This superb tour combines several hikes set out in the guide published by the Upper Giffre association.
It enables you to explore all the facets of the Upper Giffre: the valley, its history and its population, the forests, the mountain pastures, and the mountain trails that provide some splendid panoramic views. The tour takes 6 or 11 days to complete and is intended for experienced hikders.



Starting altitude: 1,691m

Finishing altitude: 1,770 m

Particular difficulties: none

Recommended period June to the first snowfalls.

Itinerary for guidance only.

Want to walk down the southern slope from the legendary Joux Plane pass?

Use the destination's mobility network to hike for longer, without having to make the round trip.

Rando'bus is an original proposal for hiking in the Montagnes du Giffre thanks to the summer shuttle service. Use the destination's mobility network to hike for longer, without having to make the round trip.

This pass has often been a justice of the peace for the riders of the Tour de France © and the Dauphiné Libéré ©.

His ascent by bike from Samoëns, apart from sporting performance which requires good training, is the opportunity to browse a wonderful balcony opening onto the valley, then towards the Mont-Blanc massif under its most majestic profile.

Itinerary for guidance only.

This aerial route is a wonderful viewpoint over the Chablais, Haut Giffre and Mont Blanc massifs. The Joux Plane lake is an artificial lake used to water the herds of the mountain pasture and to regulate the course of the Valentine torrent.
Difficulty: easy

Start: Joux Plane lake (located at the top of the Joux Plane pass)

Map reference: Vallée du Haut Giffre topo-guide



From the Joux Plane lake, take the path on the right which leads to the real Joux Plane pass located between the Tête de Vuargne* on the left (which we will climb) and the pointe d'Angolon on the right. From the pass, a path quickly rises up the grassy slope by a few tight switchbacks to reach a rocky projection.

The path skirts around it on the left, crosses the slopes overlooking the lake and then rises in a valley before reaching the ridge.

The path continues, without further difficulty, opening up a splendid view of the Mt Blanc range on the left and the Chablais mountains on the right.

A few hundred metres further on, the Ranfolly chairlift station appears (Les Gets ski area). In front of the station, an orientation table will allow you to put a name on the summits that surround you.

Continuing along the ridge, the path descends quietly to the Col road. Once you have reached the road, turn left to reach the lake.

Itinerary for guidance only.

Although located in the heart of the ski lifts, this short walk from the Samoëns 1600 resort is very pleasant. In July and August the area is covered with blueberries.
Duration: 1h15

Difference in height: 174 meters

Difficulty: very easy

Departure: car park of Samoëns 1600 (which can be reached from Samoëns by following the direction Samoëns 1600)

Carto reference: topo-guide Vallée du Haut Giffre



At the end of the car park, take the wide path which, turning to the left, passes under the Chariande chairlifts and takes you peacefully, through blueberry and rhododendron trees, to the Gouilles Rouges lake.

This artificial lake used to supply the resort with drinking water. It now serves as a water reserve for the artificial snowmaking of the slopes.

From the lake, follow the path on the left which, in a few metres, takes you to a small promontory with a view of the cirque of Vaconnant.

In winter, this cirque is the scene of numerous avalanches which take the corridors in front of you.

The left-most corridor, from the ridge to the Pointe de Trapechet, is called the "couloir des morts" (corridor of the dead). The evocation of this name gives you a chill and reminds you that in winter caution is required.



Itinerary for guidance only.

This hike is on the famous "Grande Traversée des Alpes". It permises to discover different landscapes, enjoy breathtaking views.
On the GR®5 route, the mythical "Grande Traversée des Alpes" invites you to hike on the alpine part of one of the most fabulous hiking trails in the world!



Start walking on the shores of Lake Leman and finish 620 km further (3 to 4 weeks walk) on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea ... There is no doubt that the Grande Traversée des Alpes is An unforgettable hike !



Itinerary for guidance only.

This hike takes you through mountain pastures to the Bostan hut.

Starting altitude: 1,096 m

Finishing altitude: 1,769 m

Particular difficulties: none

Itinerary for guidance only.

The Désert de Platé, a geological curiosity at an altitude of 2,500 m!

Use the destination's mobility network to hike for longer, without having to make the round trip.