Haute-Savoie / France
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, the traditional village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and the Sixt Passy Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to discover nature, stunning scenery and a more traditional pace of life. But it’s also part of the vast Grand Massif ski domain, which includes the resorts of Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon and Les Carroz, all of which are connected by shuttle bus during the season. Between them, they offer 265 km of pistes, a great lift network and regular and abundant snowfall. There are three jam parks for freestylers, with plenty of challenges at every level. Beginners have their own area at 1600m, which is separated from the main slopes, so novice skiers can ski safely. There’s a restaurant too, so that parents can relax while their children enjoy their lessons. And when they are ready to hit the slopes, the Marvel piste offers a gentle 5km run through an ancient forest. Cross-country skiers will find plenty of choice too — enjoy the trails around Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or head for the Col de Joux Plane, where the altitude of 1700m means you can expect great snow all season, as well as breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc.
There’s just as much to do, if not more, outside the ski season. Walkers and hikers can explore the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval and the many local waterfalls, such as the Cascade du Rouget. The Giffre river runs through the village, providing opportunities for fishing, rafting and picnics. The more adventurous can try rock-climbing and canyoning locally. Mountain bikers will find a range of trails, from easy routes suitable for families to more challenging paths for the more experienced. Road cyclists looking for a challenge can explore the Col de Joux Plane and the Col de Ramaz.
Skiing, hiking and mountain biking are some of the most popular activities in the Giffre massif, but there’s plenty more going on, whenever you decide to visit. Here are some of our recommendations:
Waterfall walk Known as the Queen of the Alps, the Cascade du Rouget is one of the highlights of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval. This well-marked walk starts from the car park in Salvagny and will take you across a river and through the trees to the foot of the waterfal l— there’s also a restaurant there where you can enjoy the view over lunch.
Go fishing The crystal-clear waters of the Giffre river, which runs through Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, offer plenty of opportunities for anglers. You can also enjoy trout fishing in the Lac Bleu at nearby Morillon. The tourist office in the village will be able to advise you on permits and guides.
Via ferrata This Alpine adventure is a great day out for families with older children — it combines hiking and climbing on a trail cut into the rock face. You’ll wear a helmet and be clipped to the trail at all times to ensure your safety, but you’ll still need a head for heights! The via ferrata course in the Tignes gorge offers wonderful views of the Giffre valley — if you dare to look down!
Whitewater rafting Climb aboard an eight-seater boat with a qualified guide and explore the breathtaking scenery of the Giffre river. This exhilarating experience is a great family day out — there are packages for children aged six and above as well as for those with more experience.
Go underground Discover the magical world beneath the mountains when you go caving with an expert guide. Itineraries can be arranged around the abilities of you or your group. No experience is necessary and all the equipment you need will be supplied — just wear stout shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. It’s a great option for a rainy day.
Ice climbing In winter, the frozen streams of the Giffre valley are ideally suited for ice climbing. It’s an activity which will naturally appeal to rock climbers, but surprisingly no experience is necessary — practice sites are usually at an incline of about 45 degrees so that you can get used to the equipment in total safety.
Visit the abbey Sixt Fer-à-Cheval’s beautiful abbey dates back to 1144, when its brotherhood of Augustine monks helped local people to grow crops and raise livestock in this mountainous area. It was later turned into a hotel and restaurant, but is now a centre for art and culture. Every summer, the abbey welcomes visitors to a free exhibition, with a new theme each year.
Enjoy a day by the lake The park at the Lac aux Dames in nearby Samoëns is a lovely day out for families, with sports and activities for all ages. Enjoy a gentle stroll around the lake, or go for a swim in the outdoor complex. There are also tennis courts, boules and even paragliding. It’s a great place for a picnic, but there’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or just a drink.
Canyoning Explore mountain waterways, stunning scenery and waterfalls while you have some fun when you go canyoning — you’ll jump, slide, scramble and abseil your way down streams and rivers. Choose a day or half-day package with the Bureau des Guides.
Take a guided tour Getting out with a guide is a great way to discover the heritage of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, its churches, abbey and the surrounding area. You can sign up for a tour at the tourist office at the Maison de la Montagne, and then pay the guide on the day.
When you don’t feel like cooking at the end of an exciting day in the mountains, or if you’ve got something special to celebrate, there are plenty of places to eat out in and around Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Here are some of our favourites:
Auberge de la Cascade du Rouget (Cascade du Rouget, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, tel: +33 4 50 34 19 94) The view is the big draw here — the terrace is right opposite the waterfall. The menu is short and simple, and features local specialities such as tartiflette as well as salads and snacks. Check their Facebook page or give them a ring for opening times, which vary throughout the year.
Le Rouet (1260 Route de la Cascade Rouget, tel: 33 4 50 34 40 89) This mountain restaurant is popular with skiers in the winter, and walkers and bikers during the rest of the year. The sunny terrace boasts views of the mountains and the waterfalls, but there’s also a spacious dining room inside. The menu is seasonal, and features Savoyard dishes such as raclette, croziflette and fondue, as well as salads featuring local cheeses and charcuterie, omelettes, steak and burgers. There’s a two-course lunch menu and also a children’s menu.
Nunabar (50 Route du Fer-à-Cheval, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, tel: +33 4 50 34 42 67) Situated right on the Giffre river in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, this lively cafe/bar/pizzeria belongs to an outdoor activities company, where you can book up watersports. The pizzas are well made, reasonably priced and feature the usual toppings plus some local specialities. Burgers, fries and salads are also available. A great family choice.
Auberge de la Feuille d’Erable (Chef Lieu, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, tel: +33 4 50 34 44 47) Regional dishes served up by friendly staff right in the centre of the village. Expect fondues, lots of cheese, good local steaks and fish. Children can order a half portion of any dish on the menu for half the price.
La Luge (G13, Samoens, +33 6 85 80 77 00) This cosy mountain restaurant situated in pine forests at the bottom of the Gouilles chairlift is only accessible by foot, skis or snowmobile, making it a perfect lunch stop for skiers. Booking is advisable, but you may still be in for a bit of a wait. Opt for a simple omelette or go all out for the Chamois plate — charcuterie, salad and a whole Vacherin cheese! If you can manage it, the homemade desserts are really delicious. You can eat on the terrace on a sunny day, but when it’s cold and the fires are lit, inside is the place to be.
La Reposette (60 route du Fayet Vercland, 74340 Samoens, tel +33 9 67 07 22 08) Right by the Vercland bubble, this charming restaurant is a great lunch or après-ski stop. Poke bowls, wraps and burgers join local dishes on a short but varied menu.
For its size, the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval offers a good selection of shops which will cater for all of your basic needs. You’ll find grocery stores and bakeries as well as delicatessens where you can buy cheese, charcuterie, honey, jams and other local produce. Sports shops sell and rent out equipment for winter sports as well as fishing, hiking and cycling. There are also a couple of souvenir and gift shops, as well as a pharmacy and the tourist office. There is a supermarket in Samoëns (6km), which also has a market on Wednesday mornings. There’s a greater choice of shops in Cluses (25km).
By air: the nearest major airport is Geneva Airport, which is about 80km (50 miles) away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
By car: take A40 motorway towards Chamonix, exit at Cluses, and follow signs to Samoëns and then Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
By train: the nearest train station is Cluses. From Cluses, you can take a taxi or a bus to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
By bus: local buses run from Cluses or Samoëns to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, but schedules can be limited, especially outside the main seasons. Shuttle buses run between the Grand Massif ski stations during the winter season.