Chalets de Darbon walks

If you want to discover the mountains in all their forms, both mineral and human, take this challenging route. You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

After a climb through the forest to wake up our muscles, we leave the mountain pastures of the Bas-Chablais Pre-Alps behind us. The route runs alongside several lakes and offers panoramic views stretching from the Jura mountains to the Mont Blanc massif before plunging down below the Cornettes de Bise.

This first stage of the Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA), from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, takes place in the Chablais massif. The path climbs up the Novel valley on the left bank of the Morge, below the hamlet of La Meurtaz, then follows the D30 road, which it overlooks after the hamlet of Jordy. On leaving Novel, the path winds its way above the hairpin bends of the D30 to La Planche. There, it leaves the main valley route to climb due south towards the chalets of Neuteu and on to the Col de Bise, before descending to the Chalets de Bise.

This third stage of the GTA takes you from the Chablais massif to the Giffre massif. It is very long but offers superb views of Les Dents Blanches and Les Dents du Midi in Switzerland. From the Trébentaz Refuge, the GR®5 detour crosses the Mattes ridge and rejoins the main GR®5 route. It descends towards the Pron mountain pasture, then skirts the Coincon ridge towards Lenlevay, descending into a wetland area and climbing back up to the Col de Bassachaux. It runs along the southern flank of the Crête des Rochassons and passes the Col de Chésery (1992 m) to enter Switzerland. It passes the Refuge de Chéseay, Lac Vert and climbs to Portes de l'Hiver, then descends to Chaux-Palin and continues along the hillside to La Pierre. After a short climb to the Col de Coux, it crosses back into France to cross the Torrent de Chardonnière and join the Col de Golèse and its refuge.

A linear hike, which requires careful planning, connecting two landing stages on Lake Geneva at a higher altitude. An often shaded route that nevertheless offers beautiful views of the lake. Oratories, chapels and churches are also along the way.

A linear hike from a lake accessible by car to a mountain lake in a wild setting, then back down into the valley. A very beautiful traverse at the foot of the impressive north faces of Pointe de la Chavache and Pointe d'Entre Deux Pertuis.

A pleasant walk beside the River Dranse from Chatel to Abondance, where it is possible to look around the Abbey. You can walk back the same way or there is a regular bus service in the valley. If you have a Chatel Multi-Pass the bus will be free.

A pleasant walk along the border ridge from the Morclan chair lift. Variations are possible (and described) to give more ascent. Opportunities for great views across the mountains in the Chatel Area and into Switzerland, including the Montreaux end of Lac Leman.

Reach the Graydon mountain pasture and its chapel by first taking the Roc d'Enfer cable car. You will then find yourself in a peaceful environment, surrounded by gentians and grazing cows, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop... The Graydon mountain pasture stretches out at the foot of the majestic Roc d'Enfer, where cows and goats graze peacefully on the lush grass around the small chapel surrounded by a magnificent valley.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards of Lavaux, discovering the different appellations. Lovely views of the lake and the Alps. Local wines can be tasted throughout the hike. N.B. Contrary to what is automatically indicated on the hike information sheet, the Lavaux terraces are located in the canton of Vaud and not in Valais.