Pointe des Mattes walks

This third stage of the GTA takes you from the Chablais massif to the Giffre massif. It is very long but offers superb views of Les Dents Blanches and Les Dents du Midi in Switzerland. From the Trébentaz Refuge, the GR®5 detour crosses the Mattes ridge and rejoins the main GR®5 route. It descends towards the Pron mountain pasture, then skirts the Coincon ridge towards Lenlevay, descending into a wetland area and climbing back up to the Col de Bassachaux. It runs along the southern flank of the Crête des Rochassons and passes the Col de Chésery (1992 m) to enter Switzerland. It passes the Refuge de Chéseay, Lac Vert and climbs to Portes de l'Hiver, then descends to Chaux-Palin and continues along the hillside to La Pierre. After a short climb to the Col de Coux, it crosses back into France to cross the Torrent de Chardonnière and join the Col de Golèse and its refuge.

A pleasant walk beside the River Dranse from Chatel to Abondance, where it is possible to look around the Abbey. You can walk back the same way or there is a regular bus service in the valley. If you have a Chatel Multi-Pass the bus will be free.

Itinéraire de la traversée des Alpes. De La Chapelle d’Abondance passer par le Haut Giffre pour un intermède suisse. Cette étape domine la Haute Vallée de la Dranse d'Abondance, passe par le domaine skiable des Portes du Soleil. Vous êtes sur une zone protégée. Voir la réglementation dans les informations pratiques.

A linear hike from a lake accessible by car to a mountain lake in a wild setting, then back down into the valley. A very beautiful traverse at the foot of the impressive north faces of Pointe de la Chavache and Pointe d'Entre Deux Pertuis.

A pleasant walk along the border ridge from the Morclan chair lift. Variations are possible (and described) to give more ascent. Opportunities for great views across the mountains in the Chatel Area and into Switzerland, including the Montreaux end of Lac Leman.

Itinéraire de la traversée des Alpes. Départ du Chablais Suisse (Lac de Chesery) par une belle balade en balcon offrant un panorama sur le Massif des Dents Blanches et la Vallée du Giffre jusqu'au Col de Coux (frontière) pour rejoindre ensuite par une longue descente Samoens.

If you want to discover the mountains in all their forms, both mineral and human, take this challenging route. You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

Hike starting from Croix du Culet, accessible by cable car. The signposting is particularly good at each intersection. Head towards Pas de Chavanette, then Lapisa, La Pierre, La Poya and climb up to the Col de Cou hut for a magnificent view. Then descend towards Croix d'Incrène via Arête de Berroi (truly magnificent, the most beautiful part of the route) and then towards the Barme refuge. Descend towards Champery. This is the least attractive part of the route, but there is no alternative to taking this road.

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.

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.