Alpine pastures tour
Want to dive deeper into the life of a true Haute-Savoyard? Set off on an immersive adventure in the alpine pastures of the Sources du Lac d’Annecy!
Meet our alpine farmers and discover breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary ways of life. Experience the unique charm of mountain refuge living, surrounded by herds of cows or goats. This journey takes you to the heart of Alpine traditions, offering insights into pastoral professions, close encounters with the animals, and tastings of local flavors. Timeless hikes where nature and heritage reveal themselves in all their splendor.
Servaz refuge – aka “La Sarve”
At la Servaz, which locals commonly refer to as “La Sarve”, you will enjoy a delicious, hearty, typical Savoyard meal, at 1400 meters altitude, in the peace and quiet of an alpine pasture where cows and goats live. You can also sleep there to embrace the life led by the farmer, just for a night.
🗓️ From Jul. 15 to Sept. 15
Alpage de la Servaz, 74210 Faverges-Seythenex
+33 (0)7 61 56 51 09
refugedelaservaz@gmail.com
gite.sarve.info
Les Ailes du Nant refuge
Escape during a stay in Fabien’s refuge at a 1320 meters of altitude in les Bauges mountain range, with a gorgeous views of lake Annecy. He loves taking care of his guests, he even makes you a picnic for the next day !
🗓️ From May 1st to Oct. 10
Chef-lieu Jarsy, 74210 Doussard
+33 (0)6 72 28 94 79
fabienrochonvollet@gmail.com
Les Estives de Banc Plat – Rosay alpine pasture
Océane is a young passionate goat herder with a herd of 70 goats of Savoie. She makes goat cheeses and cured meat that you can taste at the Rosay alpine pasture after an hike starting from le Martinet carpark, in la Combe d’Ire of Chevaline.
🗓️ From May 25 to Oct. 6
Rosay alpine pasture, 74210 Chevaline
+33 (0)6 30 32 08 07
oceaneponthieu@outlook.fr
fermelesestivesdebancplat.weebly.com
Alpage d’Eau Froide (Coldwater Pastures)
Learn all about the day-to-day wanderings of Bernard and his goat herd, who spend their summers at 1640 meters elevation.
After a moderately difficult hike (910 meters vertical gain), enjoy beautiful views of Lake Annecy. The trailhead for this hike is located at the Les Martinets parking lot.
🗓️ From Jun. 1st to Sept. 30
La Combe d’Ire – 74210 Chevaline
+33 (0)6 14 94 83 31
bpmarchand74@orange.fr
Alpage du Freu – Freu Pasture
Accessible on foot and by car, le Freu alpine pasture is kept by Guillaume, the farmer who welcomes you and shares with you his world, his occupation, for a break or a short stay in the refuge.
🗓️ From June 15 to Sept 15
Sur le Freu – 74230 Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin
+33 (0)6 36 40 02 55
alpagedufreu@gmail.com
www.alpage-du-freu.fr
La Combe refuge
Marie and Stéphane welcome you to their shelter set in a gorgeous environment for a meal, a night in the mountains among the goats, enjoying their organic cheese.
🗓️ From June 20 to Sept 20
Montagne du Charbon, 74210 Lathuile
+33 (0)6 23 39 84 80
lebiochevre@gmail.com
Protecting Nature: Everyone’s Responsibility!
The mountains and alpine pastures offer breathtaking landscapes and a rich biodiversity, but they are also fragile ecosystems where every action matters. During your hikes, remember that respecting the environment helps preserving wildlife, plant life, and the hard work of farmers and their guardian dogs, the patous, who protect the herds. Some mountain areas are particularly sensitive where protected species live. Before your next outing, check our interactive map to identify the wild areas that need special care and contribute to the preservation of these unique natural environments.
Let’s respect the mountains, together.