5 tips for surviving (in style) the heatwave The most beautiful walks and hikes in the cool of the day Around Chambéry

When the temperature soars, head for higher ground
(and find some shade)

When the city feels like a pizza oven and the tarmac starts to melt beneath your trainers, there’s a far more pleasant solution than sticking to the fan. Head for Chambéry Montagnes! Here, dense forests, refreshing waterfalls, babbling brooks and high-altitude plateaus combine to create a veritable elixir against the heatwave.

Whether you’reafter a family stroll, a contemplative hike or a walk that ends with a picnic in the shade of the fir trees, the area is brimming with routes where a cool escape is almost guaranteed. Here’s our selection of 5 hikes where you’ll probably find yourself reaching for… your jumper once you reach the summit.

1. A circular walk around the Oratoire Saint-Bernard

A breath of fresh air amidst woodland and heritage

Perched above the village of École, this route takes you through woodland, meadows and typical hamlets of the Bauges region to a wayside shrine steeped in history. Most of the ascent is in the shade, before giving way to lovely views of the surrounding countryside. The looping descent via La Compôte prolongs the pleasure in a peaceful atmosphere. A walk that combines heritage, nature and a breath of fresh air, ideal for escaping the heat of the valley for a few hours.

A 7.7km loop with 376m of elevation gain

L'Oratoire Saint-Bernard

2. The Ducray Chalet

Wooded paths and Bauju-style décor

Do you love the mountain pastures but aren’t so keen on hikes that turn your T-shirt into a mop? The Chalet Ducray is an excellent compromise. The climb is pleasant, the wooded sections provide a real sense of coolness, and the finish offers a typically Bauju landscape. Take a deep breath: here, the air seems to have been made especially for scorching hot days.

3.3 km round trip with 244 m of elevation gain

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3. Combe Fort and the Pointe de la Fougère

Head for the great outdoors

If you’re looking for a place where nature reigns supreme, you’ve come to the right place. This walk takes you deep into one of the wildest parts of the Bauges massif, amongst forests, mountain pastures and panoramic ridges. Keep your eyes peeled: chamois, mouflon and roe deer are regular visitors to the area. The climb takes a bit of effort, but reaching the Pointe de la Fougère offers a truly spectacular reward. And with the altitude, a few precious degrees cooler round off the experience.

7.7km round trip with 609m of elevation gain

I discover

4. The Balcons du Lac du Bourget

The highlight of this walk? A spectacular view of France’s largest natural lake… and temperatures that are often a few degrees cooler than in town. Forest trails alternate with viewpoints that immediately make you want to extend your day with a swim.

A 13.9km round trip with 416m of elevation gain

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5. The Pragondran Ridges

When the heat sets in, heading up to higher ground is often the best option. The Pragondran ridges offer a magnificent route through woodland and across open vistas. The wind often makes a surprise appearance here, turning the walk into a real breath of fresh air.

A 3.5km loop with 180m of elevation gain

The Pragondran Ridges

The Pragondran ridges

The best remedy for a heatwave? A good dose of nature.

In Chambéry Montagnes, the coolness isn’t just a matter of a few degrees less. You experience it by a waterfall, beneath hundred-year-old beech trees, on a high-altitude plateau or along a path where water is never far away. So, fill your water bottle, pop a hat in your rucksack and set off to discover your very own Savoy elixir: one that combines forest, mountains, rushing water… and plenty of walking enjoyment.