Riverside Walk along the Arve, Gaillard, France

This walk is a completely flat walk along the Arve, following a gravel path all the way which will take you for quite some miles if you wish!

It’s an out and back route, so you just turn back when you want to.

There are a number of car parks you can use. I normally park at the Parcours Santé car park and walk towards the forest and turn back. This takes about 1 hour.

There is also a car park at the end of the forest closest to the border with Switzerland.

Inside the forest itself, dogs must be on a lead. Although every dog walker we met had their dogs off the lead.

There is a large BBQ/Picnic area inside the forest and a few people were enjoying the sunny day with friends when we walked through.

The fact that the walk is along the Arve is a nice advantage particularly on hot days so your dogs can enjoy a splash around. Although the fishermen did not seem to appreciate them disrupting the water so we didn’t stay long on the beach.

Being a completely flat route, it is completely pram-friendly. We met many families out walking with their children and babies along the way.

It’s definitely not the most exciting walking route that ever existed, but Kai had a great time looking at ants, flowers, playing with sticks etc, so he was a happy camper!

If your child is a little older, there are some signs about the native animals and birds along the way, so it’s a nice way to learn about the local nature.

A nice walk on a sunny day, if you are on that side of town, worth a visit!

Fun factor for child: 3/5 - practice riding your bike, or enjoy looking at the flowers and insects in the forest

Fun factor for dog: 4/5 - Splash in the river and enjoy a long walk

Pram-friendly: Yes

Water Access for dogs: Yes

Potable water: No

Baby changing facilities: No

Please review the Disclaimer before attempting any walk or activity mentioned on this website.