Hiking in Sixt Fer à Cheval
Spectacular routes
In a classified siteThis authentic village, set against one of Europe’s largest mountain cirques, offers a multitude of accessible hiking trails, between majestic waterfalls, dense forests and panoramic peaks.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, you’re sure to find something to suit you among the hikes at Sixt Fer à Cheval.
Easy hiking in Sixt: discovering the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
If you’re looking for an easy hike in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the Cirque tour is a must. Accessible to the whole family, this loop trail immerses you in a grandiose setting, with limestone cliffs and over 30 waterfalls gushing from the heights, especially in spring.
- Distance: about 5 km
- Ascent: slight (+150 m)
- Duration: approx. 2 h
The well-marked trail alternates between wooded areas and lookouts. A perfect compromise between moderate effort and guaranteed amazement, ideal for a first discovery of the site.
Sixt- Bout du Monde hike: meet the waterfalls
The Bout du Monde hike is one of our most emblematic itineraries, a true immersion in the vertical world of the cirque. Following the valley floor, you’ll skirt the Giffre river until you reach the mythical “Bout du Monde”, a narrow gorge framed by impressive walls.
- Distance: 6 to 7 km round trip
- Ascent: +300 m
- Duration: 2h30 to 3h
This route offers a condensed version of spectacular scenery, with numerous views of the waterfalls. Ideal for contemplative walkers looking for an immersive and accessible Sixt Fer à Cheval Bout du Monde hike.
Mont Buet: a sporty hike to the summit of the Alps
Nicknamed the “Mont-Blanc des Dames”, Mont Buet reaches an altitude of 3,096 metres. This ascent is for experienced, well-equipped hikers. From Sixt, the route takes in the Bérard valley, then climbs steadily to offer spectacular views of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Aiguilles Rouges and neighbouring Switzerland.
- Distance: 20 km round trip
- Ascent: +1,800 m
- Duration: 9 to 11 h
This hike is often done over two days, with an overnight stay at the refuge, but the most enduring can envisage a round trip in a day. A must for lovers of wide open spaces and alpine challenges.
Refuge du Grenairon: a night in the mountains
Located at an altitude of 1,973 meters, the Refuge du Grenairon is a beautiful hiking destination with a unique panorama of the Sixt valley and the Haut-Giffre. The trail often starts from the village of Le Buet or from Salvagny, with a gradual ascent through the forest.
- Distance: approx. 8 km one way
- Ascent: +1,000 m
- Duration: 3 h 30 to 4 h
The refuge is ideal for a gourmet break or a night at altitude before continuing on to Mont Buet. A great stopover for those who want to discover the mountains in a different way.
Lac d’Anterne: a wild gem between Sixt and the Fiz mountains
The final jewel in this selection, Lac d’Anterne is a high-altitude lake nestled at 2,067 meters, surrounded by lunar landscapes and high-altitude meadows. From the parking lot at the Rouget or Lignon waterfalls, the trail climbs gradually up to a balcony with a breathtaking view of the Fiz mountains.
- Distance: 13 to 15 km round trip
- Ascent: +900 m
- Duration: 5 to 6 h
Ideal in spring or autumn, this tour offers Sixt Fer à Cheval hikers an excellent effort/landscape ratio. Lovers of tranquillity and wildlife will be delighted.
- The Grand Massif is full of discoveries just a few minutes from Sixt. For more variety:
- Head for Flaine to hike the Désert de Platé
- Explore Les Carrozan authentic village and family activities.
- Stop off in Samoënsbetween heritage and paragliding.