ORMA
A proper half-day loop above Montmélian through everything that makes the Combe de Savoie's sunny side special: the Arbin vineyards, locust and laburnum copses, pine woods, the protected dry meadow of La Générale, and the boxwood thickets that name the trail. The ridge rewards with the Roc de Manettaz belvedere and its orientation table before the descent past the Col du Mont picnic spot. A Coeur de Savoie circuit, waymarked in yellow; dogs are accepted on a leash.
Start here: cemetery car park on chemin de Beauvoir, Montmélian, heading for the Calloudes hamlet
Do not rely on potential water locations being available or drinkable. Carry enough for the full walk.
Keep the leash on, that's the official condition, and doubly wise in the protected meadow and near the belvedere's edge. No water is mapped anywhere on the loop, so carry a full supply for 4 hours plus; the south-facing vineyard slopes bake in summer, so start early. The 780 m of climbing on rough mountain paths is a genuine workout, check your dog's match score honestly. Best outside the hottest months; the dry-meadow flora peaks in late spring.
The trail rating above describes the mountain, and it's the same for every dog. How it suits yours depends on their build, age and health. See this route's match — scored for a medium dog until you add your own, free and in a minute.
Before you go: the dog safety guide · water for dogs on trail · dogs on cable cars · meeting a guardian dog