Contemplative strolls in the Giffre valley

This 115 km itinerary starts in Mieussy and takes you all the way to Sixt Fer à Cheval. On the program: 2 passes for sweeping panoramas, 2 gorges, several lakes, waterfalls and the fabulous Fer à Cheval cirque, which will leave no one unmoved.

Description

Start with a short detour to see the Mieussy gorges with their emerald waters, 500 m from the tourist office. The site is visible from the road.

Head for the Sommand mountain pastures and the Col de la Ramaz for a breathtaking panorama, with Mont Blanc right in front of you. Its triangle of ice spills over the forests and ridges of the neighboring massifs. You'll be in for a pleasant surprise.

If you come in summer, the Hauts Fleuris chairlift is a MUST. The 360° view is sure to enchant you. You can see all the department's major mountain ranges, the Jura, the Swiss Alps...

Once you arrive in Taninges, you'll notice that the valley is wide and the view unobstructed. You'll feel right at home here. The valley has been shaped by glaciers. The slopes are wooded, and the rocky massifs at the bottom of the valley offer pleasant contrasts for photographers.

Heading up towards Verchaix, we follow the Giffre (local river) to take the Col de Joux Plane road.
The Samoens hillside abounds in beautiful traditional farmhouses and picturesque hamlets such as Mathonex and Chantemerle.

At the Col de Joux Plane, take a break by the lake. It's also possible to take a short family hike to the Pointe de la Bourgeoise, where you'll have a fine view of the valley and Mont Blanc.

Departure for Sixt Fer à Cheval. After passing the large plain of Les Vallons, you enter a lock. Don't miss the Gorges des Tines, 3 minutes from the parking lot. If you're lucky, you'll see rafters crossing them. If you've got a bit of time, take the old Gorges des Tines walk. It's an unusual, cool walk, marked out by a number of small ladders to cross the ancient gorges.

After this break, and the passage through the gorges, the view opens up again as you reach the village of Sixt Fer à Cheval. The mountains are much more impressive, with some peaks topping out at over 3,000 m, more than 2 km above your head.

In the village, turn right to go to the Rouget waterfall, known as the Queen of the Alps. This roadside waterfall, with its monumental double jump, attracts thousands of curious onlookers. It's a striking and refreshing sight, acting like a mist-maker as soon as you approach it.

Finally, our escapade comes to an end at Fer à Cheval. With its monumental cliffs, suspended glaciers at the bottom of the cirque and a multitude of waterfalls licking the walls or plunging into the void without restraint, the site is a sight to behold. Internet users' reviews are rave reviews.
It's sure to be the thrill of the day.

Équipements

• Tourist routes

Services

• Pets welcome

Tarifs

Free access.

Itinéraire

Période d'ouverture

From 01/06 to 31/10.

Subject to snow conditions.

Ouverture complémentaire

• Subject to snow conditions

Langues parlées

• French

Localisation