There are several ways to make the most of a stay in Bernex: hike to mountain lakes, explore religious heritage, enjoy winter sports or go cycling. The conditions that matter for your plans depend on how you want to spend your time. Weather, snow and the season affect hiking trails; ski operations and Bike Park trails are also seasonal considerations.
Hiking trails between lakes, pastures and villages
The Boucle du lac de la Case d’Oche starts at the de la Fétiuère car park in the municipality of Bernex and leads to two mountain lakes. Weather and snow conditions can affect access. Marmots can be spotted at Lac de la Case, though sightings are not guaranteed.
The Circuit des chapelles is an easy, free hiking trail that takes you through Bernex’s religious heritage. Here too, access conditions depend on the weather and snow cover. The Tour du Mont Bénand is suitable for families and offers a moderate challenge. The hike passes through pastures and villages, with views of the Mémises, Mont César, Dent d’Oche and Lac Léman.
These two trails offer contrasting experiences: an easy route focused on religious heritage and a moderately challenging walk through pastures and villages. The Chalets en alpage circular trail focuses on life in the Alpine pastures of Bernex. The buildings at Malpasset, La Tailla, Le Tirou and La Bonne Eau have changed little since they were built around 100 years ago.
Winter sports and cycling
The Bernex ski area stretches from an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 metres and has 19 slopes. As its operating status varies by season, check the resort’s latest information before making plans. Ski touring is permitted during opening hours on designated, marked routes; the resort’s current rules and conditions apply.
Bernex Bike Park has groomed trails ranging from green to black, as well as a jump zone. The trail layout may change from one season to the next. If you’re planning your stay around the Bike Park, take these seasonal changes into account.
Church, history and Alpine culture
The Église Saint-Ours was built between 1848 and 1851 in a distinctly Italian style of the 1850s, reminiscent of Tuscan basilicas. The church is also tied to local history: after Waldensians looted the church and presbytery, residents of Bernex set their camp on fire. This is the origin of the nickname “Bourla-Kam,” translated as “camp burner.”
The Chalets en alpage circular trail offers another way to explore local history, this time through the Alpine pastures and their buildings. The largely unchanged buildings at Malpasset, La Tailla, Le Tirou and La Bonne Eau offer a glimpse into life in the Alpine pastures of Bernex.
Plan visits by appointment
The Distillerie de la Dent d’Oche offers guided tours by appointment. The tours explain the different steps involved in making its fruit specialities. Confirm your visit by appointment before you arrive. The tradition of itinerant distillers goes back more than 100 years and four generations, and includes selected fruits and an old distillation method.
For 2026, the Ranch équestre de Bernex offers horseback or pony rides year-round. Younger children can enjoy guided pony walks; reservations are required.
Getting there and finding accommodation
From Évian, you can reach Bernex by taxi or shuttle in about 15 minutes. Check the journey time and shuttle service before setting off. If you’re looking for hotels in Bernex, first decide on your travel dates and what you want to focus on during your stay. For winter sports, check the resort’s seasonal information and rules; for hikes, weather, snow and seasonal conditions are key.
Discover more destinations: Le Praz De Lys, Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin, Douvaine, Saint-Blaise, Thônes, Scionzier, Sévrier, Ville-La-Grand
For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.
