Go up the Haut Giffre to the Cirque du Fer à Cheval

The upper Giffre valley is a valley in the Alps in Haute-Savoie, preserved and wild at the foot of the Grand Massif ski areas.

It runs almost parallel to the Arve valley, where trains run and the ribbon of the Arve motorway runs along. Montblanc, north of Cluses. Passing a small pass, that of Châtillon, we find ourselves in the Giffre valley. Halfway between Cluses and Morzine, we discover above all a universe which has managed to remain very authentic.

There are so few of them left in the French Alps that they deserve to be visited and protected.

The villages of the upper Giffre valley spread out in the hollow of a very flat valley, where you can trace cross-country ski or mountain bike trails, along a torrent, the Giffre, which is powerful enough to allow you to enjoy white water activities such as rafting or kayaking. In winter the snow lasts longer than elsewhere at the same altitude because the very high mountains that surround the valley create a pocket of cold air that the winter sun cannot chase away. At less than 800m altitude you have landscapes that are often very snowy.

Discovery of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval and Samoëns

Between Taninges, the capital of the valley and this landscape at the end of the world that is the Fer à Cheval cirque, you cross Verchaix and its large chalets in the sun, Samoëns, a small village in Faucigny that has managed to keep its historical character, and finally, the very authentic little village of Sixt. At the end of the road you are in the Fer à Cheval cirque: immense cliffs rise up in front of you, blocking the valley, and in summer let many waterfalls flow. A magnificent landscape and guaranteed wonder. Away from it all, near the village of Sixt, it is the Rouget waterfall, imposing and beautiful, which attracts hikers. In winter, after a snowfall, the walk is worthy of a fairy tale.

A stopover in Samoëns, the main town in the upper valley, is a must. The lively shopping district, the Jaÿsinia botanical garden and the narrow streets of the village centre lined with old stone houses are the village's main attractions. The road towards the Col de Joux Plane, from which the view of Mont Blanc is sumptuous and the ski lifts to the Grand Massif complete the opportunities for discovering the region.

Flaine and the Grand Massif

For skiers, the Grand Massif ski area, which links Samoëns, Morillon and Flaine, is a true paradise with abundant snow, the top of the slopes offering a superb view of the massif. Montblanc and AravisCross-country skiers who prefer high-altitude loops choose the slopes of Praz de Lys-Sommand.

A quick word about the architectural curiosity that is Flaine. Flaine’s architecture is famous for its modern style and its integration with the natural environment. Designed by Marcel Breuer, an internationally renowned architect associated with the Bauhaus movement, Flaine is distinguished by its raw concrete buildings that follow the contours of the mountain, creating a harmony between the architecture and the alpine landscape. This minimalist and functional approach has made Flaine a notable example of modern architecture in the mountains, attracting the attention of architecture and design enthusiasts from around the world. In Flaine, visitors can admire modern outdoor art works, such as Picasso’s “Le Boqueteau”, Dubuffet’s “La Tête de Femme”, and Vasarely’s “Les Trois Hexagones”, adding a unique cultural dimension to the resort experience. These monuments, in harmony with Flaine’s modern architecture, create an open-air museum that enriches the alpine landscape. The resort is connected to Les Carroz, also accessible from the Arve valley, starting from Cluses.

Taninges, authentic village

Further down the valley, Taninges' cultural wealth comes from its historical heritage and local traditions. With the Saint-Anne church, famous for its onion dome, and the Priory of Mélan, a key site of the region's art and history, Taninges offers a fascinating insight into Savoyard architecture and history. In addition, Taninges is renowned for its watchmaking tradition, a legacy of its history linked to precise and meticulous know-how. This tradition is notably manifested through workshops and exhibitions that highlight the art and precision of watchmaking, testifying to the importance of this know-how in the region's cultural heritage. Nearby, the ski slopes of the Praz de Lys resort, popular with cross-country skiers and downhill ski enthusiasts alike, offer beautiful views of Mont Blanc.

A paradise for cyclists, hikers, skiers and rafting enthusiasts, Haut Giffre delights all mountain sports enthusiasts.

Activities not to be missed in the Haut Giffre Valley

A walk in the old village from Samoëns
The discovery of Horseshoe Circus
La cascade Red Mullet
La découverte architectural from Flaine
Le panorama of Mont Blanc from the Joux Plane pass
The museum of watchmaking and turning in Cluses
The visit to the Mélan Chartreuse in Taninges

The best webcams in the Haut Giffre Valley

(click on the name of the village)

Praz-de-Lys : panoramic view of the entire Haute Savoie, from the summit above the Praz de Lys Sommand resort! From Mont Blanc to the Jura!
Sixt Horseshoe: the webcam that allows you to discover the famous Cirque du Fer à Cheval.
Samoens 1600: Magnificent view of the Haut Giffre massifs
Col de Joux-Plane: The view of the road going up from Samoëns and of Mont Blanc.
Flaine: the balcony on Mont Blanc at the Grandes Platières.