Neither too hidden, nor too frequented, the valley of the Brevon stretches from the village of Bellevaux to the alpine pastures of Roc d’Enfer. Between deep fir forests and secret pastures, few walkers dare to venture into the heart of this territory with a utopian feel, preserved from the hustle of the main roads.
A haven of preserved nature
Along a forest path, the gentle melody of the Brevon river leads you to crystalline waterfalls and natural basins. The larches fall brushing the water, and if you listen carefully, you can catch the song of the blackbird or the discreet breath of a roe deer hidden in the undergrowth.
A postcard-like panorama
Climbing the ridge of Roche du Château, one discovers in the background the Roc d’Enfer massif and the Hirmentaz alpine pastures, where herds of cows and sheep graze in complete peace. The jagged peaks evoke the grand landscapes of Canada, while the still relatively unknown valley offers a feeling of immensity at every glance.
Treasures at every corner
Following the traces of old paths, one discovers alpine chalets topped with slate roofs, an old communal oven still in operation, or a stone engraved with a date forgotten by time. Each relic tells a story, sacred or secret, passed down in the silence of the stones.
The village of Bellevaux
Perched at 650 m altitude at the edge of the valley, the village of Bellevaux welcomes visitors with its houses featuring carved wooden gutters and its Saint‑Laurent church dating from the 12th century. The main square, an authentic café-grocery, and local cheese shops punctuate village life, serving as a starting point for numerous hikes. Every Tuesday morning, a small market allows you to taste local products — farmhouse reblochon, mountain honey, and artisanal charcuterie — before setting off on the paths winding towards Lullin and Reyvroz.
The lake of Vallon
Hidden in the heart of the valley, a short hiking loop leads to the lake of Vallon, a crystal-clear mirror bordered by larches. Perched at 1,300 m altitude, it offers an ideal setting for a picnic break or a refreshing swim in summer. The turquoise waters of the lake contrast with the surrounding peaks, creating an almost unreal scenery. In the early morning, the rising fog lends the site a mystical atmosphere, worthy of an alpine legend.
My bushwhacking escape
During my visit, I camped under the starry vault, rocked by the murmur of the Brevon. In the morning, a ray of sunshine pierced the mist, revealing a panorama stretching to the neighboring massifs. The solitude of the moment and the purity of the landscapes reminded me of the fragility and grandeur of the world.
Practical information
- Access:
- By car: from Thonon-les-Bains (15 km), take the D902 then the D25 to Bellevaux, then follow the Brevon forest road towards Lullin.
- From Annecy (50 km): take the A41 to the Morez/Thonon exit, then the D902 and the D25.
- By public transport: departmental bus from Thonon-les-Bains to Bellevaux, then marked footpath towards Reyvroz.
- Advice:
- Equip yourself with good hiking shoes and a walking stick.
- Bring enough water; no supply points along the route.
Immerse yourself in the majestic silence of the Brevon valley and let yourself be enchanted by its hidden secrets.
