Pointe du Velan, Mountain summit in Giez, France
Pointe du Velan rises to 1782 meters in the Bauges mountain range, with trails that wind through forests and open alpine meadows on the way to the summit. The landscape changes as you climb, starting in wooded sections and opening up to wider views higher up.
Since medieval times, paths in this area have connected valleys and allowed communities to cross between different regions. These old routes still form the basis of the hiking trails you see today.
Herders work the alpine pastures during summer, and you can see how they continue ways of living that have shaped this mountain landscape for generations.
This is a full-day hike that requires good fitness and proper hiking gear, as the climb involves significant elevation gain. Start early and bring plenty of water, since weather can change quickly at altitude.
On clear days, you can see two distant landmarks from the summit at the same time: Lac d'Annecy spread out below and Mont Blanc rising on the horizon. This view owes to the peak's unique position between two major valley systems.
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