Along the Dranse from Vongy to Branlecul

Start from the large car park near the Centre d’Aide par le Travail (bus stop), along the Route du Ranch, a road that begins at the foot of the Vongy Chapel.

(S/E) Follow the road southwards and turn left with it at the corner of a sports ground. Pass through a metal gate and go through the tunnel under the D1005.

(1) After a sharp right-hand bend and at the start of a gentle left-hand bend, leave the tarmac, climb the embankment on the left and follow a path through the woodland.

At a three-way junction, take the left-hand path, which quickly leads to the banks of the Dranse for a lovely view. Retrace your steps. Continue along the main path until you come out onto a stony track.

(2) Follow the path to the left, ignoring the faint tracks on either side. Cross a small open area and continue straight ahead along a path. Further on, you’ll reach the bank of the Dranse (which may or may not be visible at this point, depending on the season).

(3) Continue along the narrow path beside the river (this short section requires care). The path soon veers away from the Dranse and continues through the woodland. Carry on southwards, below and some distance from the Thonon bypass (D1005). The path turns left then right and returns to the riverbank. Follow the river upstream for a short while until you reach a clear, level spot ideal for a break.

(4) The return journey follows the same route, in the opposite direction.

(2) At the start of a left-hand bend on the stony track, don’t miss the start of the path on the right.

(1) Follow the road to the right to reach the car park (S/E).

In dry weather, good walking shoes are sufficient for this short walk.

Warnings:
- Do not undertake this walk if the Dranse is in flood.
- Do not venture into any wetlands that the path may run alongside.
- The area is a protected natural site: keep dogs on a lead.

A detailed map is useful (at the very least, the one accompanying this description).

Hike undertaken by the author on 21 April 2019.

- Beautiful views along the banks of the Dranse.

- At the end of the path (4), there is a viewpoint overlooking the opposite bank and, to the left, the Vignes de Pont vineyards (Marin wine, AOP Vins de Savoie).