The Pas du Boret

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

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.55 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 557 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 548 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,419 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 935 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access: from Annemasse (Geneva), take the Blanche motorway, exit 19 (Cluses). Follow signs for Taninges, then Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Drive through Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Le Molliet and Nambride and continue on the D907 until you reach the Giffrenant car park (if possible!), just after crossing the bridge. Parking is paid in summer.

(S) From the reserve chalet, turn left at the Giffrenant crossing and follow "Buvette de Prazon"; cross the bridge over the Giffre and follow the path that climbs into the forest.

(1) At Giffrenant (962 m), turn right and take the interpretive trail. After a pasture and the hamlet of Giffrenant, you will enter the forest. The path continues on flat ground through a splendid beech forest and you will find yourself in the Sixt-Passy nature reserve. Leave the forest and pass the Pass de la Samosse (1,012 m).

(2) Continue straight ahead towards the Boret chalet.

(3) At the crossroads with the Prazon refreshment bar, turn left towards the Boret chalet. The path will bring you closer to the cliffs, climbing diagonally to the right (red markings), first on smooth slabs, then on a sloping grassy ledge (the Crêt de la Rosta).
It continues in narrow switchbacks to the top of the cliff (be careful, there is a steep drop) and quickly reaches the mountain pasture and the Boret chalet (a mountain hut converted into a refreshment bar, 1,390 m).
The view is splendid and well worth a break: a magnificent viewpoint facing the peaks of the Tête des Ottans, the Grand Mont-Ruan and the Pic de Tenneverge. You can continue on to the refuge and/or the Lac de la Vogealle (allow 2 hours for the lake).

(4) Descend by following the path that branches off to the right below the Chalet du Boret, signposted "Le Fer à Cheval par le Fond de La Combe", towards Fond de la Combe. Leave a path on your left after crossing the stream. Continue more or less level through a beech forest above a rocky ridge before crossing a long ravine (La Gouille Verte) and then several streams.
Continue to reach the bottom of the Bout du Monde glacial valley (trough-shaped valley).

(5) Begin the descent along a series of switchbacks before heading downstream again. The path levels out and continues on flat ground to the Fond de la Combe footbridge (1,060 m) on the right bank of the Giffre.

(6) Continue straight ahead to the Prazon refreshment bar. On the way (on the right), a short stop at the Cascade de la Vogealle is a must (7) – the place is magnificent, although very busy. Cross a few more torrents before reaching the Prazon refreshment bar (3). Continue straight ahead to La Samosse.

(2) Turn left to cross the bridge. The last section is on a slightly downhill track (marked Fer à Cheval). Shortly after the small artificial lake, you will pass the Plan des Lacs and reach the Chalet de la Réserve, whose terrace offers a breathtaking view of the formidable Corne du Chamois, which rises to 2,523 metres.

(8) Turn right, the path then descends behind the Chalet de la réserve and returns to the car park (E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 940 m - Chalet. Cross the bridge over the - Giffre (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 0.29 - alt. 960 m - Giffrenant, turn right
  3. 2 : km 1.85 - alt. 1,015 m - Samosse - Straight ahead on the way there, left on the way back
  4. 3 : km 2.33 - alt. 1,023 m - Prazon refreshment bar
  5. 4 : km 3.35 - alt. 1,387 m - Chalet du Boret
  6. 5 : km 5.49 - alt. 1,267 m - Le Bout du Monde
  7. 6 : km 6.41 - alt. 1,058 m - Fond de la Combe footbridge
  8. 7 : km 7.01 - alt. 1,072 m - Cascade de la Vogealle
  9. 8 : km 10.25 - alt. 956 m - Chalet de la Réserve
  10. S/E : km 10.55 - alt. 940 m - Reserve chalet - Le Fer à Cheval

Practical information

IGN map 3530 ET

Spring and early summer are the best times to fully enjoy this hike, as the torrents and streams are flowing strongly, with a multitude of superb waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and splitting into numerous streams.

In the nearby area

Lake Vogealle, Tines Gorge, Sales chalets.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 30 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 25352939

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Good tip to turn clockwise, going down via the Boret path would have been very complicated!
But on the way up, the path offers an incredible view of the cirque, I highly recommend it! Even though it had rained the day before, the path is doable but a little technical (I think you need to have a head for heights to climb it)
We did the hike at the end of July, setting off around 9:30-10 a.m. and didn't encounter many people on the way up (mainly thanks to the hidden path that allows you to avoid all the families staying in the cirque).
The descent on the other side is much more popular but still enjoyable.

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Nourss38
Nourss38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful loop!
Not too crowded with this option, but we were only there in May.

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LMDM
LMDM

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

No Boret to do on the way up. Numerous lifelines. Slippery, so avoid hiking after rain

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PHIL54
PHIL54

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Only for experienced hikers, as the climb up the Pas du Boret is on a secured rock face (cables).
This area is not recommended in wet weather or when descending.
The descent from the Boret chalet to the "Bout du Monde" is not particularly difficult and offers wonderful scenery, especially the waterfalls.
On the way back, don't forget to go to the foot of the waterfall on the Vogealle (a pleasant place to dip your feet) and then stay on the right bank of the Giffre as you will be in the shade.

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cg_ribas
cg_ribas

Small change to the rating for the route

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tl6771
tl6771

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

We were already familiar with the walk at the bottom of the valley, but this is a whole new experience!
The views are magnificent.
I can confirm that I won't be venturing onto the Pas du Boret (between points 3 and 4) in wet weather, or on the descent for that matter... If it seems too difficult from the start, don't push it, as turning back would be worse. However, in dry weather, it's not too difficult for an average hiker.
You need to arrive early (before 8 a.m.) to avoid paying for parking and to be cooler on the descent.
Walking poles are a plus for the descent (from point 5) but not essential.
Finally, credit cards are now accepted at the chalet, so feel free to stop there for a break.

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didier burel
didier burel

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The price for parking at the start of the hike is 7 euros per day.
I would not recommend this hike with children.
The view of the waterfalls is magnificent.

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francis.t
francis.t
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful loop to follow in the direction indicated. The route is busy but not crowded. The break at the Boret chalet is very pleasant before the descent.

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cg_ribas
cg_ribas
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The climb up the Pas du Boret is steep but not very long. It is well secured but only suitable for experienced and confident hikers. The arrival at the chalet offers magnificent views, and the descent overlooking the end of the world is also very beautiful.
The valley floor along the trail is less picturesque.

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Andrée A.
Andrée A.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

As we were travelling with a group, we went as far as the Chalet du Boret and then retraced our steps, as the loop via the Pas du Boret seemed rather challenging (very steep, loose stones, etc.). The view of the waterfalls is magnificent. The return journey was quite long.

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pilon.t
pilon.t

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 14, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very good route, completed twice.
Accessible to all, but the first part can be intense for novice hikers.
Once you reach the chalet after the steep climb, the rest is easy with a downhill profile.
Definitely worth it to get up high and see the cirque from a different perspective.
Enjoy your hike!

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zenesia-bijoux-aixlesbains
zenesia-bijoux-aixlesbains

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike, great if you want to improve your hiking skills! However, don't make the same mistake I did the first time, which was wearing the wrong shoes and not bringing walking sticks. I didn't enjoy the walk as much as I would have liked.
We prefer to do it in the opposite direction, passing by the end of the world first, so that we can walk down the cliff rather than up, which I find less tiring.
Stop at the Boret chalet for a drink! (Note: they don't take cards, last time we went there.)

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maumorando21
maumorando21

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Great hike. The weather could have been a bit sunnier. Too bad!
An exceptional site that is definitely worth a visit.
The climb up to Pas du Boret requires caution. Take your time and go at your own pace.
The rest is easy.

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randopyfara
randopyfara

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 05, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A glance at the route downloaded onto the GPS took us back to the Giffrenant footbridge, somewhat hidden in the large car park at the start. The Pas du Boret is spectacular, particularly physically demanding (it is steep and the steps are sometimes high), well maintained and the climb does not present any major difficulties (in good weather, with appropriate footwear, a little experience and if you are not afraid of heights). The descent from the Pas du Boret is strongly discouraged. The return via the Bout du Monde is easier, despite some wet and slippery sections. There are currently many hikers and walkers from the bottom of the valley to the car park.
It is tempting to cool off under a waterfall, but beware of falling rocks. A friend of mine was injured by a rock the day after we visited.

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Cathrando
Cathrando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

When we set off at 7:30 a.m., there were very few people around, but there were bound to be more later on. The Boret pass can be tricky for people who suffer from vertigo, but it is well secured with cables. We continued the hike to Lac de la Vogealle, which is truly magnificent! We recommend returning via the Boret refuge and the Bout du Monde; the Pas du Boret descent is not recommended.

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