Talloires to Sous le Belvedere

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Features Fall Colors · Views

The Roc de Chere Nature Reserve is criss-crossed with lots of identical looking, unnamed trails. To navigate, be sure to figure out the name of your destination ahead of time, using the info boards at the trailheads. Use the name of your destination to follow the abundant directional signs that are posted at trail junctions. The trail junctions are also named, and have been noted using "points of interest markers" on this Hiking Project map.

The trail starts from the busy D909a, just uphill from a sharp hairpin bend. There are two faded wooden signs on the rock wall near the entrance to the trail. The entrance to the trail is a steep stone staircase built into the rock wall which then leads to a stone ramp. After negotiating this hectic start, continue west along a fenced, peaceful path between residential yards. The level walking is soon over!

Ascend the steep hillisde over large, embedded, sometimes slippery rocks. Partway up, a bench with a wonderful view tempts you to take a break. Continue uphill though scrubby forest shade to the junction named Sous la Crete. Continue straight and downhill towards the Belvedere du Roc de Chere. This is the most dramatic viewpoint in the park, situated on huge slabs of rounded rock. You'll have good views of Lake Annecy, the Dungit peninsula, Talloires and the surrounding peaks.

Leave the viewpoint area and follow signs downhill to the Sous la Belvedere junction. From here, you can extend your hike by taking the Low Route in the longer Menthon St. Bernard direction (west) or head back to Talloires using the Low Route in the opposite (east) direction.

Background info: The Roc de Chere National Nature Reserve was created in 1977 to protect its high levels of biodiversity and microclimates. Its sandstone and limestone rocks were carved by a glacier from the south, and the glacier also created a peat bog here. Monks from the nearby Abbey of Talloires had previously logged this forest and created the trail system.

Sessile oak, hornbeam trees, moss, rhododendron. Martins, peregrine falcon, gulls, black kite. Lizards and salamanders.