Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is the place to be when nature and magic go hand in hand. Between impressive mountains, endless waterfalls and turquoise-blue lakes, discovering this place is a promise of wonder. And because it’s one of the most beautiful outings in Haute-Savoie, we’ve put together the best program for you!
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a place with a soothing, unreal and sumptuous atmosphere. To enter the circus is to have the sensation of escaping to the other side of the world. And more than an impression, the hike will literally take you to the End of the World!
The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve, with its imposing mountains surrounded by waterfalls and lakes in shades of blue that would stun anyone, is the largest in France. If you’re spending a few days in the region, you won’t want to miss out on these must-do hikes.
1. Le cirque du Fer-à-Cheval- Le Bout du Monde
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 10.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 616 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Do you dream of going to the ends of the earth? This hike will take you there. Discover a magical and unreal place: the Cirque-du-Fer-à-Cheval all the way to Bout du Monde. Very popular in Haute-Savoie, the trail starts in this semicircle formed by impressive 600-metre cliffs, hence the name « Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval ».
Bordered by the Giffre torrent, the route then leads you to the « End of the World ». And the place lives up to its name, with some thirty immense waterfalls gushing out here and there in the middle of this lost paradise. The scenery is magnificent, and young and old alike can enjoy this natural gem in the heart of the mountains.
2. Cascade du Rouget
- Duration: approx. 30 min
- Distance: 0.5 km
- Height difference: 94 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
You can’t leave Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval without seeing the Rouget waterfall. A real postcard landscape, you’ll only have to walk 500 metres to see it, and its scenery is absolutely worth the detour!
Over 90 metres high, it is also nicknamed « the Queen of the Alps ». And if all seasons are good to visit the Cascade du Rouget, it’s in spring that its water flow will offer you the most beautiful spectacle. A little hike in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval not to be missed!
3. The Lac de Gers promenade
- Running time: approx. 3 hours 20 minutes
- Distance: 12.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 808 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
This hike is a pleasant stroll to the magnificent Lac du Gers. Easy and accessible to all, the first part of the hike takes you through undergrowth amidst fir trees.
The scenery changes on the second section, with an ascent through the heart of the mountain pastures in a setting as magnificent as it is verdant, with a backdrop of chalets on the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval peaks. Last but not least, the grand finish at the sublime Lac de Gers with its turquoise-blue waters!
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is the place to go for a family hike, a calm and soothing place to lounge around the lake. There’s also an alpine restaurant, ideal for those wishing to enjoy a lunch break in the heart of nature.
4. Les Gorges des Tines
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Height difference: 138 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
Directly from the heart of the village of Six-Fer-à-Cheval, you can also explore the Gorges des Tines. This pleasant hike through undergrowth takes you to the ancient gorges carved out by the Giffre. To reach this spectacular walk, you’ll have to cross several bridges in a wooded, bucolic setting.
Although a portion of the trail is equipped with safety cables, the hike is still largely accessible to all. It’s a very pleasant trail to take on hot summer days. Revitalizing as well as refreshing, the trail is also ideal for climbing and rafting.
5. Le Grand Pré via Chalets de Sales
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Ascent: 744 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
In the Passy nature reserve, you’ll find the magnificent Grand Pré hike. The trail takes you through a series of spectacular waterfalls before reaching the famous Grand Pré. Far from being an end in itself, it may be worth continuing up to the Dérochoir, from where you can enjoy a superb view of the Mont-Blanc massif.
If you need a break, a well-deserved stop at the Refuge de Sales is ideal before continuing on to the Belvedere. Here you can not only enjoy the view, but also meet marmots and ibex in this veritable alpine zoo.
The route is extremely well signposted, so there’s no risk of getting lost. Easy, beautiful and accessible, this hike in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is not to be missed!
6. Lac d’Anterne
- Duration: approx. 6 hours
- Distance: 17.2 km
- Height difference: 1,324 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
Lac d’Anterne tops the list of must-do hikes in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval! At the foot of the majestic Rochers de Fiz, this lake of glacial origin offers one of the most impressive panoramas in the region. But the show isn’t over yet: as you continue towards the Col d’Anterne, you’ll discover a splendid view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Lac de Promenez.
Passing through the Cascade de la Pleureuse and the Anterne Alfred Wills refuge, it’s easy to see that everything along the way is a sight to behold. This wild and unspoilt area is also a veritable paradise for animals! You’ll come across marmots and ibex strolling through the meadows.
It’s not an easy climb, but the lake has to be earned, and for the more courageous, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a swim once you’ve reached your destination.
Good to know: keep an eye out for marmots in spring and early summer, many of which come to the shores of Lac d’Anterne.