Finhaut walks

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.

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.

An easy hike overlooking the Trient and Vallorcine valleys, with superb views of the surrounding mountains such as the Mont Blanc massif and the 4,000-metre peaks of Valais. Caution for those prone to vertigo or fear of heights: there is a section with handrails, which is not dangerous but requires particular attention

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.

Pass through the listed site of dinosaur footprints, then climb up to Cheval Blanc and reach the summit of Buet via the ridges. A difficult alpine route classified as T4 with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles Rouges.

This route begins with a detour off the beaten track, suggested to us by the refuge warden, to reach the Col de la Terrasse. An alpine route with the Emosson dam in the background and a chance to discover the lakes at the Col du Corbeaux. After a long descent at the foot of Mont Buet in the Tré les Eaux valley, cross a long ledge equipped with cables and ladders to finally reach the Chalets des Granges and arrive at the Couteray car park.

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.

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

A pretty route, with views of the Tour and Argentière glaciers, which passes through the Refuge de Loriaz to reach the Barrage d'Emosson via a balcony path and finishes at the Refuge du Vieux Emosson.

Straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the Dents Blanches, Dents du Midi, Tenneverge, Mont Ruan and Aiguilles Rouges. An area strongly shaped by the folding of the Alps, with surprising landscapes ranging from lunar deserts to high-altitude lakes, waterfalls and forgotten mountain pastures. A wild and unspoilt nature that only hikers can discover. Alpine valleys, often isolated by "pas", technical and cabled paths opening the doors to this universe of raw and grandiose nature...

A lovely mountain walk, easy at first, at the bottom of a wooded and green valley, then difficult, on the mountainside, exposed to the sun. Interesting waterfall. Panoramic view from the pass. ⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.

A loop via the magnificent and wild Trè-les-Eaux valley on the way there and via the Col de la Terrasse and the Refuge de Loriaz on the way back. Exceptional 360° panorama from the summit!Trè-les-Eaux is one of the few places in the Chamonix valley that is still untouched by mass tourism.

Loop through forests and mountain pastures.From the Col des Posettes via the Croix des Posettes or from the Col de Balme via the Catogne chalets, you will have a complete view of the surrounding Vallorcine landscapes.It's like a balcony overlooking Mont Blanc. ⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.

At an altitude of over 3,000 metres, there is a magnificent viewpoint over the Aiguilles Rouges and the Mont Blanc massif. This is a long and demanding hike in a wild setting offering superb panoramic views. This hike can be done in a single day (Very Difficult) or over two days with a night in a refuge (Difficult).

Starting from Buet, this is a large loop in a very rocky landscape. After the Refuge de la Pierre in Bérard, the ascent of Mont Buet and the Cheval Blanc pass, the circuit makes a short detour into Switzerland to visit the dinosaur site. The return journey is via the Col de la Terrasse, the Refuge de Loriaz and the hamlet of Couteray ⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.

A short summer hike with exceptional panoramic views over the Chamonix valley and its massifs. There are several ways to approach it from Le Tour: the one shown is from the East, using the Charamillon cable car and the Autannes chairlift. The return journey is via the Charamillon cable car.

Located above the Tour glacier, on its right bank, it is the only refuge managed by the Chamonix CAF that can be reached without crossing a glacier in summer. Its location is ideal, with views over a wide range of peaks: Aiguille du Tour, Chardonnet, Aiguille d'Argentière, la Verte and les Drus, les Aiguilles Rouges. It was named after Albert 1st, King of the Belgians. Considered the only high-mountain refuge accessible to families.

A superb hike in the Giffre Valley, much of which is in the Sixt Passy nature reserve, with exceptional scenery and breathtaking views.

This place really exists and it's not far away! To get there, simply: - go to the superb Sixt Fer à Cheval cirque, - take the wide tracks and paths from the car park, - continue to the front walls.

A lovely walk in the Giffre valley, starting from the immense glacial amphitheatre known as the Fer à Cheval, to reach the Fond de la Combe, with magnificent waterfalls, particularly in spring; the flora and fauna are also impressive. Moderator's note, following a comment from a user on 17 June 2023. The footbridge at Fond de la Combe is temporarily closed by municipal order and if you want to go to Bout du Monde, you should cross to the right bank of the Giffre at the Prazon chalet. The loop indicated here is therefore not currently possible.

As Hugues Aufray sings: Get up, guys, wake up, we've got to get going, we're going to the end of the world... Walkers who are not afraid of heights, or are able to overcome their fear, will be rewarded with sublime views.

With a group of senior hikers from the Arve Valley, we set off down the Arve River from its source at La Jonction, Geneva, to its confluence with the Rhône. A short one-day circuit, ascending via the balconies and descending as close as possible to the river, the SM3A path.

This modest hike takes us to the Péclerey mountain overlooking the village of Le Tour, at the northern end of the Chamonix valley. This small, unassuming mountain offers superb views of the surrounding peaks (Aiguilles Rouges, Mont-Blanc), the Chamonix valley and the Tour glacier.

Starting from the Susanfe hut, climb up to a unique viewpoint in a high mountain setting!

A long day leading to Lac d'Emosson via the Col d'Emaney and Col de Barberine. Descent to Lac d'Emosson, then Col de la Gueulaz and the final climb to the Cabane du Vieux Emosson.

This final stage will take you back to Les Marécottes station, very close to the starting point in Salvan. The Salanfe glacier cirque is located at the crossroads of numerous hiking trails. You will finish your tour via the Col de la Golette, which is not very busy. The passage is quite narrow and the start of the descent is equipped with chains. At the pass, you can enjoy one last view of the Dents du Midi and Lake Salanfe. To the east, you can enjoy the panorama of the Valais Alps.

During this stage of the Tour des Dents du Midi, at the Col du Jorat you will enjoy a panoramic view to the south of the peaks on the border with Italy. You will probably recognise the Matterhorn. You will also have a bird's eye view of the Lac de Salanfe, with the Dôme de la Sallière in the background. To the north, the Rhône valley awaits you. In the small village of Mex, nestled on a plateau, several viewpoints offer views of the villages in the valley, all the way to Lake Geneva.

During this second stage, after the Col d'Emaney, you will be enchanted by the peaceful Alpage d'Emaney. During the ascent of the Col de Fenestral, you will be surprised by the beauty of the Lac de Blantsin. The Col de Fenestral offers a panoramic view of the entire eastern part of the Mont Blanc massif.

A circular route around Salvan, passing through Le Marecot. Follow the route with the Visorando app

From the hamlet of Les Granges to Van d'en Bas, you will climb up the Dailley Gorge via daring constructions, footbridges, galleries and vertiginous stairways. The Salanfe river rushes down the steep gorges in several stages. The view is breathtaking. You will enjoy numerous views of the Alpine peaks. You will cross the magnificent Vallon de Van. In the evening in Salanfe, you can already admire the Dents du Midi rising behind the lake

Starting in Salvan and ending in Les Marécottes (VS, Switzerland), this hike is almost a loop. The route is a combination of several tours. In the Val de Trient, you will discover the Dailley Gorges and the Van Valley. You will complete the entire Tour des Dents du Midi and enjoy this magnificent mountain range and the Sauflaz Gorge. You will make a short detour to the Tour des Dents Blanches, which you can admire from the Barme plateau.

A must-do hike through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve in the Chamonix Valley. Lac Blanc culminates at 2352 m, offering an unforgettable panorama of the Mont Blanc range. The route described here is much more bucolic and wild than the variant via La Flégère, which has become far too touristy.

Magnificent hike, facing the Mont Blanc Massif all the way! While the whole route is quite busy, Lac de la Remuaz is off the trail and therefore isolated: a little forgotten gem.

Loop close to the Franco-Swiss border with a variety of exposures in a Nature Reserve (forest to the East, long ridge, alpine pasture, forest to the west), with a beautiful 360° panoramic view and a belvedere ideal for picnics.

8th stage from the Boerne refuge (Tré Le Champ) to the Lac Blanc refuge via the Aiguillettes d'Argentière.Stopover at the refuge to admire the magnificent panorama of the Mont Blanc.

A long loop taking in the various lakes in the eastern part of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif, with magnificent views of the Mont Blanc Massif just opposite, reflected in the waters of the lakes. ⚠️ The itinerary includes two tricky sections equipped with ladders and metal ramps.

This 10th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) normally runs along the high ground above the L'Arve valley to La Flègere but here's the description of the variant to Lac Blanc. A shorter stage but full of excitement and challenges. 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.

Straddling the French-Swiss border, between Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Champéry, this marked trail takes you between alpine pastures and high mountains. The Dents Blanche pass is remarkable for its geology, with its tightly folded limestone layers. A steep descent down a rocky chimney (with cables) takes you to the Col de Bostan, on the French-Swiss border. The Pas de la Bide, a tricky passage with its famous letterbox, leads to the Brame mountain pastures and the Auberge de Bonavau.

A lovely hike passing through the Col de Salenton, descend to take the balcony path through the mountain pastures of the Vallée de la Diosaz. Continue on to the Refuge de Moede-Anterne, then the Col d'Anterne and descend to the magnificent Lac d'Anterne. Then reach the Refuge des Fonts via a pretty path passing through the Petit Col d'Anterne. ⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.

Third stage of the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges. This stage is on the GRP® Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc itinerary. Descend through the Vallon de Bérard nature reserve with its waterfall to the Col des Montets, then climb back up to the Refuge de la Flègère to take in the panoramic view of the Mont Blanc mountain range and its glaciers.

A big day with spectacular scenery. The Pas d'Encel pass is a little tricky to navigate to reach the foot of Mont Ruan. Reach Haute Cime, the highest point of the Dents du Midi at 3,257 metres, via the Col de Susanfe, then descend to the Auberge de Salanfe on the edge of the lake.

After the sources of the Arve, the second loop of the Arve starts from Argentière and takes you on a balcony to the village of Le Tour. The return journey is via Tré-le-Champs, with beautiful panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Outward journey from Argentière via Aiguillette d'Argentière and Lac Blanc, then down via Flégère to Les Praz de Chamonix. Return to Argentière by train from Les Praz station. Otherwise two cars are required for arrival and departure.

This stage partly follows the Tour des Dents du Midi, with a remarkable passage at the foot of the Sauflaz Gorges. As you climb back up towards Bonavau, you will switch to the Tour des Dents Blanches. The Barme Plateau is a magnificent place to contemplate these famous white teeth.

An exceptional hike, with no great technical difficulty, but with a substantial vertical drop that will take you to one of the most beautiful accessible glaciers in the French Alps, along with the Tour glacier. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Aiguille Verte (4100 m), the Aiguille d'Argentière (3900 m) and the Aiguille du Chardonnet, among the most famous. The glacier is accessible, but be careful not to venture onto this glacier without suitable equipment, as numerous crevasses are visible.

9th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from the Refuge du Lac Blanc to Chamonix.

This 11th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) is practically all downhill (with obvious exceptions at La Flégère, up to the Col du Brévent and Le Brévent and the Tête de Bellachat). The Refuge Lac Blanc is at 2,352m and the Chalet Les Méandres is at 1,100m. 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.

After this detour on the Tour des Dents Blanches, you will rejoin the Tour des Dents du Midi and finish at the Auberge de Salanfe. Along the route, you will come across the Sauflaz, which you will overlook at the Pas d'Encel via a passage equipped with chains. In the Vallon de Susanfe, you can admire the Ruan massif. At the Col de Susanfe, you can contemplate the Haute Cime and the Dent Jaune. Further on, you will notice the Refuge des Dents du Midi.

The usual route to the Susanfe hut from Campéry starts in the forest before emerging onto the Bonavau mountain pasture. Below the imposing peak of the same name, the trail climbs up a path with a few equipped sections and crosses the Pas d'Encel. The final ascent of the Susanfe valley takes place in a high mountain setting.

The Haute Cime is the westernmost peak of the Dents du Midi massif and the highest point in the French-Swiss Pre-Alps. It is a unique vantage point, offering a breathtaking panorama and a climb in a beautiful high mountain setting This long and demanding hike can be completed in two days with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge.