The kingdom of waterfalls, the queen of the Alps known as the Cascade du Rouget... The Giffre is the river that has its source in the mountains of Buet, also called "the Mont Blanc des Dames" culminating at 3100 m above sea level, and in the majestic Cirque du Fer à Cheval. The Giffre Mountains offer an exceptional natural setting and a multitude of activities.
Located less than an hour from Annecy, Geneva and Chamonix, the Giffre Mountains are easily accessible and offer a green setting conducive to outdoor activities. The 8 villages crossed by the Giffre are well worth a stop, stay and take the time to explore them at your own pace: Mieussy, Taninges, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Samoëns, Morillon, Châtillon sur Cluses, Verchaix and La Rivière-Enverse. Some are better known than others thanks to the Grand Massif and Praz de Lys Sommand ski areas, the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve, the Chartreuse de Mélan or the Sixt Abbey... It is also here, in Mieussy, that paragliding was invented! And that the stonemasons of Samoëns shaped the villages.
The Giffre Mountains - in the heart of Haute-Savoie
The panoramas of Mont Blanc and the Great Alps are breathtaking. The region is marked by pine forests, lakes, and wild rivers, offering an authentic and rejuvenating experience. The diversity of the landscapes, ranging from green alpine pastures to impressive rock faces, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers.
The Giffre Mountains are therefore your ideal destination if you are looking to combine outdoor activities, the discovery of heritage, local products and agropastoral life. In other words, an immersion in unspoilt nature. We will be very happy to accompany you on this journey.
SO FOLLOW US FOR A MAGICAL DISCOVERY!
©Gilles Piel-CCMontagnes du Giffre
From villages to the highest peaks
A timeless immersion in the Giffre Mountains, an ascent to the sources of the Giffre in the heart of the Great Exceptional Natural Site of the Fer à Cheval, a discovery of beautiful traditional villages, old towns often unknown and small secluded corners, a generous nature as a backdrop... Here, in the Giffre Mountains, there is life all year round. Along the Giffre, a greenway allows you to discover this jewel located in the heart of Haute-Savoie. On foot, by bike, on horseback why not, you can relax and recharge your batteries. We favor meetings with locals, craftsmen, farmers and producers. All your senses will be awakened. We will share with you the most beautiful sites, the remote places. The most beautiful hikes are also available to you with the Buet, the high-walled Fiz, Anterne, Sales, the Marcelly... The hiking routes take you from the villages to the summits! Mieussy, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Taninges and Samoëns, you will love it!
Passes and Mont Blanc within easy reach
Did you know that from the Giffre Mountains, the panoramas of Mont Blanc are breathtaking? Especially from Mieussy, Sommand, the Col de la Ramaz, the Praz de Lys and the Col de Joux Plane above Samoëns, or in the heart of the peaks of the Haut Giffre, the spectacle is grandiose. For a little, we would touch him. Many of the region's peaks offer a 360° treat with the highest peaks in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, the Jura, the Bornes-Aravis Massif... By bike, the ascent of 2 mythical passes of the Tour de France, Joux Plane and La Ramaz are real gifts for the eyes. Living mountain pastures, with multiple herds of cows and sheep, peat bogs and forests will also be part of the scenery. During our walks and discoveries, the beauty of the landscapes will seduce you, postcards and memorable memories. You will be delighted!
©Olivier Octobre-CCMontagnes du Giffre
Cultural Heritage and Terroir
The Giffre is rich in an exceptional cultural and natural heritage, as well as a terroir that will delight you. Authentic villages such as Samoëns, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Taninges and Mieussy are perfect examples of traditional Savoyard architecture. The stone and wooden houses, the farms and chapels, the bulbous bell towers, bear witness to the history and local know-how of the stonemasons. Not to be missed: the Chartreuse de Mélan and the Abbey of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. From the Middle Ages to the railway works via the Renaissance, the history of Savoy is present. Also, the territory is marked by a strong imprint of agriculture. We are in the heart of a dynamic valley, where tasty cheeses are produced. In the Reblochon, the Tomme de Savoie, the Abondance, the Chevrotin,... everything is good! The Mieussy and Samoëns cheese factories process milk from the farms. Come and discover these products with us directly from the producers or in the local tables. Pastoral life is still intense, with mountain pastures inhabited by herds every summer. Live with us a complete experience, combining cultural discovery and gustatory pleasures, in a preserved natural setting!
The beauty of the mountains
Do you know the emblematic peaks of the Giffre Mountains?
The Giffre Mountains range from 600 m to 3100 m above sea level.
From Mieussy to Sixt-Fer-Cheval, the peaks taunt each other: Rovagne, Pertuiset (paragliding take-off), Haut Fleury, Pic de Marcelly, Pointe d'Orchex (bear!), Loëx plateau, Criou, Tête des Saix... and then higher up: Anterne, Sales, the Fiz chain, Tenneverge, the Corne du Chamois, Mont Ruan or the Mont Buet which dominates and closes the entire valley! Meanwhile, the mountain pastures with their magnificent alpine meadows relax, the small high-altitude lakes reserve their freshness for us: Lac de Roy, Lac de Gers, Lac des Chambres, or Lac de la Vogealle... Happiness in the wild.
©Gilles Piel-CCMontagnes du Giffre
Experience with us
Hiking
We will make you discover hiking and walking routes for all levels in this territory of the Giffre Mountains. Family routes, more committed routes...: everyone will find an idea for an outing! Here, we are in the heart of beautiful preserved and protected sites, nature reserves, Sensitive Natural Areas, Natura 2000, ... Fauna and flora share the space, as do the herds. COME WITH US TO EXPERIENCE THE MOUNTAINS IN A DIFFERENT WAY!
©Gilles Piel-CCMontagnes du Giffre
Bicycle
Discover the Giffre Mountains and its surroundings with us by bike, mountain bike (with or without assistance!) or GRAVEL for a getaway combining nature, culture and pleasure. The Au Fil du Giffre cycle path will take us along the banks of this river which has its source on the side of the Buet and the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, offering beautiful views of the peaks of the Haut Giffre, Praz de Lys Sommand and the beautiful glacial valley. Crossing the villages, Gorges des Tines, discovered from the bottom of the combe at Sixt Fer à Cheval depending on the season and the time! Let's climb the Col de Joux Plane or the Col de la Ramaz together... Our varied routes adapt to all levels, from leisurely family rides to more sporty routes for seasoned cyclists.
©Gilles Piel-CCMontagnes du Giffre
Fun and unusual
The Giffre remains wild for lovers of white water activities. The more sporty can indulge in rafting, kayaking or canyoning. Our partners specializing in white water will offer you outings. You can also do yoga, relaxation, facing Mont-Blanc. Our goal: to make you feel good!
©Alexandre Compain-CCMontagnes du Giffre
In the air
To see the world differently, to take a step back... What could be better than a tandem paragliding flight, as part of an FFVL School? An experience you won't forget, I'm sure! We're here to book your flight. It was in Mieussy in the Giffre Mountains that "flying madmen" took to the skies for the first time in 1978, and gave life to paragliding!
©Gilles Piel-CCMontagnes du Giffre
Heritage as a legacy
Come and live with us in the heart of the Giffre Mountains. They are home to a particularly rich and preserved heritage that is passed down from generation to generation. An authentic valley, shaped by centuries of history and traditions, it offers an unusual cultural and natural heritage.
The picturesque villages of Mieussy, Taninges, Châtillon sur Cluses, Morillon, Verchaix, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval contain architectural treasures such as chapels with bulbous bell towers, churches and mazots, these small traditional wooden huts. These buildings bear witness to the local know-how and the art of living in the mountains. Also to be discovered with us, the major monuments of the Giffre Mountains, such as the Chartreuse de Mélan in Taninges and the Abbey of Sixt-Fer-à Cheval.
The inhabitants of the Giffre Mountains perpetuate ancestral traditions, such as mountain agriculture and local crafts, thus contributing to the preservation of this living heritage. Cultural initiatives and local events allow you to discover and celebrate this heritage, strengthening the bond between generations and respect for the environment.
Explore the Giffre Mountains with us, to immerse yourself in a universe where each stone, each landscape tells a story, that of a precious heritage to be cherished and passed on.
Farm tourism
To meet farmers and local producers is to give yourself the additional keys to fully experience enriching and rejuvenating moments. Live an experience, that's what we offer you! Breeders of Savoyard sheep of the Thônes and Marthod breed in Mieussy in Haute-Savoie, we are going to open the doors of our farm to you to meet the flock. We will also make you meet breeders of cows, goats, and other animals, according to your desires and during organized outings. Around a snack, a tasting of cheese, snails, herbal teas, ... A way to discover local productions and unforgettable flavors. Do you want to live unforgettable moments? Don't you dare to take the first step? We accompany you as close as possible to the farm animals, as close as possible to the breeds of cows, sheep and goats of our mountains!
