Finhaut – Cabane du Vieux Emosson

Short loop to visit the Grotte aux Nymphes. Well-equipped and mainly shaded trail. The descent to the Grotte aux Nymphes is steep. The climb back up is gentler. You can do this hike in the opposite direction if you prefer a slow descent and a steep climb. Please note: in summer 2025, the Grotte aux Nymphes was not accessible due to construction work.

This 9th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) offers three options, the North-West one that climbs up almost to the summit of Carraye (t 2,132m) and drops down to Valorcine, the South-West past Col de Balme (at 2,191m) then drops to Le Tour or the middle option that goes over Col de Balme and Aiguilette des Posettes (at 2,210m) to drop down to Tré-le-Champ. Here's the description of the classic middle option. Let's do it!The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.

This fourth stage will take you from Trient to the village of Finhaut. The route begins with a challenging climb to the Pas des Moutons, which offers a view of the Trient Glacier. The ascent continues to the Alpe de Catogne, from where the Emosson Dam is clearly visible. A long descent leads to Le Chatelard. As there is no accommodation in Le Chatelard or at the Emosson Dam, the final section of the route leaves the Chemin des Cols Alpin to reach the village of Finhaut.

Starting from Col de la Forclaz (1527m), a short and easy out-and-back walk along the Bisse du Trient (irrigation channel) to the Chalet du Glacier (1583m), which offers a fine view of the Glacier du Trient and the Petite Pointe d'Orny (3187m). ⚠️ Part of the trail has been damaged by a landslide. Bypassing is possible, but the walk is not accessible for baby carriages and wheelchairs (see practical info).

7th stage of the TMB: from Forclaz pass to Montroc

For this first stage, after skirting Lake Emosson opposite the Mont Ruan massif, the Col de Barberine and Col d'Emaney passes will take you to the shores of Lake Salanfe. You will appreciate the contrast between the Ruan massif and the Dents du Midi massif.

Lac de Salanfe is located in a large cirque, which is most easily accessed from the east via the Vallon de Van d'En Haut. From the Emosson dam, two passes offer access to this magnificent lake. In a high mountain setting, you can admire the Ruan massif to the south-west and the Dents du Midi massif to the north-west. During these two days, you will cross the Barberine, Emaney and Fenestral passes.

A truly beautiful walk along the French-Swiss border, set in magnificent scenery, between large lakes and mountains, with varied landscapes along the route. The presence of fossilised dinosaur footprints along the path adds an extra element of interest to this walk. Finally, a sublime 360° view, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Grand Combin, awaits us at the summit of the Cheval Blanc.