Roc de Chère Nature Reserve
Wooded hillside trails offering breathtaking views across Lake Annecy, perfect for easy hikes and picnics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Roc de Chère Nature Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wooded hillside trails offering breathtaking views across Lake Annecy, perfect for easy hikes and picnics.
"Amazing views breath taking with an easy hike to reach!"
🥾 Easy & Accessible Hike
Perfect for all levels, even with a baby carrier. Mostly flat with rocky terrain.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy stunning views with a meal. Many spots are ideal for a relaxing break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pas du Roc Trail
Fillière
Hike a historic cliffside path for unparalleled, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

Lake Annecy Overlooks
Various viewpoints
Capture postcard-perfect moments with sweeping panoramas of the crystal-clear lake and the French Alps.

Woodland Paths
Throughout the reserve
Enjoy peaceful, shaded walks through the diverse forest, offering a refreshing escape on warmer days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Hikes, Big Views
Best Time for Picnics & Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Easy & Accessible Hike
Perfect for all levels, even with a baby carrier. Mostly flat with rocky terrain.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy stunning views with a meal. Many spots are ideal for a relaxing break.
Visiting Annecy
🚗 Free Parking (Off-Season)
Parking is free in November, but can be busy in peak summer.
📸 Breathtaking Photo Ops
Don't miss the incredible vistas across Lake Annecy.
Hiking in August
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Easy & Accessible Hike
Perfect for all levels, even with a baby carrier. Mostly flat with rocky terrain.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy stunning views with a meal. Many spots are ideal for a relaxing break.
🚗 Free Parking (Off-Season)
Parking is free in November, but can be busy in peak summer.
📸 Breathtaking Photo Ops
Don't miss the incredible vistas across Lake Annecy.
🗺️ Well-Signposted Trails
Navigating the reserve is straightforward with clear signage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve for its stunning, easily accessible views of Lake Annecy and its pleasant woodland trails. It's praised as an ideal spot for relaxed hikes, picnics, and photography, with many appreciating its family-friendly nature and well-marked paths. Some minor drawbacks include potential crowds during peak season and the rocky terrain in certain areas.
"One of my favorite easy hiking spots near Annecy. Perfect for a short in and out walk with a picnic. Mostly flat, but rocky terrain."
Breanna Sandquist
"Great spot for a walk . Very well signposted . Some nice views at the top. Well worth going. Was a Free car park in November"
Daniel McQuillan
"Great hike. Shady in the treats. Took a baby in a rucksack with no issues."
kieran duxbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is easily accessible by car, with parking available. It's located near Talloires, on the eastern side of Lake Annecy. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often recommended.
Yes, there is parking available. It's noted as being free in November, but can get busy during peak summer months. Arriving early is advisable.
Absolutely! Roc de Chère Nature Reserve is a popular destination for visitors to Annecy, offering a beautiful natural escape just a short drive away.
The main viewpoints are reached via well-signposted hiking trails that are generally easy to follow. The Pas du Roc trail is particularly famous for its scenic route.
While direct public transport to the reserve's trailheads might be infrequent, you can likely reach nearby Talloires by bus from Annecy and then potentially walk or arrange local transport. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve is generally free. It's a public nature area, so you can explore its trails and enjoy the views without any admission fee.
As a nature reserve, it's typically open from dawn till dusk. There are no set opening or closing times, allowing you to visit whenever it suits you, though daylight hours are best for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to access the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve. It's a natural space for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, the reserve is accessible year-round. However, the experience might vary with seasons; autumn offers free parking and crisp air, while summer can be warmer and busier.
While generally open, always be mindful of nature reserve guidelines. Stick to marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The reserve offers easy to moderate hiking paths, including the famous Pas du Roc trail which features a unique cliffside route. Many trails are shaded woodland walks with rewarding lake views.
Yes, many visitors find the trails very family-friendly. One reviewer mentioned taking a baby in a rucksack with no issues, highlighting the generally accessible terrain.
The most spectacular views are from the higher points, offering panoramic vistas across Lake Annecy and the surrounding Alps. The Pas du Roc offers particularly breathtaking scenery.
Absolutely! The reserve is an ideal spot for a picnic. There are many pleasant areas along the trails and at viewpoints where you can relax and enjoy your meal with a view.
The terrain is described as mostly flat but rocky in places. The Pas du Roc trail, while scenic, involves walking along a cliffside path, so caution is advised. Overall, it's considered an easy hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking Lake Annecy are prime photography locations. The Pas du Roc trail also offers dramatic angles and stunning backdrops.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the lake and mountains. Midday can be bright but still offers clear, expansive views.
Look for shots that capture the contrast between the lush green of the reserve and the blue of the lake, as well as the dramatic cliffside path of the Pas du Roc.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant mountain peaks or details across the lake.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in nature reserves before flying to ensure compliance and respect for the environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Focus on the less strenuous sections of the reserve for a comfortable experience. The well-signposted nature of the trails means you can easily navigate and choose routes that best suit your family's energy levels. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to the beauty of the French Alps in a manageable and enjoyable setting.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons can enhance the sense of peace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without the hustle of larger crowds. The reserve is ideal for a refreshing walk, a photography session, or simply a moment to reconnect with nature.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your widest lenses to capture the expansive landscapes and consider a telephoto for distant details. The reserve provides a variety of subjects, from sweeping panoramas to the intricate details of the woodland flora. Remember to check local drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Trails of Roc de Chère
Beyond the dramatic Pas du Roc, the reserve features numerous wooded paths that provide a cooler, shaded environment, especially pleasant during warmer months. These paths are often described as easy and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Reviewers frequently mention that the terrain is mostly flat but can be rocky in places, making it manageable even for those carrying young children in a rucksack. The combination of easy accessibility and stunning natural beauty makes Roc de Chère a popular choice for a relaxed outdoor excursion.
When planning your hike, consider the time of year. While accessible year-round, autumn offers the advantage of free parking and crisp air, whereas summer can be busier. Regardless of the season, the reserve promises a rewarding experience with its diverse flora and fauna and its iconic lake vistas.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Roc de Chère
The best times to capture the magic are during the golden hours – sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light bathes the lake and mountains in a beautiful glow, creating a truly picturesque scene. Midday, while bright, still offers excellent clarity for capturing the vibrant blues of the water and the lush greens of the landscape. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks or details across the water.
Remember to be respectful of the natural environment while you're capturing your perfect shot. Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and always pack out what you pack in. The reserve's beauty is best preserved when visitors tread lightly.
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