• Sport

Bacounis' hike

Savoie Mont Blanc's choice

This route takes hikers in the footsteps of the famous Meillerie stones which were transported from Meillerie to Lausanne or Geneva on Savoy boats. The "bacounis" were the men whose profession was to load the boats.
Departure at the pier of Meillerie.

Sport Bacounis' hike Meillerie

About

Departing from Meillerie (74500)
Average length : 03h40
Total elevation gain : 530m
Vertical drop : 400m
Distance : 7.9km
Signed walking trail
Animals allowed

Starting from the Meillerie landing stage, the Bacounis loop will allow you to discover a part of the local history through its quarry.

The quarry was in operation from the end of the 16th century and employed up to 450 workers to supply stone for buildings in Geneva and Lausanne.

They closed in 1939 with the great strikes and the arrival of concrete.

Take the time to visit the Prieuré de Meillerie, founded by the canons of St Augustine. You can admire the gothic chapel, as well as the defence tower, transformed into a bell tower.

Following the lake on the last stretch to the Locum beach, this easy walk combines local history and views of the lake.

Take advantage of the return journey to swim in Lake Geneva!

Loop
Total elevation gain : 530m
Altitude max : 700m
Vertical drop : 400m

Signs

Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panel and green writing.

Difficult passages

This hike includes steep passages that require the utmost caution. It is therefore not recommended for people prone to vertigo. Be particularly vigilant in the presence of children.

Map references

TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil

Topoguides references

On sale in the tourist offices of the pays d’Évian.

Further informations

Stone, Ground

    1 2

    0/ Departure from landing stage of Meillerie. 1/ Take the direction of "Locum" by the Fauconnière. Then follow the direction of "Locum" at the successive intersections "Bois Coment", "Pierre Jean Jacques Rousseau", "Carrière des Etalins". Then follow the direction of "Pré Fournet" followed by "La Fauconnière", and its panorama, the "Rocher du Balairon" and to finish, the hamlet "les Plantés".
    2/ Go back down towards Locum, a small village on the edge of the lake. You will have to cross the D1005 (be careful) to reach the village. When you arrive at "Locum (Plage)", take the direction of Meillerie (Débarcadère) in order to return to your starting point via "la Tronche (Parking)".

    Prices

    Free access.

    Reception

    Animals allowed

    Hiking shoes are required. Forest paths can be muddy in wet weather. Due to steep slopes, hiking poles may be useful.

    Dogs allowed, on leash only (several passages and road crossings).

    Period of practice

    All year round.
    Accessible outside the snowy period and depending on the weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand to find out the current access conditions.

    Services
    • Pets welcome
    • Restaurant
    Equipments
    • Picnic area
    • Car park
    • Parking

    Access

    Débarcadère de Meillerie 74500 Meillerie
    Departing from : Meillerie (74500)
    Latitude : 46.407893 - Longitude : 6.718973

    Departure from landting stage of Meillerie

    Information update on 16/02/2024 by Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie
    Randonnée PDIPR (Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenades et de Randonnées)