Restaurant, café, bar
Serving visitors to this site? Appear here.
Become a partner
Free access · Year-round
Belvédère du Mont Baron
Concrete panoramic platform at 1,254 m altitude, the sole remaining vestige of the former Mont Veyrier cable car, offering sweeping views over Lake Annecy and a 180° panorama from Salève to the Bauges.
Mont Blanc panorama · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Panoramic viewpoint
Access
Free · No admission fee
Duration
1 h 30 to 2 h from the lakeside (Col des Contrebandiers closed)
Best season
April – October
Parking
Prohibited at Col des Contrebandiers since 2024 — depart from the lakeside (Annecy-le-Vieux or Veyrier)
Dogs
Accepted on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (rocky trail, exposed passages)
Town
Veyrier-du-Lac
What is Belvédère du Mont Baron
The Belvédère du Mont Baron is a concrete panoramic platform situated at 1,254 m altitude on the ridge overlooking Veyrier-du-Lac and Lake Annecy. It is the sole remaining vestige of the former Mont Veyrier cable car, built in 1935, decommissioned in 1984, and demolished in 2001 following a fatal accident in 1998. The platform offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Annecy region: a sweeping view 800 m above the lake, a 180° panorama from the Bauges massif in the west to Salève and the Jura in the north, with Mont Blanc, the Aravis and La Tournette visible to the east.
The viewpoint sits on the ridgeline between Mont Baron (1,299 m, summit 10 minutes above the platform) and Mont Veyrier (1,291 m, 30 minutes further north via the ridge path). Together they form a continuous balcony overlooking Lake Annecy, highly prized by hikers and photographers. An orientation table is installed on the platform. The site is also renowned for its sunsets, with numerous wild bivouacs set up to witness the spectacular nocturnal display.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Ridge Path of Mont Baron, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac View on map
Coordinates
45,8992° N — 6,1868° E View on map
Altitude
1,254 m (platform) · 1,299 m (Mont Baron summit)
Opening
Free access year-round — prefer April to October (snow/ice out of season)
Admission
Free
Parking
Prohibited at Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet since summer 2024 (municipal order). Mandatory departure from the lakeside: Chemin Rural de la Montagne (Annecy-le-Vieux) or small port at Veyrier-du-Lac.
Animals
Dogs accepted on leash
Accessibility
Not suitable for strollers or persons with reduced mobility. Rocky terrain, exposed passages secured by cables, steps carved into rock. Children from age 5 with supervision.
Duration to reach
1 h 30 to 2 h from the lakeside (depending on starting point) · 45 min from former Col des Contrebandiers departure (now prohibited)
Contact
Lake Annecy Tourist Office — lac-annecy.com
When to visit
When to visit
The trail is passable from April to October. Summer (June–September) is the busiest period, with peak crowds on sunny weekends — the viewpoint is one of the most popular in the Annecy basin. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer lower visitor numbers and soft photographic light. In winter, the terrain becomes slippery and icy; weathered rocks can be dangerous in damp conditions. Sunsets in late afternoon (17:00–20:00 depending on season) attract many bivouac campers. The view is clear year-round, but fog may obscure the lake during winter thermal inversions.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Bakery, shop
Share your hours and specialities with visitors.
Become a partnerStay
B&B, gîte, campsite, holiday let.
Become a partnerPhotos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Belvédère du Mont Baron free?
Yes. Access to Belvédère du Mont Baron is free and open year-round. It is a hiking trail in free access with no admission fee or toll.
How do I reach Belvédère du Mont Baron from Annecy?
Since summer 2024, road access to Col des Contrebandiers is closed to vehicles. You must park by the lake (Veyrier-du-Lac or Annecy-le-Vieux) and hike up the marked Mont Baron trail. Allow 1 h 30 to 2 h of walking.
What is the altitude of Belvédère du Mont Baron?
Belvédère du Mont Baron (former cable car platform) sits at 1,254 m altitude. Mont Baron summit, 10 minutes higher, reaches 1,299 m.
Can you bivouac at Belvédère du Mont Baron?
Yes. Wild bivouacking is tolerated at Belvédère du Mont Baron and widely practiced for sunset viewing. The platform is a popular bivouac spot. Respect guidelines: tent pitched after 19:00, taken down before 09:00, no fires, pack out all waste.
Is the Belvédère du Mont Baron trail suitable for children?
Yes, from age 5 with supervision. The Belvédère du Mont Baron trail has rocky sections and some exposed passages secured by cables. Not suitable for young children or strollers.
What is the best season to visit Belvédère du Mont Baron?
April to October. Summer (June–September) offers the best weather but high crowds. Spring and autumn are quieter. In winter, the Belvédère du Mont Baron trail is icy and slippery; reserved for experienced hikers with proper equipment.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
