Alpine pastures, forest and the Menoge River shape Habère-Lullin: the commune lies on both slopes of the river. The Hirmentaz ridge, which reaches 1,597 metres, is another feature of the area. If you are planning a stay, you will find a variety of ideas for day trips here—from a signposted Alpine trail and a challenging long-distance hike to winter activities and fishing.
Comparing the Alpine trail and hikes
The Chemin de l’alpage combines exercise with an insight into life on the alpine pastures. The themed trail is 6.5 kilometres long, has 330 metres of elevation gain and takes a stated 150 minutes. At its eight stops, information boards cover life on the alpine pastures and related local topics. This means the route can be assessed not only by its length and elevation gain: the stops also give it a thematic focus.
A much longer option is “Les Balcons du Léman en Vallée Verte.” This very difficult hike starts at the church car park and covers 36 kilometres, with 1,130 metres of elevation gain and a stated duration of 540 minutes. The two routes differ in time required as well as in length and elevation gain. These figures can help you fit the hike into your stay; the classification as very difficult applies specifically to the longer route.
Winter excursions, water and nature
“À tire d’elles vers les sommets” is a guided winter snowshoe hike starting at 1570 route de la Tête du Char in Habère-Lullin. The route covers about 10 kilometres and around 500 metres of elevation gain; the walking time is given as approximately five hours. Together with the two hiking routes, it shows how much the time needed can vary between activities. The approximate figures are useful for the snowshoe hike, but they do not indicate an exact duration for your own outing.
Fly fishing is possible at Lac de la Crossetaz. The lake is classified as a first-category fishing water; it is home to brown trout and rainbow trout, and has a family fishing area. The fishing and the family area make the lake a distinct outing option alongside the hikes. When planning, remember to check the fishing seasons and regulations that apply to your visit.
Another place to get active is the La Crossetaz fitness trail. It is 1.2 kilometres long and runs by the Menoge River and the La Crossetaz fishing pond. There is also a botanical educational trail. This makes it possible to combine a short trail, the river and an opportunity to learn about botanical topics in one place, while the Chemin de l’alpage, with its eight stops, focuses on life on the alpine pastures.
Saint-Pierre and cultural heritage
The Saint-Pierre church is the oldest church in the Vallée Verte and is already mentioned in a papal bull from February 1180. It was built on Roman ruins. Its features include a bell dating from 1785 and a 14th-century Annunciation fresco; both are classified as movable historic monuments. Also among its furnishings are a polychrome, gilded high altar from the third quarter of the 19th century and choir stalls from the same period. The Stations of the Cross, dating from 1830, consist of oil paintings on canvas.
There is an important restriction to bear in mind when planning a visit: the church has been closed to the public by order of the mayor since 28 November 2024 due to structural risks. Check current access arrangements before visiting. The ruins of the Château de Habère-Lullin also tell the story of the area’s older architecture: they date back to a Gothic building commissioned by the Marquis de Lullin in the 15th century. Today, only a few sections of wall remain. There is also a monument erected in memory of the young people who went missing.
Plan your journey
By car, take exit 15 of the A40 (E712), then follow the D20, the D22 towards Villard and the D12. As road conditions and access arrangements can change, it is worth checking the latest information before setting off. By train, you can travel on TGV or TER services to Annecy, Geneva, Annemasse, Bonneville or Cluses, then continue by bus. Check current train and bus timetables for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Nâves-Parmelan, Saint-Ferréol, Entremont, Cuvat, La Rivière-Enverse, Villard, Le Praz De Lys, Neydens.
For the broader travel guide: Haute-Savoie.
