Le Fer a Cheval

Start: From Samoens drive East and pass through Sixt Fer a Cheval and up to some free parking on the right just past Nambride. At this point there is a checkpoint and there is a toll if you want to drive and park further up the valley.

(S/E) From the free parking take the path which leads through the trees on the right hand side of the road. This path will join the road to cross a bridge over the river Giffre and after the bridge turn right and follow the track past a utility building on the left; follow the good track which passes through woods and joins the road a second time, this time to cross the Nant de Combe Saillet.

After the stream take the track on the right and follow it into and through a couple of cleared areas heading towards the campsite. Ignore the track on the right which leads to the campsite and continue following the track which is parallel to the road, cross the Nant des Peres and continue along the track which turns Northwards to join the road and the chalet / restaurant and information centre at Plan des Lacs.

(1) From the buildings follow the broad track in a Northerly direction, it ascends gently, passing a small lake on the left, keep following the track to a junction and information sign.

(2) At the sign take the left fork, you are heading to Chalet de Prazon. Cross the bridge over the river and then turn right. Now follow the track with the river on your right until you arrive at Chalet de Prazon. (refreshments possible)

:3:: At the chalet continue straight ahead along path, again with the river on your right. The path will join the river bank at one stage and then go back into the woods, shortly after this it will bring you to a wooden footbridge and a split in the path.

(4) Turn left and walk to the foot of the Cascade de la Vogealle, then head back to the bridge, cross it and continue following the path; this leads to a more substantial suspension bridge.

(5) Don't cross the bridge at this point but instead keep heading uphill. There are waterfalls on either side of the valley. Look out for those on the left and when you near the last one, leave the path and follow a couple of small cairns to the stream. You can easily scramble up to the base of the waterfall.

(6) Amazingly at this point you cannot see the main path and the constant stream of people walking up to the Bout du Monde. (We ate our picnic here in a tranquil spot) When you are done either continue up to the Bout du Monde and then return or like us just walk back down to the suspension bridge.

(5) Now cross the bridge and follow the path on the opposite side of the river to cross the base of another waterfall (Torrent du Chalet Chermant).

(7) Cross the base of the waterfall (there may still be patches of scree covered snow even in August) and continue following the path, a short distance after it enters woodland ignore the path on the right to Chalet de Prazon and continue on the main path to the sign and junction at (2)

(2) Turn right and cross the bridge, this time turn immediately left after the bridge and follow the path with the river on your left. The path passes the crags and soon enters woodland. It descends to some farm buildings a signpost and junction with a path on the left.

(8) Ignore the path on the left which takes you to the restaurant at (1). Instead keep straight on and descend to a bridge over the river and a unction with the main valley road.

(9) Cross the road and take a path with the road on your right, you are now retracing your path from the start of the walk back to the free parking. (S/E)

Start & Parking: From Samoens drive East and pass through Sixt Fer a Cheval and up to some free parking on the right just past Nambride. At this point there is a checkpoint and there is a toll if you want to drive and park further up the valley.

⚠️This is a popular walk into the nature reserve and consequently, there will be a lot of people on the paths and tracks during August. It will be much quieter out of season and you might stand a chance of seeing some of the ibex which inhabit the upper part of the valley. Regardless of the crowds, the scenery is stunning and this walk will avoid the throng of people as most stick to the main tracks, you should not see many people on the return leg from waypoint (2) to (9).

Refreshments: There is a restaurant near the start at (1) and another at Chalet de Prazon (3). We took a picnic to eat at the top of the valley but chose not to go all the way to the Bout de Monde because of the number of people, surprisingly, just walking a few metres off the main track and to the foot of the waterfall meant that we could not see anyone and still enjoy the great views.

Gears: You will manage this walk in approach shoes or trainers, boots will not be necessary.

Enjoy the amazing scenery.