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Walking itinerary: Refuge and Fonts mountain pasture
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Description
A 3h15 loop filled with breathtaking scenery, that's what the Cirque des Grand Fonts has in store for you. Escape the crowds and let yourself be carried away by the soothing sound of the waterfalls.
After the majestic Cascade du Rouget, the trail enters the Gorges des Fonts, between cliffs and spruce forests. Higher up, small waterfalls appear along the way, adding to the wild ambience of the place. After a final winding effort, the vast, unspoilt cirque des Fonts comes into view. Settle in at the refuge, contemplating the landscape with the silence of the mountain as your only sound.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 13/06/2026 to 30/09/2026
- From 13/06/2027 to 30/09/2027
Additional information
Updated by
Haut-Giffre Tourisme - 03/01/2026
www.haut-giffre.fr
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Environments
Mountain location
Location complements
Two starting points are possible:
Les Fardelays or Salvagny.
More details about the hike in the description.
Open period
From 13/06 to 30/09 daily.
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
Contact
Phone : 04 50 34 49 36
Email : contact@haut-giffre-tourisme.fr
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Start from the first group of chalets after the Rouget waterfall, the Fardelay chalets, where you can park your vehicle on the side of the road (limited spaces). Take the footpath that goes off to the left across the field (signpost). The path leads down to a small bridge, passes the "Tines des Fonts" gorges, then goes up through the trees, mingling with the roots of the spruces, before joining the vehicle track at Célière. This track is sometimes bordered on the left by a succession of narrow waterfalls. Cross the bridge over the Gorges des Fonts and follow the path that winds uphill - your last effort before reaching the Alpine pasture of Les Fonts! The first large chalet seen on the left is the "Nid d'Aigle" (eagle's nest) built in 1858 by Sir Alfred Wills, a British judge and mountaineer who fell in love with Sixt and the surrounding mountains. He achieved a series of "firsts" in the mountains of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and left quite an impact on the history of the village.
After passing the Nid d'Aigle, you'll come across the chalets and Cirque of Les Fonts. The refuge stands at the top of the track, slightly towering over the other chalets. Greeted by the refuge guardians, you'll be able to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat as you admire the beautiful scenery!
Allow 3 1/4 hours there and back.
The return trip is via the same path.
Variant: from Nant Sec car park (Salvagny hamlet), cross the bridge and follow the wide track which heads up through the woods. Look down to your right for an unusual view of the famous Rouget waterfall. Continue straight on towards Les Fonts, ignoring the Grenairon refuge path on your left. Past Célière, you'll see the Fardelay path on your right. Continue on the wide track.
Animals
Yes
Data author
