The natural reserve of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

The largest natural reserve in Haute-Savoie, the nature reserve of Sixt-Passy extends over a vast territory. Located close to Samoëns, it benefits from the presence of two imposing glacial cirques, those of Fer-à-Cheval and Fonts, from where we can see impressive waterfalls. An ideal natural setting to discover during family hikes.

The largest natural reserve in Haute-Savoie, the Nature Reserve of Sixt-Passy is an exclusively limestone world with a great variety of forms shaped by erosion: cracks, lapiaz, etc. Its 9,000 hectares cover the mountain, subalpine, alpine and nival levels from the banks of the Giffre 900 meters to the summit of Buet culminating more than 3000 meters. This altitudinal amplitude, associated with the diversity of environments encountered (wetlands, mixed forests, cliffs, lawns, …), offers contrasting environments with a rich and diverse flora and fauna.

A rich wildlife

Forest areas at the highest peaks, are about 800 species plants that have been identified in the nature reserve, including 28 orchids species! Beech and spruce dominate the Sixt forest, but only the well-adapted plants make their home on pasture. The distribution of the environments according to the altitude favors a great diversity: deer, wild boar, marmot, variable hare … The wild fauna profits of the tranquility of the natural reserve: ibex, bearded vulture, ptarmigan, golden eagle.

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval

The refuges, located into the reserve, will serve you as starting point or arrival for family hikes. Different alpine and wild circuits are available, they will allow you to discover the wonders of Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval. This huge natural amphitheater is named after its name from the shape of its cliffs that outline a semicircle. It is the largest mountain cirque in the Alps! Its impressive height of 2000 meters, gives birth to a multitude of waterfalls whose number varies according to the seasons. In June, there are more than thirty waterfalls gushing walls. Its access is very easy and lends itself naturally to an unforgatable family discovery.