Because at about 1,450 meters altitude above Saint-Sigismond, the Agy plateau is one of those generous alpine pastures that make up the discreet charm of Haute-Savoie. Far from the hustle and bustle of the large resorts, this vast plateau offers a 360° panorama of the Giffre, Mont-Blanc, and Aravis massifs, and can be enjoyed on foot in summer as well as with snowshoes or cross-country skis in winter. A complete presentation of this Nordic and pedestrian site, appreciated by both families and sports enthusiasts.
Presentation
The Agy plateau is located in the commune of Saint-Sigismond, in Faucigny, between the valleys of the Arve and the Giffre, close to the stations of Les Carroz and Flaine. Its altitude, around 1,450-1,459 meters depending on the points on the plateau, makes it a mid-mountain site accessible almost all year round, without requiring great physical fitness.
The place is primarily known as a Nordic domain: with more than 35 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing, biathlon, and snowshoeing, Agy is one of the reference Nordic areas of the Grand Massif. But the plateau is not limited to its winter vocation. As soon as the snow melts, it becomes a vast area for walks and hikes, amid alpine pastures, forests, and summer chalets, where you can still regularly meet herds grazing.
Its main asset remains its clear view: from the heights of the plateau, the panorama embraces the Arve valley, the peaks of Haut-Giffre, and, in clear weather, the foothills of the Mont-Blanc massif.
How to access the Agy plateau?
Several road routes allow you to reach the plateau, depending on your starting point in the Arve valley.
From Cluses Follow the D902 to Châtillon-sur-Cluses, then at the roundabout take the D6 towards Saint-Sigismond. Cross the village and then follow the sign “Plateau d’Agy” on the road going left uphill, up to the parking lot of the Nordic Center.
From Sallanches Take the D1205, head towards the Balme roundabout then Arâches, turn left after La Frasse, then follow the signage to Saint-Sigismond and Agy.
From the Giffre valley (Samoëns, Les Gets) At the roundabout of the Châtillon pass, take the direction of Saint-Sigismond then follow the sign “Plateau d’Agy” up to the parking lot at the end of the road.
From Les Carroz The plateau is also accessible from the heights of the resort, via a hiking route offering a picturesque variant, sometimes combined with the summer lift of the Kédeuze gondola.
A large free parking lot, a picnic room, and restrooms are available at the trailheads, near the Agy Nordic Center.
Hiking on the Agy plateau in summer
The Agy plateau is known for the gentleness of its relief and the diversity of its routes, making it a particularly suitable destination for families and occasional hikers.
Fimaloz (Agy) An easy 5 km route, suitable from age 8, for about 1h45 of walking and only 156 m of altitude gain. It offers a breathtaking view over the Arve valley and surrounding peaks, for minimal effort.
Discovering the Agy plateau (nature loop) A loop crossing alpine pastures, forests, and typical hamlets, notably passing by the Saint-Martin church of Châtillon-sur-Cluses, perched on its rocky promontory overlooking the valley.
Towards the Agy alpine pasture, from Saint-Sigismond A route starting from the village hall that gradually climbs up to the Fimaloz chalets, crossing several footbridges and a shaded undergrowth; a pleasant option on hot days.
Les Carroz – Agy loop A more sporty variant, starting from the Les Carroz resort, taking the Kédeuze gondola to reach the plateau, before descending via the “Blueberry” ski slope.
A point of caution to know before setting off: a good part of the plateau trails runs alongside a high voltage power line, a detail noted by several hikers in their feedback, without affecting the overall quality of the panorama.
The Agy plateau in winter: snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
This is the other major season of the plateau. As soon as the first snow falls, Agy becomes a full Nordic site, with marked trails for cross-country skiing, biathlon, and snowshoe hiking, in an area stretching between alpine pastures and forest.
The snowshoe trails notably wind towards the Fimaloz chalets, the Creux du Mondain, as well as the hamlets of Tréchard and des Charmettes, before descending towards the Flatières. These routes regularly cross cross-country ski trails, which requires special vigilance from walkers to avoid encroaching on the groomed tracks.
Snowshoe hiking to the plateau remains accessible, provided there is sufficient snow cover, and offers a pleasant alternative to discover the site under a totally different face than in summer.
What else to do on the plateau?
Beyond hiking and Nordic sports, the Agy plateau offers a fairly wide range of activities for a day out:
- Mountain biking and trail running, with routes suitable for nature sports enthusiasts, in all seasons except winter.
- Road cycling, the climb to the Agy plateau being appreciated by cyclists seeking altitude gain, just like the nearby passes of Romme or Colombière.
- Sled dog and cold yoga, two original activities offered in winter on the domain.
- Dining, with the restaurant La Tanière, located at the start of the routes, whose sunny terrace welcomes visitors all year round.
Good to know before going
- Dogs: they are allowed on the trails but must be kept on a leash, as the presence of herds and wildlife makes this precaution essential.
- Opening period: most hiking trails are accessible from April 1 to November 15, depending on weather conditions.
- Level: the majority of the plateau’s routes remain accessible to families, with moderate altitude changes and wide paths, well suited for an easy outing.
- Mobile application: an interactive map listing all hiking, MTB, and trail routes in the Flaine – Les Carroz – Cluses Arve sector is available to prepare your outing.
In summary
With its large alpine pastures, its 360° panorama over the surrounding massifs, and its dual vocation, pedestrian in summer and Nordic in winter, the Agy plateau is a generous destination for those seeking fresh air without great technical difficulty. A place ideally combined with a break on the terrace of La Tanière, to extend the contemplation of the landscape before hitting the road again.
