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Giffre walks
The Fond de la Combe and its magical waterfalls
Visorando Member
4.92 mi
+440 ft
-420 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
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.
The End of the World
5.80 mi
+971 ft
-948 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
This place really does exist and it’s not far away! To get there, simply:- head to the stunning Sixt Fer à Cheval cirque,- take the wide tracks and paths starting from the car park,- continue on to the front walls.
Lac de Pormenaz from Lac Vert and via Souay
6.02 mi
+2,388 ft
-2,388 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
A superb walk facing the long barrier of the Rochers des Fiz (or Chaîne des Fiz – Massif de Platé, Haut Giffre), in an exceptional setting with a section of the route running alongside the Souay torrent. When the sun is shining, the reflections of Lake Pormenaz are truly beautiful.
To the end of the world... and beyond
8.03 mi
+2,769 ft
-2,740 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
As Hugues Aufray sings:Come on lads, wake up, we’ve got to get a move on, we’re off to the ends of the earth...Walkers who aren’t afraid of heights, or who can overcome their fear, will be rewarded with sublime views.
The Lac Vert in Servoz
2.63 mi
+774 ft
-755 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Servoz (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely, easy hike that climbs up to Lac Vert and goes around it. Along the way, there are beautiful views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Lac de Gers
7.96 mi
+1,516 ft
-1,535 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
This is a fairly short, easy walk. The mountain pasture and lake are magnificent, but the access path, which is sometimes quite muddy, is mainly in the forest and offers few views.
The Pas du Boret
6.55 mi
+1,827 ft
-1,798 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A superb hike in the Giffre Valley, much of which is in the Sixt Passy nature reserve, with exceptional scenery and breathtaking views.
Climb to the Platé Desert
Tourist office
4.05 mi
+2,867 ft
-2,867 ft
4 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
With its lunar landscape, peaceful atmosphere and magnificent views, Platé is a site unlike any other. Hike to discover a site with exceptional geological, floral and fauna riches. The size of the site makes it the largest sharp limestone pavement in Europe.
Le Grand Pré via the Chalets de Sales
8.30 mi
+2,959 ft
-2,936 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very beautiful hike starting from Le Lignon in a magnificent setting (Passy - Haut-Giffre nature reserve). Depending on the season in which you do this hike, take into account the crossing of several snowfields (very late in 2013) and numerous streams that "cut" the path.
Le Buet from Vallorcine
11.66 mi
+5,922 ft
-5,892 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
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).
The Cirque du Fer à Cheval and the Bout du Monde from Nambride
8.80 mi
+1,394 ft
-1,375 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A must-see in this mountainous area, close to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, this hike offers views of magnificent landscapes. Between the cliffs, you follow the Giffre river and admire the many waterfalls of the torrents that flow into it.
It starts here from the car park just after Nambride, the last car park where you can park for free to access the site. You can therefore shorten this hike (see practical information and other descriptions on Visorando). Most of the elevation gain is at the bottom of the valley and can also be avoided (see practical information).
The Tines Gorges
3.31 mi
+607 ft
-610 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Discover the ancient Tines Gorges, carved out by the Giffre. Now abandoned by this turbulent torrent, these gorges offer a spectacular walk.
Please note: message from a hiker dated 18/09/2022: Part of the walk is closed by prefectural order due to the risk of falling trees. Another message dated 19/07/23 states: The path is destroyed in several places due to tree felling.
Please check before planning this trip
La Bourgeoise
3.24 mi
+1,585 ft
-1,585 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
This is a fairly short walk with no real difficulty. There are beautiful views for much of the route and the scenery at the top is superb.
Lachat d'en Haut
6.11 mi
+2,274 ft
-2,287 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
This former mountain pasture is located at the foot of the Aiguilles de Warens and offers a beautiful landscape reminiscent of certain panoramas in the Dolomites. A superb circular, where you will pass the Aiguille de Varan from the Zéta. At Lachat d'en Haut and along the route, you will also enjoy superb views of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Aravis Massif and the Fiz Massif.
Traversée du Buet
13.82 mi
+7,694 ft
-7,684 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Crossing the Buet, ascending via the Refuge de Grenairon and descending via Les Fonts. It is a long loop with a significant elevation gain and a section at an altitude of 3,000 metres. Having done this hike again in the direction of Grenairon chalet to Fonts chalets, I am repeating the description as it is much easier, shorter (approx. 9 to 10 hours), and it is easier to see the rest of the path from above when descending from Beaux Prés.
Le Dérochoir
6.97 mi
+3,875 ft
-4,177 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
An extraordinary hike that almost forms a loop, starting from the Châtelet car park; a complete change of scenery guaranteed in an exceptional environment (Passy and Sixt nature reserves; Platé desert). You will need two vehicles.
Between Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, going up the Giffre torrent
8.85 mi
+1,070 ft
-1,060 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
After climbing up the Giffre torrent, cross the impressive footbridge over the Tines Gorges. Head to the hamlet of Le Mont and its small chapel to return to Samoëns, passing through picturesque villages.
The lakes of Nyon Guérin and Joux Plane via the Pointe d'Angolon
3.85 mi
+1,765 ft
-1,768 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Verchaix (Haute-Savoie)
A short circular hike, allowing you to admire the 360° panorama from Pointe d'Angolon and then enjoy the calm and beauty of the lakes of Nyon Guérin and Joux Plane.
Please note that the ridge walk may not be suitable for those who are prone to vertigo.
Tour de l'Arbaron
2.99 mi
+807 ft
-810 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Arâches-la-Frasse (Haute-Savoie)
A very pleasant short hike with beautiful scenery and superb views of the Arve Valley and the Aravis mountain range (with a view of Pointe Percée). Suitable for children who can walk a little.
The Tour des Chavannes via the Col de Joux Plane
7.36 mi
+1,503 ft
-1,512 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Les Gets (Haute-Savoie)
This hike allows you to discover the Les Gets ski resort. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the Les Gets, Morzine and Samoens valleys. Route through the forest or mid-mountain, passing by the Col and Lac de Joux Plane.
The Sales chalets from Le Lignon
5.96 mi
+2,415 ft
-2,415 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A hike from Le Lignon to the Sales chalets. It crosses forest and mountain pasture landscapes. Following the Sales torrent, you can admire the various waterfalls along its course.
You will cross the Pas de Sales, a passage carved into the rock by farmers in the 19th century to bring their herds up to the mountain pastures. It is still used today.
In addition to the domestic animals that make up the herds found around the chalets of Sales, it is not uncommon to see marmots and ibex, even close to the trails.
This beautiful hike will delight your eyes.
On the ridges of Joux Plane to La Bourgeoise
2.59 mi
+699 ft
-673 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Verchaix (Haute-Savoie)
This hike includes some vertiginous passages on the ridges between Col de Joux Plane and La Bourgeoise, overlooking Samoëns and the Giffre valley.
From Lignon to Refuge Alfred Wills and descent via Refuge des Fonds
9.61 mi
+3,812 ft
-3,812 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
This route presents no difficulties other than the distance and elevation gain, and can be completed in one go by well-trained hikers.
The route is fully signposted and can be completed in its entirety by following the directions on the signs and markings (a little more difficult when the "high" part is snow-covered, as it was during our last hike :-) ).
Aiguille de Varan from Passy
8.51 mi
+5,961 ft
-5,945 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
A beautiful circular hike from Passy in a rugged environment with a remarkable summit overlooking the Arve valley. The wild and vertiginous crossing from the Aiguille de Varan to the Désert de Platé is quite unforgettable. The hike can be split into two by staying overnight at the Refuge de Varan.
This hike should not be attempted in uncertain weather or foggy conditions.
The Arpenaz waterfall at the start of Sallanches
7.01 mi
+338 ft
-328 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sallanches (Haute-Savoie)
An easy family walk that can be enjoyed in all seasons.
Circular of the Grandes Platières
7.76 mi
+2,956 ft
-2,956 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Magland (Haute-Savoie)
A beautiful circular at the top of Flaine, in a spectacular sharp limestone pavement setting, with one of the most beautiful views of the Mont Blanc range as a bonus.
Lac de la Vogealle via the Pas du Boret
10.48 mi
+4,144 ft
-4,127 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very beautiful day hike with a wide variety of landscapes.
Please note: the Pas du Boret pass should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are not prone to vertigo. If you do not feel comfortable walking along the mountainside, take the route via Bout du Monde instead. Avoid the Pas du Boret if the weather conditions are not favourable.
Lakes of Vernant and Airon via the Tête du Pré des Saix
5.34 mi
+1,680 ft
-1,667 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Arâches-la-Frasse (Haute-Savoie)
A beautiful hike near Les Carroz d'Arâches. Between forest and mountain pastures, it first leads to the shores of Lac de Vernant, located between Tête du Pré des Saix, on the Les Carroz d'Arâches and Samoëns side, and Grands Vans on the Flaine side.
The ascent then leads to the Col de Vernant with a distant view of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, then to the Tête du Pré des Saix itself, which offers a remarkable panorama of Mont Blanc and its massif, as well as the other surrounding massifs.
The descent finally ends at Lac de l'Airon, the last stage before the finish.
Tête de Bostan via the Pas de la Latte
6.45 mi
+3,596 ft
-3,596 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
The Tête de Bostan offers a superb panorama of the higher peaks very close to the Dents Blanches and Dents d'Oddaz. This hike offers an ascent of this summit via the original and wild Pas de la Latte route. The descent is via the more usual Col de la Golèse route.
Plaine Joux - Refuge de Moëde Anterne via Lac de Pormenaz
5.04 mi
+2,484 ft
-371 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
The first stage of a two-day excursion to Lac d'Anterne, this day allows us to reach the Refuge du Col d'Anterne via Les Argentières and Lac de Pormenaz.
From Le Lignon to the Alfred Wills Refuge via the small pass of Anterne
3.15 mi
+2,251 ft
-190 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Beautiful climbs and pretty waterfalls, with panoramic views over the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval valley.
Lac des Verdets
7.24 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,838 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
In the land of the Dents d'Oddaz and the Dents Blanches, visit a pretty lake nestled at the foot of the former.
Tour des Dents d'Oddaz
11.68 mi
+5,732 ft
-5,732 ft
10h 20
Very difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
This is a long hike with a significant elevation gain. The effort is rewarded by panoramic views throughout the route.
Pointe de Sales
9.40 mi
+4,295 ft
-4,288 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A magnificent ascent via the Sales Refuge.
After passing close to the Pleureuse, Sauffaz, Sales and Trainant waterfalls, the Sales valley offers us bucolic landscapes that contrast with the harshness of the surrounding peaks. It's like being in a Snow White cartoon... or, more to my taste, Shrek.
The rest of the route, no less remarkable, will lead us to a breathtaking panorama...
Flaine Lake
6.24 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,923 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Magland (Haute-Savoie)
A pleasant, easy walk that allows you to explore the Flaine valley.
Assy Plateau - Platé Refuge
2.59 mi
+3,438 ft
-102 ft
4h 10
Difficult
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
First day of the hike.
A good, varied climb that will take you to the Désert de Platé, a rather exceptional protected site.
Pointe de Nyon from Joux Plane
4.98 mi
+2,146 ft
-2,152 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Verchaix (Haute-Savoie)
Starting from the Col de Joux Plane, this hike crosses the ski slopes descending from the Pointe d'Angolon (Domaine des Gets). The climb to the Pointe de Nyon offers beautiful views of the Les Gets resort and Morzine. At the summit, there is a superb view of the Haut Giffre peaks (orientation table).
Tour des Fiz in 4 days
16.38 mi
+6,752 ft
-6,765 ft
4 days
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A superb four-day hike, with lakes, waterfalls, ladders, ibex, marmots and magnificent panoramic views, particularly of Mont Blanc, located 15 km away.
Jacquicourt Chapel
6.28 mi
+2,333 ft
-2,333 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Verchaix (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely walk through the woods to the Chapel of Jacquicourt.
For experienced walkers (fairly steep climb).
Col de Platé
13.72 mi
+4,239 ft
-4,239 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
A long hike taking you to the famous Platé Desert, a vast limestone plateau covered in countless sharp limestone pavements. This route forms a circular route through the two beautiful valleys of the Gers and the Foges.
Col de Salenton, via the waterfall and the Bérard valley
8.80 mi
+3,944 ft
-3,930 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
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.
The Croix des 7 frères from Agy
Association / Club / Walk leader11.80 mi
+2,697 ft
-2,687 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Sigismond (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely route starting from the Agy plateau, through mountain pastures and forests, with views of the Giffre mountains on one side and the Aravis on the other.
Frioland Circular Loop
4.54 mi
+2,195 ft
-2,201 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Passy (Haute-Savoie) (Haute-Savoie)
A hike offering magnificent views of the Mont Blanc massif on one side and the Aravis massif on the other.
Col de la Portette and Passage du Dérochoir via the Chalets de Sales
10.98 mi
+4,117 ft
-4,098 ft
8h 40
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very beautiful, long hike from which you can admire various magnificent waterfalls, the Plaine du Grand Pré, the Fiz, the Lacs de Laouchets, the Désert de Platé, and the Mont Blanc range from the Dérochoir.
A long hike with no technical difficulties or exposed sections.
Le Fer a Cheval
8.03 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,214 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very popular out and back walk into the nature reserve above Sixt Fer A Cheval. Excellent scenery but best enjoyed out of the main summer season when it is very busy.
For information: following the collapse of cliffs on 06/09/2025 in the Méridienne - Pas Noir sector, access to the Fond de la Combe can only be made until further notice via the right bank of the Giffre.
The Pointe d'Angolon via the Arête de Chamossière
9.02 mi
+2,746 ft
-4,078 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Les Gets (Haute-Savoie)
A circular loop around the resort of Les Gets with an ascent to the Pointe d’Angolon, where the panorama is superb, offering views of: the Fiz and Aravis ranges, the Mont Blanc massif in the background and the Dents du Midi. You can also see Morzine clearly and a stretch of Lake Geneva.
The climb to Pointe d’Angolon is a good introduction to ridge trails as it is slightly exposed, with cables at one point. However, the route is never difficult.
The Pointe de Bornand via the Belvédère d'Aujon
4.53 mi
+1,844 ft
-1,877 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Arâches-la-Frasse (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely walk starting from Flaine, with no particular difficulty, featuring a pleasant route through the sharp limestone pavement and a section along the cliff edge.
Circular route around Montagne de Chevran
4.79 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,044 ft
4h 00
Difficult
Departure from Arâches-la-Frasse (Haute-Savoie)
A forest hike around Montagne de Chevran. At the summit, there is a beautiful viewpoint, and on the way back you’ll pass through the stunning Chevran mountain pastures. Please note that the climb is short but steep.
Sales mountain huts - Le Lignon
2.77 mi
+59 ft
-2,349 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Descend into the Gorges de Sales and pass by the foot of magnificent waterfalls.
Aouille de Criou from Vallon d'en haut
9.37 mi
+4,843 ft
-4,836 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
Climb the peak overlooking the village of Samoëns via the Pertuet chalets and descend via Le Bouttiay. 360° view of the surrounding peaks. A relatively easy hike to the Chalets de Criou, or even as far as Barme, with a magnificent view of the village of Samoëns and the rocky ridges of the Criou face. The slope then becomes much steeper up to the summit, making this hike relatively difficult.