Our top 5 Hikes in Geneva & La Côte to do with your dog 🌸

Updated on June 12, 2025

5 Scenic Hikes to discover in Geneva and La Côte area

Looking for an adventure around Geneva to discover the area? These 5 accessible hikes offer a perfect escape into riverside paths, forests, wetlands, or alpine panoramas — without having to venture too far – easy to access from Geneva or La Côte area. Here’s everything you need to know:

La Jonction – Discover Geneva by Foot

Explore one of Geneva’s most unique natural sights: where the Rhône and Arve rivers meet but don’t mix, creating a striking two-color flow. This easy walk blends city views with forest trails and secret swimming spots. It’s a good option to discover Geneva by foot as it’s doing a round trip.

🥾 Trail Route: Geneva train station → Quai du Mont-Blanc (Jet d’eau view) → Viaduc de la Jonction (via forest and beaches) → back to town

🕘 Duration: Around 2 hours for a full loop with stops

🐾 Dog-Friendly Notes: Great walk for dogs, with shaded paths and riverside spots when you reach the forest. Though, in the city, it can be pretty hot in Summer!

☕ Bonus Tip: Plenty of cafés and pop-up terraces in summer for a drink break!

Spring & Fall Magic at the Aubonne Arboretum

This peaceful arboretum between Geneva and Lausanne offers over 3,000 tree species from around the world. It’s especially beautiful during Spring or foliage season — a gentle, educational walk for all ages.

🥾 Trail Route: Start from the Arboretum entrance near the Wood Museum → loop via seasonal tree zones (Magnolias, Pommiers, etc.)

🕘 Duration: Flexible — most loops are 1–2 hours depending on stops

🐾 Dog-Friendly Notes: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash

💡 Practical Info: 10 CHF entrance fee; closest public transport stop is Montherod, Battoir (30-min walk to the entrance)

Wetland Escape – Sionnet & Château Marshes

Only minutes from Geneva, these marshlands are a peaceful reserve where you can spot herons, frogs, and other birds. The wooden paths and open views make it feel like a true countryside getaway.

🥾 Trail Route: Choulex → Marais de Sionnet → wooden boardwalk → Marais du Château (Castle’s ruins) → back or take the bus

🕘 Duration: 1.5–2 hours depending on pace and wildlife spotting

🐾 Dog-Friendly Notes: Dogs allowed but must be leashed (wildlife protection zone)

🚌 Bonus Tip: Easy access back to Geneva by bus

La Cure – Peaceful meadows

This tranquil trail leads from La Givrine toward the French border at La Cure, winding through green meadows and quiet forest. It’s a lush, peaceful walk — Beautiful in snowy winter too.

🥾 Trail Route: La Givrine → to La Cure (following the Yellow signs)

🕘 Duration: About 2 hours, depending on stops

🐾 Dog-Friendly Notes: Cows roam in summer and can be aggressive — stay alert and leash dogs when needed

❄️ Bonus: Well-marked even in winter, and you might spot wild deer if you go early!

La Givrine – Hike Above the Clouds

This stunning winter hike takes you above the clouds from La Givrine to Saint-Cergue, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

🥾 Trail Route: La Givrine → Combe Grasse → Fruitières de Nyon → Saint-Cergue

🕘 Duration: About 2 hours, or 3 hours if you take a lunch break. There are benches near Combe Grasse for a stop.

🐾 Dog-Friendly Notes: We encountered plenty of dogs along the trail! You can let your dog off the leash, but only if they’re well-trained as there is also the ski trail crossing. During Summer Time, be careful if you see cows. They might be aggressive and try to avoid them.