Le Semnoz
Le Semnoz is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Annecy audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type nature
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Annecy Annecy guide
About Le Semnoz
A green mountain in the Massif des Bauges rising south of Annecy, with high pastures, a small ski station and summit views reaching to Mont Blanc and Lake Annecy.
Le Semnoz is a mountain in the Massif des Bauges in Haute-Savoie, rising immediately south of Annecy and its lake. Its summit, the Crêt de Châtillon, is given by Wikipedia at around 1,702 metres, with other sources ranging from roughly 1,699 to 1,704 metres. A mountain road, the D41, crosses near the top at about 1,660 metres. From the summit orientation table, the panorama takes in Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy and many other Alpine peaks.
The mountain has been protected from construction since the 1970s. In winter it operates as a ski station with around 18 pistes and ten lifts, while summer brings walking, mountain biking, a summer luge and an alpine botanical garden. Le Semnoz also hosted a summit finish in Stage 20 of the 2013 Tour de France, 125 kilometres after the start in Annecy; the western ascent climbs 922 metres over 11.3 kilometres and is rated hors catégorie.
Did you know? In 2013 the Tour de France ended Stage 20 at the summit of Le Semnoz, 125 kilometres from the Annecy start. The final climb, rated hors catégorie, averages a leg-burning 8.2 percent.
How long should you spend at Le Semnoz?
Plan about ~90 min at Le Semnoz. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Le Semnoz worth visiting?
Le Semnoz is one of the 12 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Annecy, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Annecy
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Le Semnoz and read more:
Day 2 of the Annecy in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Le Semnoz
Preview the Annecy tour free in the Gingerguide app.