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DirectionsStarting at the bus stop ‘Veyrier Village’, take Chemin de l’Arvaz, the little road on the right of the petrol station. Follow the road down to the Swiss/French border point, marked by a metal barrier and a signpost, then go past the Israelite cemetery which will be on your right.The road is unpaved after the barrier which then bears left around some fencing further down. Follow the track along the perimeter of the trees situated on your right until you reach a signpost indicating the direction to ‘Etang des Iles’ via a trail on your right. A few minutes’ walk along this trail takes you along the river Arve and to Les Iles d’Arve nature reserve, where two large ponds are situated.After your visit of the reserve, retrace your steps back to the signpost and continue along the same track in the direction of Sierne, also indicated on the signpost. The hamlet of Sierne can be seen ahead of you as you start to approach it. It sits on a low hill with vineyards sloping down it.Keep going along the track which starts to climb up to the hamlet. You will by now have also re-entered Swiss territory. If you wish to visit Sierne, which consists of one road, turn left at the little junction you arrive at. Afterwards, retrace your steps back to that point. Otherwise turn right and descend the steep road to Route du Pas-de-l’Echelle.Cross over the road and head down the driveway on the left of the bus stop. Take the trail ahead that leads towards and then runs along the perimeter of the woods. This woodland lines the banks of the river Arve.At the beginning of the trail there are a few turn-offs that go down to the river. It is worth a detour down one of these trails. Otherwise stay on the main track. The track is mostly shaded with gentle up and downhill slopes.Eventually you will come to a yellow walking signpost indicating ‘Carouge Pl. Sigismond’, and shortly afterwards the track divides. Stay left at the divide.When you reach another divide in the track, where you will also see a yellow diamond marking on a tree, you can take either path as they both join up again further along. Cross the little bridge that you come to and go right. After several metres you will descend some steps to arrive at the edge of the river Arve - here you can also see the Berges de Vessy ahead of you.
Sierne
Les Iles d'Arve
Continue straight until you reach a yellow walking signpost. To explore the Berges de Vessy, follow the signpost in the direction of ‘Villette’. This will lead you to the bridge that traverses the river. You can also access the large pebble river bank that can be seen from the bridge on your left by crossing the bridge and taking the trail immediately after it on the right.After your visit of the Berges de Vessy, go back to the signpost which indicated ‘Villette’ and now head in the direction of ‘Carouge Pl. Sigismond’. Soon after you will see a trail on the right that runs alongside tennis courts. Follow the trail downwards and from here choose to walk along the side of the courts or take the track directly ahead which leads into the trees and towards the river. If taking the latter trail, it will eventually join back up with the former.Continue following the trail. You will come to a small cylindrical structure in the ground with a yellow arrow marked on it. Here, you can either continue straight on the main track which will take you around the perimeter of the woods and past the sports fields of the Centre Sportif de Vessy (Vessy Sports Centre) or you can walk a few metres more then take the trail on the right which weaves its way through the woods and along the river. The trail in the woods is more adventurous and there are also many sandy spots along the river to discover. If at any point the trail gets too difficult or tiring then take one of the numerous exit trails to get back out onto the main track.If staying on the main trail, keep following it until it enters the woods. The trail divides at this point. There is a wide pebble and sand bank to visit, almost like a beach, if you take the trail on the right and walk all the way to the end. Taking the trail through the woods will naturally lead to this area.After visiting the ‘beach’ head right on the trail and it will join up with the main track. Continue your walk by going right. You exit the woods and begin walking along its perimeter again. Keep going until you eventually reach the Pont de Vessy (Vessy bridge). Go under the bridge and ascend the metal stairs. Turn left to continue towards Centre Sportif Bout-du-Monde where you will find bus stops for your return home.
Berges de Vessy
The 'beach' along the Arve river
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