VEYRIER TO LES ILES D'ARVE (FR) AND BOUT-DU-MONDE

For more things to do, see and discover in the commune of Veyrier, visit our dedicated commune guide.

Walk Overview:Distance: 8 km approx.Approximate walking time: 2 hours approx.Start: Bus stop 'Veyrier Village'Finish: Centre Sportif Bout-du-Monde

We kicked off this walk at the bus stop ‘Veyrier Village’, taking a small road beside the petrol station that quickly led us out of the village and down towards the Swiss–French border. After passing the Israelite cemetery, the path began to feel more remote, skirting fields and woodland edges.
Before long, a signpost pointed us towards the Étang des Îles (Island Ponds). We followed the sign and a short detour brought us to the peaceful Arve River and into the Les Îles d’Arve nature reserve, where two large ponds sit quietly surrounded by greenery—an ideal early stop.

Les Iles d'Arve

We then retraced our steps and continued towards Sierne, a small hamlet perched on a gentle rise, framed by vineyards. After a short climb (and a quick look around), we descended towards Route du Pas-de-l’Echelle and picked up a shaded woodland trail running alongside the Arve.

Sierne

This stretch was an enjoyable part of the walk—calm, leafy, and dotted with small side paths leading down to the river. After descending some stone steps, we arrived at the Berges de Vessy. To take a look around there, we followed a signpost in the direction of ‘Villette’. This also led us to a bridge that traversed the river. Crossing over, we explored the wide pebble riverbank—almost like a beach—perfect for a pause by the water.

Berges de Vessy

Heading back to the signpost, we then followed the direction of ‘Carouge Pl. Sigismond’. Shortly after, a trail on the right wove its way through the woods and along the river. This trail really gave us the feeling of adventure, and there were also numerous sandy spots along the river to discover (another trail run along the perimeter of the Centre Sportif de Vessy grounds as an alternative option). Along this trail, we were eventually led to another large pebble and sand riverbank—a great spot for our picnic.

The pebble and sand riverbank along the Arve river

The final stretch along the river brought us to the Pont de Vessy (Vessy bridge). We passed underneath, climbed the metal stairs, and turned towards the Centre Sportif Bout-du-Monde—a convenient and satisfying end to a walk full of riverside scenery, hidden corners, and natural escapes just outside the city.