Check availability with the producer before visiting.

Hiking and trails on the Semnoz

A route description dated May 29, 2025, takes the GRP Tour du Semnoz through Leschaux and several other municipalities in the Massif des Bauges. The GRP reaches Crêt de Châtillon at 1,699 metres, the highest point on the Semnoz. Check current conditions and trail markings before setting out.

A marked municipal discovery trail, “Si j’étais un Arbre,” offers a different kind of walk. It runs for three kilometres from the church in the centre of Leschaux to the current road near the Gîte nature La Biolette. This gives you a specific route length and named endpoints to compare with a route that connects Leschaux with several municipalities and the highest point on the Semnoz. Check local conditions before setting out on this trail as well.

Near Leschaux, Bois Brulé lies on the southern edge of the Semnoz. It can be reached by the road from Leschaux to the Semnoz and offers opportunities for climbing and picnicking. Check access and safety conditions locally.

Village history and historic hotels

The history of Leschaux dates back to 1236, when the first parish priest was appointed and the parish was founded by monks from the Priory of Saint-Jorioz. On July 4, 1944, Leschaux and the Semnoz massif were the scene of a German offensive against the Maquis des Bauges. Another devastating event was the major fire in the hamlet of La Croix on May 19, 1861. Three people died, and almost the entire hamlet was destroyed. The residents rebuilt La Croix in less than two years.

Former hotels are also part of the village’s history. The Hôtel Belvédère at the Col de Leschaux was built in the 1920s on the site of the former Hôtel-Restaurant de la Poste. It later served as a holiday camp before being converted into a residential building. Marius Vallin, an architect and tourism pioneer, opened the Hôtel du Semnoz in 1872.

Col de Leschaux and getting there

The Col de Leschaux is at an altitude of 897 metres and has been crossed by the Tour de France three times. Its elevation and racing history give cycling visitors two specific points of reference for the pass. Other features described for the area include panoramic views and a rural character.

Leschaux is served by Sibra à la Demande, an on-demand service connecting the municipalities of Grand Annecy and providing access to the regular bus network. Check the service’s current booking conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Neydens, Faucigny, Mûres, Seytroux, Machilly, Bonne, Reignier-Esery, Évian-Les-Bains.

For the broader travel guide: Haute-Savoie.