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Free Access · Year-Round
Mont Baron
Rocky balcony at 1299 metres altitude above Lake Annecy, connected to Mont Veyrier by a ridge trail offering a magnificent view over the lake, the Bauges range, and Mont Blanc.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Panoramic Viewpoint
Access
Free · No Fee
Duration
2 h–3 h 30 (round trip from Annecy-le-Vieux)
Best season
April – October
Parking
Petit Port, Annecy-le-Vieux (free)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable
Town
Veyrier-du-Lac
What is Mont Baron
Mont Baron is a summit of the Bornes massif reaching 1,299 metres altitude, situated above the eastern shore of Lake Annecy. Connected to Mont Veyrier (1,291 m) by a spectacular ridge trail, Mont Baron constitutes one of the most accessible and popular viewpoints in the Annecy region.
Since July 2024, vehicle access to Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet has been prohibited by municipal decree. Hikers now start from the small harbour of Annecy-le-Vieux (447 m), adding approximately 600 metres of extra elevation. The trail first crosses beech and spruce forest before emerging onto the panoramic ridge. Halfway up, the concrete platform of the former Veyrier-du-Lac cable car (1,254 m) remains, equipped with an orientation table — the aerial station was dismantled in 2001 following a tragic accident in 1998.
The actual summit is a ten-minute walk north of this platform, on a limestone ridge that is exposed but secured by cables and barriers at exposed passages. From there, the view spans 180°: Lake Annecy below, Semnoz to the southwest, summits of the Bauges massif (Tournette, Dents de Lanfon, Arcalod) to the southeast, the Aravis range and Mont Blanc to the east (visible via Col des Aravis), and the Jura to the north. The ridge continues towards Mont Veyrier for those wishing to extend the hike.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Departure from Petit Port car park, Avenue de Chavoire, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux View on map
Coordinates
45.902° N — 6.174° E (approximate summit) View on map
Altitude
1,299 m (Mont Baron summit) · 1,254 m (old cable car platform)
Opening
Year-round (trails not maintained in winter — caution in snow or ice)
Fee
Free
Parking
Petit Port, Annecy-le-Vieux (free) · Bus line 20 (free 1 July to 31 August) from Annecy to Veyrier-du-Lac
Animals
Accepted on leash
Accessibility
Not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or reduced mobility (rocky trail, cabled exposed passages, uneven terrain)
Access Duration
2 h–3 h 30 round trip from Petit Port car park (depending on pace and route chosen)
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy, head towards Thônes/Veyrier-du-Lac via D909. Pass Annecy-le-Vieux and park at Petit Port car park (Avenue de Chavoire, past the shops). Note: since the decree of 26 July 2024, vehicle access to Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet is prohibited — departure is now mandatory from the lakeside.
Open in MapsBy bike
Lake Annecy cycle path (Voie Verte) runs along the eastern shore to Veyrier-du-Lac — approximately 5 km from Annecy centre, relatively flat. Ascent to the summit on foot only (mountain biking prohibited on the ridge).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Mont Baron is best hiked from April to October. In summer (July–August), the trail is very busy, especially at weekends and late afternoon — favour an early start or weekday visit to avoid crowds. Spring (April–May) offers lush forest and mild temperatures, while autumn (September–October) reveals the russet colours of the beech woods and exceptional light over the lake. In winter, the trail remains passable in dry conditions but becomes slippery or dangerous in snow, ice, or rain — polished limestone rocks are extremely slippery in wet weather. Avoid absolutely after precipitation or during freeze-thaw cycles. Best light hours for photography: sunrise for mist over the lake, late afternoon (17:00–19:00) for golden light on the Bauges and Beaufortain.
Nearby
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Mont Baron charged?
No. Mont Baron is free to access year-round. No entry fee is charged on the trails leading to the summit.
How do I reach Mont Baron from Annecy?
Mont Baron is reached from the Petit Port car park in Annecy-le-Vieux (free) via the Bois Jettaz trail and the GR Tour du Lac towards Pré Vernet, then Col des Sauts and the ridge trail. Allow 2 h 30–3 h round trip. Vehicle access to Col des Contrebandiers has been prohibited since July 2024.
Is Mont Baron suitable for young children?
Mont Baron is not suitable for young children. The terrain is very rocky with exposed passages over drops (cables and barriers secure the aerial sections), rocks to step over, and steep slopes. Not suitable for strollers. Recommended from age 8–10 with some hiking experience.
What is the best season to climb Mont Baron?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for Mont Baron: fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and changing forest colours. Avoid summer (very busy) and winter (slippery in snow or ice).
Can I hike Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron in the same trip?
Yes. Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron are connected by a ridge trail of around 15 minutes. From Mont Baron, continue northwest — allow 30 minutes additional round trip to reach Mont Veyrier (1,291 m).
Is there an orientation table at Mont Baron?
Yes. An orientation table is installed on the old cable car platform at 1,254 m, ten minutes before Mont Baron's summit. It helps identify surrounding peaks: Semnoz, Tournette, Bauges, Aravis, Mont Blanc, and Jura.
Are dogs allowed on Mont Baron?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash on Mont Baron trails. Bring water (no water sources during the ascent) and supervise your dog on exposed rocky passages.
How much time should I allow for the Mont Baron hike?
Allow 2 h 30 to 3 h 30 round trip from Petit Port car park in Annecy-le-Vieux to Mont Baron's summit (1,299 m), depending on pace and breaks. Add 30 minutes if you extend to Mont Veyrier.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
