Châtel walks

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 beautiful, challenging "all-in-one" hike: beautiful mountain pastures, views of the surrounding peaks (Mont de Grange and Cornettes de Bises), 360° panorama from the summit of Morclan (Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc massif, Lake Geneva, Rhône Valley, etc.).

For lovers of breathtaking scenery, this is an outing not to be missed. The 360° panorama is worth the detour: Lake Geneva, Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, etc. The first part, up to Portes de Culet, is not difficult. The second part, up to the summit, is more physically demanding.

This is an easy hike with stunning views of the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc in the background if the sky is clear. Halfway along the route, you will overlook the Swiss village of Morgins. The return to Super-Châtel is via the Buvette du Corbeau, then the Cheval Blanc area and finally Lac de la Mouille.

A lovely walk, made accessible by the cable car. Varied and interesting walking with a lake, a quiet path through trees and two great view points.

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.

As its name suggests, this summit offers a superb panorama, particularly of the nearby Dents du Midi. The proposed route offers a pleasant walk mainly through mountain pastures.

A beautiful hike to the Boudimes nature reserve, where you may spot chamois depending on the season, followed by a climb to the Mattes mountain pastures accompanied by the sound of bells and marmots whistling. Forests and mountain pastures follow one another to our great delight, with superb views of the mountains surrounding the villages of Châtel and La Chapelle-d'Abondance, then passing at the foot of Mont de Grange (2,432 m) and its rocky ridges. You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

This easy round trip could have continued towards Lake Chésery, or even Lake Vert, to form a circular route returning via Tovassière, but the rain and thunderstorm forced us to turn back. It remains a lovely walk along the banks of the stream, featuring several welcome shelters for a picnic in changeable weather.

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.

Discover the banks of the Dranse d'Abondance from La Chapelle d'Abondance towards Châtel and two beautiful waterfalls on the Ruisseau des Mattes. On the banks of the Dranse, see practical information.

Climb to a local viewpoint offering a 360° panorama of the Vaud and Valais Alps, Mont Blanc, the Abondance Valley and the main peaks of the Chablais, as well as Lake Geneva. A hike that lends itself to several variations and additions. N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information.

A summit that doesn’t look like much from below but offers a superb panorama of the Chablais peaks, the Vaud Alps, the Valais Alps and Mont Blanc. A very varied circular route, alternating between forest, mountain pastures and ridges, tracks, paths and trails, with short steep climbs and gentle slopes.

A pretty circular route overlooking the Abondance valley with views of the Dents du Midi. A limited elevation gain and a two-level route with no difficulty. The alpine walk proposed here is both interesting and scenic.

An excellent family hike. You can go as far as the pass or stop at the lake, which is already a very beautiful setting. Beautiful views of the Dents du Midi (climb to the lake) and the Cornettes de Bise (from the pass). You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

The ascent of a picturesque peak offering a bird's eye view of Lake Arvouin and a beautiful view of the Cornettes de Bise, the highest point in the area. N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information.

A lovely circular hike in the Vallée d’Abondance offering stunning views of the area’s main peaks. A simple return trip to the Chalets de Pertuis makes for a lovely family hike.

Itinéraire de la traversée des Alpes. De La Chapelle d’Abondance passer par le Haut Giffre pour un intermède suisse. Cette étape domine la Haute Vallée de la Dranse d'Abondance, passe par le domaine skiable des Portes du Soleil. Vous êtes sur une zone protégée. Voir la réglementation dans les informations pratiques.

A short round-trip walk to the Queyset reservoir. Two tables are available around the reservoir for a picnic break. The short but steep climb through the forest should not be underestimated.

A walk that is mostly through woodland but offers beautiful views both towards Châtel and the Chalets de Lens. Ideal for a half-day walk on a hot day. You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

An easy summer hike in the playground of downhill mountain bikers. Panoramic views of Lake Montriond, Lake Geneva and the Portes du Soleil ski area. Descent via theGR®5and a forest path. You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

A common route to the Cornettes de Bise when staying in the upper Abondance Valley. A long route with elevation gain, leading to a magnificent setting. From the summit, the highest in the region along with the neighbouring Mont de Grange (2,432 m), there is a superb panorama of Lake Geneva, the Chablais peaks, the Swiss Alps and the Mont Blanc massif. N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information section.

A loop in a beautiful alpine setting at the foot of two majestic peaks, Mont Chauffé on the way up and the Cornettes de Bise on the way down. N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information.

A circular trail around Mont Chauffé with superb views of the north face of this summit (an impressive limestone wall), the Cornettes de Bise and the Dents du Midi. The Vallon d'Ubine offers a wild setting, enhanced by the presence of herds of livestock. N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information section.

Between two ascents of the surrounding peaks, or when these are shrouded in clouds or under snow, a short, easy walk across the plain and along the boundary between vineyards and forest, exploring the rich heritage of the old village of Vionnaz.

This is a short tour which is useful to fill a couple of hours; perhaps when you want to stretch your legs on a short and steep ascent, or if you have spent most of the day hurtling downhill on a mountain bike and you want to do something different. The Pointe de Cheserey can be easily ascended and descended using the same path as an out and return.