Free access · Year-round
Le Semnoz above Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Le Semnoz

Northernmost mountain of the Bauges massif, 15 km long, peaking at the Crêt de Châtillon at 1699 m. Orientation table, 360° view over Mont Blanc, the Aravis, the Bauges and Lake Annecy. Alpine pastures, state forest, family ski resort.

TypeMid-altitude plateau
AccessFree · Open
CommuneViuz-la-Chiésaz (plateau across several communes)
ParkingFree (resort)
DogsAllowed on leash on pastures
StrollerPlateau suitable, summit not
Best seasonJune – October (summer); December – March (ski)

About Le Semnoz

Le Semnoz is the northernmost mountain of the Bauges massif. At 15 km long, the plateau overlooks the western shore of Lake Annecy from the Col de Leschaux in the south to the city of Annecy in the north. Its highest point, the Crêt de Châtillon, reaches 1699 m and features an orientation table offering a 360° view over Mont Blanc, La Tournette, the Aravis, the Bauges, Lake Annecy and, in clear weather, Lake Bourget.

Le Semnoz sits entirely within the Bauges Massif Regional Natural Park. The Semnoz state forest and the Annecy communal forest cover more than 820 hectares of beech and fir, managed by the ONF. The ski resort was created in the late 1960s and has been managed by the Grand Annecy agglomeration since 2019. The site is freely accessible year-round.

What you can do there

Climb to the Crêt de Châtillon

Highest point of Le Semnoz at 1699 m. Orientation table at the summit. From the resort car park, 10 min walk in summer, 1 h on snowshoes in winter.

Plateau loop on foot

~8 km loop, +367 m elevation, 3h25. Crosses alpine pastures and forest, viewpoints over the Bauges and the lake.

Cycling climb from Annecy

17.4 km at 7% average from Annecy. Two other climbs possible: from Quintal (11.3 km at 8.2%) and from Col de Leschaux (13.4 km at 5.7%).

Summer toboggan and resort activities

Rail toboggan, all-terrain kick scooters, electric mini-karts, laser biathlon, orienteering courses. Open July-August, partially May/June/September/October. Points card at the ticket office.

Grande Jeanne animal park

Educational park halfway between Annecy and the summit. Red deer, hinds, fawns, fallow deer, mouflons. Starting point for the Puisots circuit.

Alpine and Nordic skiing

15 km of alpine slopes (18 runs, snowpark), 35 km of cross-country tracks, snowshoe trails. Resort open in winter subject to snow conditions.

Orienteering courses

Three themed courses on botany, pastoralism and summer mountain sports.

Sunset and sunrise

The summit offers remarkable conditions for sunset and sunrise over the Alps.

Practical info

Address
Station du Semnoz, Route du Semnoz, 74000 Annecy (summit: Crêt de Châtillon, Viuz-la-Chiésaz)
Coordinates
45.7887° N, 6.0838° E (Crêt de Châtillon)
Altitude
Crêt de Châtillon 1699 m (highest point); Crêt de l'Aigle 1646 m
Opening hours
Plateau: free access year-round. Summer resort: July-August daily; May, June, September, October partially; closed in rain
Plateau price
Free
Resort activities price
Points card at the ticket office, valid all season. Rates on semnoz.fr
Parking
Large free car park at the resort (P1 Nordic, P2 Alpine)
Animals
Dogs allowed on leash on the plateau, especially near grazing cows and goats
Accessibility
Resort surroundings and plateau accessible; final path to the Crêt de Châtillon unpaved
Summit accommodation
Hôtel-restaurant Les Rochers Blancs in season; Éco-Bivouac (panoramic domes)

How to get there

By car

From Annecy, ~20 min via the D41 from the roundabout near the Basilica of the Visitation. Other accesses via Quintal (D241) and via the Col de Leschaux (D110). In winter, snow tyres or chains mandatory depending on conditions.

By public transport

Dedicated "Ligne du Semnoz" bus service operated by SIBRA from Annecy train station. Free shuttles in July-August from Annecy, the lakeside and Saint-Félix. Buses equipped for MTB in summer and skis in winter.

By bike

Three recognised cycling climbs: from Annecy (17.4 km / 7%), Quintal (11.3 km / 8.2%), Col de Leschaux (13.4 km / 5.7%). The climb from Annecy featured in the 1998 Tour de France.

When to visit

Le Semnoz is accessible year-round. Each season has its own appeal:

  • June – September: alpine pastures in full activity, cows and goats on estive, cheese from the mountain chalets, clear trails.
  • October: autumn colours in the forest, low attendance.
  • December – March: alpine, Nordic and snowshoe ski season subject to snow cover.
  • April – May: transition, some altitude areas still snowy, road conditions sometimes awkward.

Le Semnoz hosts several sports competitions. It is the first summit attacked by participants of the Annecy Maxi Race each year.

Where to eat, drink, stay nearby

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Accommodation near Le Semnoz?
Chalet, guesthouse, B&B, rental. Share your availability with visitors to the plateau.
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Photos of Le Semnoz

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Frequently asked questions

Is access to Le Semnoz paid?
No. Access to the plateau of Le Semnoz, the Crêt de Châtillon and the orientation table is free year-round. Only the summer resort activities (toboggan, scooters, mini-karts) are paid via a points card at the ticket office.
How high is the Crêt de Châtillon, the summit of Le Semnoz?
The Crêt de Châtillon, highest point of Le Semnoz, reaches 1699 m according to the Lake Annecy Tourist Office. Some sources indicate 1702 m. An orientation table at the summit identifies the surrounding massifs 360°.
Can I bring my dog to Le Semnoz?
Yes, Le Semnoz accepts dogs on leash, especially on the alpine pastures where cows and goats graze between June and September. Leash is mandatory near grazing herds.
How do I get to Le Semnoz from Annecy?
From Annecy, Le Semnoz is accessible by car via the D41 in ~20 min from the roundabout near the Basilica of the Visitation. SIBRA runs a dedicated bus line and free shuttles in July-August, equipped for MTB in summer and skis in winter.
What can be seen from the Crêt de Châtillon at Le Semnoz?
From the Crêt de Châtillon at Le Semnoz, the view extends over Mont Blanc, La Tournette, the Aravis, the Bauges, Lake Annecy and, in clear weather, Lake Bourget. The orientation table at the summit identifies the whole panorama.
Can you ski at Le Semnoz?
Yes. The resort at Le Semnoz offers 15 km of alpine slopes (18 runs, snowpark), 35 km of cross-country tracks and snowshoe trails. A family resort, open in winter subject to snow conditions.
Is there parking at Le Semnoz?
Yes, a large free car park at the resort of Le Semnoz, split between P1 Nordic and P2 Alpine. In summer, the road continues up to the Crêt de Châtillon; in winter, parking at the resort is mandatory.
What can be done at Le Semnoz in summer for free?
Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and walks on the plateau of Le Semnoz are entirely free. The plateau loop (8 km, +367 m), the climb to the Crêt de Châtillon from the resort and short loops on the pastures are freely accessible. The Grande Jeanne animal park on the road is also free.
Sources

Cross-checked across multiple sources at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before a specific visit.

Published 23 avril 2026 · Last updated 23 avril 2026 · Report outdated info