Wooded paths, mountain pastures and views – running at Semnoz in Annecy

At 1,702 metres (5,583 ft), the Semnoz is one of the emblematic summits around Annecy. Located in the north of the Bauges massif on the edge of the lake and just a stone’s throw from the centre of Annecy, this 16-kilometre (10 mi) long mountain is an ideal playground for trail runners. Aside from the mountain pastures surrounding the summit, the Semnoz is entirely wooded. With great single tracks, rocky trails and forest paths, the route possibilities are almost infinite.

This Collection is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the trails in the area. It’s an invitation to familiarise yourself with some of the trails, discover new places, and create your own routes. Whether you are new to trail running or already familiar with the trails, you will find something here to challenge yourself in a beautiful setting. These trails are among my favorite routes in the Semnoz that I regularly run.

I propose seven routes that are between 6 and 30 kilometres (3.7 and 18.6 mi). The two short loops are relatively flat and great for beginners. You can enjoy nice views of Annecy, the surrounding mountains and lake. The three routes under 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) are designed for intermediate or experienced runners to explore the Semnoz in more depth. These circular routes showcase the Albanais side of Semnoz. You discover the lakeside and Sainte-Catherine Valley. The last two loops are for experienced runners. The Chalet de Bénévent and the Crêt de Chatillon loop take you to the heights of the Semnoz, where breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc, the Aravis range, the Bauges, the Beaufortain and the Belledonne range await.

For all these routes, I strongly advise wearing trail shoes. You’ll find a drinking fountain in the car park at the Basilique de la Visitation, but I recommend bringing water with you, especially if you are running in hot weather. Beginners will sometimes be surprised by the time spent on the trail compared to jogging the same distance by road. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before setting off on a run. Semnoz is a mountain – bad weather can quickly result in slips and dangerous falls.

There are several ways to access the Semnoz. In this Collection, all the routes start at the Basilique de la Visitation car park, which is within walking distance from Annecy city centre on foot, by bike, via the Sibra bus n°14 or by car. There are public toilets there too.

Bus line n°14 timetable: sibra.fr/lignes-dextension