Regional Nature Park of the Bauges Massif

A committed regional nature park

Established in 1995, the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park’s mission is to preserve and promote its natural and cultural heritage, whilst supporting sustainable and balanced development.
Today, 71 local authoritiesare involved, alongside the gateway towns, the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, and the Rhône-Alpes Region, in a truly collective endeavour.

A natural treasure nestled between lakes and mountain peaks

Did you know that 21 of the 38 municipalities that make up the ‘ Chambéry Montagnes ’ destination lie within the boundaries of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park? This shows just how central this mountain range is to our region, at the very heart of our ‘Élixir de Savoie’.

Formed from the depths of an ancient ocean, the limestone massif of the Bauges reveals its paths, cliffs and streams like so many pages of a history stretching back millions of years.
Stretching between Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget, this region is a tapestry of wine-growing villages, lush mountain pastures, deep forests and peaks rising to 2,217 metres. Hidden valleys, sun-drenched slopes… Here, nature and humankind live in perfect harmony.

An oasis of nature between Savoie and Haute-Savoie

Nestled between Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy, the Bauges Massif forms a preserved green haven, a true refuge for lovers of the great outdoors, wildlife and exceptional landscapes. Here, 14 peaks rise to over 2,000 metres. Their names – Arcalod, Pécloz, Colombier… – ring out like promises of adventure.

A Regional Nature Park designated as a Geopark A living land under the auspices of UNESCO

On 17 September 2011, a new chapter began for the Bauges Massif: its Geopark was established. It thus became France’s third Geopark, joining an international network supported by UNESCO, comprising 229 exceptional sites, 109 of which are in Europe (as of December 2025).
Hiking here sometimes means walking in the footsteps of a fossilised ancient ocean floor… astonishing, isn’t it?

What is a UNESCO Geopark?

Much more than just a label, a Geopark is a real driver of sustainable development. It showcases a region’s geological wealth, whilst generating positive benefits for tourism and the local economy.
The aim? To ensure that every resident and every visitor discovers the Bauges Massif from a new perspective, in a way that respects the environment.

©
ART PRISM - Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme

Three key tasks

To preserve and understand remarkable geological sites so that we can pass them on to future generations.
To share knowledge and spark curiosity through themed trails, guided tours, exhibitions and interactive educational resources.
To encourage low-impact, sustainable tourism by creating immersive experiences in the heart of nature.

A shared adventure and already underway

A Geopark is not just for geologists. It is a living, shared story that helps to protect sites whilst enabling people to discover a region, inspiring careers and bringing together residents, visitors and local stakeholders.
In the Bauges Massif, this momentum was already underway even before the designation was awarded: interpretive trails, guided tours… And this is only the beginning: new trails will soon be created, opening the doors to this fascinating world even wider.

Agenda Park Activities

Living in tune with the park

Why not slow down a little?

The Park invites you to take your time: watch a golden eagle in flight, breathe in the fresh air at the summit, listen to the silence in the mountain pastures, and discover the little stories told by the stones and the people.

The villages of the Baujus region – Le Châtelard, Lescheraines, Aillon-le-Jeune… – welcome you with a simple, warm atmosphere. Here, traditional skills live on: farmhouse cheeses, handcrafted pottery, storytelling by the fireside. That’s what the Park is all about: a way of life close to the land, close to the people.

Discover the 14 villages of the Cœur des Bauges

A land of hiking, white water and freedom

Whether on foot, by bike, paragliding or in the waters of the Chéran – designated a ‘Site Rivières Sauvages’ – the Bauges Massif can be explored with all your senses.

A life-size playground for active families, those seeking tranquillity, heritage enthusiasts and anyone curious about biodiversity.

Green Tips

You are in a Regional Nature Park: every little bit helps. Choose sustainable transport options, stick to the marked trails, and take your rubbish home with you. Together, let’s preserve this vibrant area.

Our tips for hiking

Listen on Spotify

The Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park also tells its story in audio format. Its podcast, available on Spotify, gives a voice to the people who bring this exceptional area to life and protect it. Biodiversity, landscapes, local expertise, community initiatives…

The podcast