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The Smugglers' Way audio trail.

The Smugglers' Way audio trail.
The Smugglers' Way audio trail.
The Smugglers' Way audio trail.
The Smugglers' Way audio trail.
The Smugglers' Way audio trail.
The Smugglers' Way audio trail.

Description

With the audio terminals, you can choose the English language, follow in the footsteps of the smugglers and customs officials who once played cat and mouse in this mountainous border area between France and Switzerland.

The audio trail, on the footsteps of smugglers, is a family walk without any danger or difficulty.
Lasting less than 2 hours and with a departure at the Lake Vonnes, you will set off to discover the paths formerly used by smugglers.
From the salt trade in the 18th century, to tobacco and butter, many goods crossed the border in this part of Chablais. Game of cat and mouse between smugglers and «gabelou», name given to the Customs officers of that time, this walk will immerse you in the history of the territory of Chablais.

When you return from your walk, take the time to discover the "Centre d'Interprétation de la Contrebande en Montagne" (Old customs House) to learn more about the history of contraband.

Batteries can be rented either at the tourist office or at the Old Customs House.
Topo guides are for sale at the tourist office.

Technical Information

Walking
Difficulty
Very easy
Duration
2h30mn
Dist.
4.8 km
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Altimetric profile

Starting point

1277 route de Vonnes , 74390   Châtel
Lat : 46.256017Lng : 6.840725

Date and time

  • From 05/07/2026 to 28/09/2026

Additional information

Open period

From 05/07 to 28/09 daily.

Updated by

Châtel Tourisme - 04/08/2025
www.chatel.com
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Contact

Phone :
04 50 71 75 11
04 57 26 90 04

Email : culture-et-patrimoine@mairiedechatel.fr

Location complements

Car Park at the departure. Access by bus line 4, stop Vonnes.

Topo guides and map references

Topo guides references :
Walkingmap for sale at the tourist office for €1

Type of land

Not suitable for strollers

Environments

Near shuttle stop
Mountain view
Mountain location
Close to a public transportation
Lake 5 km away
Ski resort
Village 2 km away

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

1/ From the parking lot by the lake, go towards the chapel and go up on your right at the crow’s foot.
2/ From the chapel where the directional post “Vonnes” is located, take the direction of the “Pas de Morgins”.
3/ At the second post «Pas de Morgins», continue towards «L'Aity d'en Haut», always follow this direction through «Les Blattes».
4/ At «L'Aity d'en Haut», now follow the direction «Vonnes» through «Les Ramines» to reach the "Lac de Vonnes", your starting point.

Animals

Yes

Data author

Image Châtel Tourisme
proposed by Châtel Tourisme
14, route de Thonon 74390 Châtel France

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾