La Tournette
Mountain Alpine peak above Lake Annecy with sweeping views
Alpine summit above Lake Annecy accessed from Annecy and surrounding valleys; hikers and scramblers climb for close views over the lake, ridge walking and day hikes from local chalets.
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La Tournette is a mountain in Haute-Savoie, France, standing at about 2,351 metres and forming the highest peak immediately above Lake Annecy.
Hikers and scramblers visit for the panoramic summit views over Lake Annecy and the northern Alps; routes include steep alpine paths and exposed ridgelines that require sure-footedness. The mountain is a prominent local landmark and is frequently climbed as a day hike in summer and shoulder seasons under stable weather.
La Tournette is a natural feature of the Bornes Massif and has long been used for grazing and mountain recreation; its prominence above Lake Annecy has made it a noted local topographic reference.
The peak sits on the eastern side of Lake Annecy, above the towns and cols that link the lake to the surrounding Alpine valleys, and is easily visible from Annecy and neighbouring villages.
- Summit views: The summit provides panoramic views over Lake Annecy and the surrounding Aravis and Mont Blanc massifs on clear days, making sunrise and late-afternoon weather windows especially popular for hikers.
How to Get to La Tournette #
From Annecy: drive toward the Col de la Forclaz and continue on D41/D34 toward parking at the base of the trail (approx. 25-40 minutes). Several trailheads and marked paths lead to the summit; local shuttle options operate in summer.
Tips for Visiting La Tournette #
- Start early to avoid afternoon gusts and to secure parking in summer; the ascent can be busy on good-weather weekends.
- Use the Col de la Forclaz route for the classic Annecy view - the ridge trail is exposed in places, so bring windproof clothing.
- Photographers should aim for late afternoon for softer light on the lake and the western face.
Best Time to Visit La Tournette #
Best visited in summer for safe trail conditions; early autumn offers clearer air and quieter paths.
Weather & Climate near La Tournette #
La Tournette's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1770 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (187 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).
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