Tour pédestre de la Pointe des Mattes en 2 jours avec nuit en refuge

The Pointe des Mattes peaks at 2010m. From the top, you will have a panoramic view of the mountains on the right bank of the Dranse and the Swiss Alps.This summit is one of the satellites of Mont de Grange, one of the most individualized among those which dominate the Abondance valley north of this great summit of Chablais. It is most easily accessible on its south side, from the homonymous chalet of Mattes, located on a grassy plateau where the famous long-distance hiking trail, the GR5, passes, coming from La Chapelle d'Abondance and continuing its route towards the chalets of Lenlevay, south of Mont de Grange. The slope of grass coming from this plateau is easy but without traces. The easiest way is to describe a large lace leading to the ridge to the west of the Pointe itself and to follow this ridge to the highest point, taking care of the peaks on the north side. The Mattes plateau is accessible by various paths from the valley from La Chapelle to Châtel and to the valley of the Bassachaux road. Another interesting and secure access by barriers in its slightly dizzying part to the north consists of reaching the Trébentaz refuge located NW of the Pointe and from there following a path under the northern slopes of Mont de Grange towards the mountain pass. separating this last summit from the Pointe des Mattes itself. A well-marked and protected path crosses a steep corridor in short laces to reach the above-mentioned collar. From there you have to follow the ridge to the west, joining the previous route higher.

Located at 1900 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Mont de Grange hunting reserve with panoramic terrace, this refuge is a privileged stopover, stage of the GR5 via the Col des Mattes.Mountain restaurant, stage refuge, within a Natura 2000 classified site. Access by car to the Plan des Feux car park then about 2 hours of walking or 3 hours from the village. Accessible and open from the end of June to mid-September (depending on weather conditions) every day.

Culminating at an altitude of 2432 m, the Mont de Grange (Natura 2000) is the highest summit in the pays d'Evian-vallée d'Abondance territory and the second highest in the Chablais. It sublimates the valley of Abondance in company of the Cornettes de Bise.The most discreet hikers can observe chamois, marmots, ptarmigan, foxes ... As well as many mountain flowers. Natura 2000 is a network of protected natural sites across Europe, identified for the rarity or fragility of their wild species, and the natural habitats that house them. The objective is to preserve the biodiversity of these spaces in the long term without banishing all human activities and to enhance the natural heritage of this territory. Natura 2000 is not a nature reserve in the strict sense.