The Beauregard plateau is a magnificent natural site in the Aravis massif in Haute-Savoie. Close to Annecy for holidaymakers, it is an ideal alpine area for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. The snow cover is important and these large forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife. In summer, there are lovely walks to admire the flora and fauna.
Access to the Beauregard plateau
To reach the plateau, three accesses are possible:
- from Manigod , leaving from the Col de la Croix-Fry car park,
- from La Clusaz by taking the Beauregard cable car,
- and from Thônes by hiking.
This approach of the plateau will offer you superb panoramas on: the Aravis, the Mont Blanc, the Charvin, the Sulens, the Glières and the Tournette. It is the assurance of pleasant walks for all the family to the rhythm of the bells of the herds and the beautiful farms of mountain pastures. The view is sumptuous on the Mont-Blanc massif and the Aravis chain. You can stop off at the Lorette farm to talk to the local producers and taste the excellent Reblochon cheese produced on site. The plateau has been classified Natura 2000 since 2017.
The Beauregard plateau in winter
The Nordic area of the Beauregard plateau, located at an altitude of 1,600 m, offers 8 well-maintained cross-country ski trails over 36 km. To get there, the best way is to take the cable car which leaves from the centre of the village of La Clusaz. This plateau allows you to ski alternatively or skating style. There are marked trails for walking and snowshoeing. They range from one to six km in length.
The tower of the Beauregard plateau
This beautiful loop allows you to discover a large part of the plateau. It can be done on snowshoes. The departure is from the top of the Beauregard cable car coming from La Clusaz. You have to go down towards the “La piste Bleue” inn. The arrival is at the Pointe de Beauregard. The duration of the excursion is 2.5 hours on average, depending on the level of snow and the quality of the tracks. The distance covered is 5.5 km with a difference in altitude of 200 m.
The Beauregard plateau in summer
In summer, you can enjoy the same marked trails. The plateau is wooded and offers many places to picnic. A discovery of the fauna and flora is of interest to young and old alike. The tour of the Beauregard plateau is a pleasant 8 km loop which can be completed in 3 hours, with a 200 m difference in altitude.
It is not very difficult. You have the opportunity to discover blueberries and mushrooms in the undergrowth. For the mushrooms, before consuming them, take the advice of a specialist pharmacist.
The fauna of the Beauregard plateau
It is a very rich alpine fauna that you can meet if you are quiet and patient. Early in the morning, you can first spot the tracks of animals looking for food at night. During the day, you may come across the following species: chamois, hinds, roe deer, hares, ermines, weasels, and of course foxes. The weasel often dives under the snow to emerge a little further away, it is a fascinating sight.
If you are lucky, you will be able to see the beautiful black grouse. This mountain bird is also known as the little capercaillie.
