Brison-Saint-Innocent lies on the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget. A lakeside path with two long piers, hikes of varying lengths, and a cultural landscape with a history dating back to the 18th century give the area several distinct facets. When planning your trip, be sure to distinguish the seasonal closure by the lake from the conditions on individual hiking trails.
By the lake: the Sentier Fil de l’Eau
Created in 2012, the Sentier Fil de l’Eau connects Mémard with Pointe de l’Ardre. This nature trail runs along the shore and is two kilometers long in total. It includes two footbridges on stilts: one is 230 meters long, the other 107 meters. This makes both the total length of the trail and the dimensions of the individual footbridges clear. The trail reopened on August 3, 2026. Every year, it is closed from October 15 to March 15 to give birds a period of rest during the breeding season. Take this closure into account when planning your trip, and check local conditions before setting out.
Beach activities at Pointe de l’Ardre
Pedal boats and canoes can be rented at Pointe de l’Ardre beach. The beach also has restrooms, showers, and a large wooded park. Rental options may vary by season, and facilities may also be adjusted seasonally. If you are planning one of these activities, it is best to check what is available before your visit. This makes it easier to plan your time by the lake around the season.
Hiking: understanding distance and duration
The Du lac Ă la forĂŞt de Corsuet hiking trail is 8.5 kilometers long, has about 150 meters of elevation gain, and passes through Brison-Saint-Innocent and Aix-les-Bains. Check local conditions before setting out. A second option, the trail to the Grotte des FĂ©es, is five kilometers long and has 370 meters of elevation gain. So the shorter route involves a climb of its own; the two trails differ in more than just their length.
For experienced hikers, the hike to the Grotte des FĂ©es takes about two and a half hours, and about three hours with children. A lamp is recommended, and children enjoy the trail. These time estimates help you plan this hike as a trip in its own right, rather than comparing it with the longer Corsuet route based only on distance. When weighing up the two hikes, you can take into account the distance, elevation gain, and stated time for the Grotte route together.
Ferme Gigot and the history of the promenade
Ferme Gigot, also known as Balcons de Brison, is a wildlife corridor made up of forests and meadows. Viewpoints offer views of Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountain ranges. Important for planning your visit: the main building of the farm is abandoned and not open to the public.
The Promenade du Gigot is part of the area’s history. It was created in 1784 for the visit of the Prince of Piedmont and his wife, Clotilde de France, and led from the shore of Lac du Bourget to the heights of Ferme Gigot. This historic link between the lakeshore and the higher ground adds a specific local history to the nature trails and hiking routes; it does not imply that the main building is open to visitors today.
Local heritage and places to eat
A rabbit breed is also part of the area’s local craft and agricultural history: the Saint-Innocent Angora, also known as the French Angora rabbit, originates from Brison-Saint-Innocent. For a meal, visitors can enjoy lake fish and pan-fried small perch at the Auberge de Brison. The menu and availability may change; check what is on offer in advance if you have a particular dish in mind.
When looking for a hotel, you might first consider which aspect of the area you want to shape your stay: the lakeside stretch, which is subject to a seasonal closure, and the beach activities; a hike with specific distances; or the combination of landscape and local history. This helps you choose a destination based on the activities you actually plan to do.
Discover more destinations: Montsapey, Saint-Nicolas-La-Chapelle, Belle-Plagne, Avrieux, Saint-Avre, Saint-Sorlin-Darves, Aigueblanche, Villarodin-Bourget
For the main travel overview: Savoie.
