Discover the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval: waterfalls and hikes

Nestled in the heart of the Haut-Giffre valley, in the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, at the heart of the Sixt-Passy Natural Reserve, the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is an exceptional natural site. This limestone amphitheater impresses with its dizzying cliffs, its countless waterfalls, and its preserved atmosphere. It is the largest mountain cirque in the French Alps, a must-see for lovers of hiking, nature, waterfalls, and spectacular landscapes.

1. Understanding the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval

1.1 A unique geological site

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a glacial cirque more than two kilometers in diameter, located in the Haut Giffre valley, formed over millennia by the action of glaciers. Its cliffs, between 500 and 700 meters high, outline a semicircular shape reminiscent of a horseshoe, hence its name. Crowned by peaks approaching 3000 meters, such as Tenneverge Peak, the White Horse, or Mont Ruan, it forms a landscape both grandiose and harmonious.

1.2 History and origin of the name

The name “Fer-à-Cheval” comes directly from the shape of this natural amphitheater. The site’s history is closely linked to that of the village of Sixt, once dependent on the Sixt Abbey. Ancient tales tell of pilgrimages, scientific explorations, and accounts from travelers fascinated by the beauty of the place. Today, the site is classified as a Grand Site de France.

2. A paradise for hikers

2.1 The essential trails

The cirque is a starting point for many walks accessible to all levels. Among the best-known hikes :

• Le Fond de la Combe: family walk to the bottom of the cirque.
• Le Bout du Monde: extension of the hike to the Giffre springs.
• Chalet du Boret: steeper trail but offering an aerial view.
• Tour du Cirque: full loop for the most enduring.
• Lac de la Vogealle: very beautiful hike for the more athletic. 

For non-athletes, the walk to the buvette du Prazon is very easily accessible, 35 minutes from the parking lot, with very little elevation gain.

2.2 Le Fond de la Combe: the star hike

This is the most popular walk on the site. Accessible to the whole family, it follows the Giffre river, crosses meadows, and offers spectacular views of the cliffs and waterfalls. It ends at the foot of the Bout du Monde, an imposing cliff from which the Giffre springs gush. In high season, it is overcrowded, and it is advisable to come early in the morning.

See the Bout du Monde walk

2.3 Practical advice for good hiking

• Plan appropriate walking shoes, even for family walks.
• Access to the site is regulated: paid parking, dogs must be on a leash.
• Trails are very busy in summer, favor mornings or spring.
• In case of rain, paths can be slippery.

3. The spectacular waterfalls of the cirque

3.1 More than 30 waterfalls recorded

In spring, the cirque transforms into a true water theater: more than thirty waterfalls pour down the cliffs. Some, like the Cascade de la Pleureuse, la Sauffaz, or la Pissevache, are visible right at the entrance to the site.

Here are some of these waterfalls:

Cascade de la Pierrette

• Very visible from the entrance of the cirque
• One of the highest, often the most photographed
• Impressive flow in spring

Cascade du Fond de la Combe

• Located in one of the deepest combe valleys of the cirque
• Very wild environment
• Area sometimes closed during certain periods (nesting)

Cascade de la Vogealle

• At the bottom of the cirque, accessible after 1h30 walk
• It arises from a rocky chaos below the Lac de la Vogealle
• Highly dependent on meltwater conditions

Cascade de la Lyre

• Named for the crystalline sound it makes when falling
• Beautiful viewpoint from the main path

Cascade de la Sauffaz

• Impressive but distant, often a “silk thread” appearance
• Can be invisible in summer if melting is finished

Cascade du Tenneverge

• Comes from the foothills of Mont Ruan (over 3000 m)
• Rarely accessible up close, but visible from afar

Cascade de la Pleureuse

• Local name because it “weeps” softly as a thin cascade
• Magnificent in spring, near flowering areas

Cascade de la Pissevache

• A common name for very vertical waterfalls in Savoie
• Tall but thin, spectacular after a storm

Cascade du Bout du Monde

• At the very bottom of the valley, past the refuge of the same name
• Accessible only on foot (approx. 1h30 – 2h walk)
• One of the most photogenic with panoramic views

And of course, although it is not part of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, the famous Cascade du Rouget, about 6 km from the municipality of Sixt-Fer-à-cheval.

3.2 Waterfall season: when to go?

The best period to observe the waterfalls is between mid-May and late June, when the snow melts at altitude. The flow gradually decreases during the summer, but some waterfalls remain visible all year round.

4. Sports activities and events

4.1 The Trail of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval

Recently, a trail running event has attracted mountain running enthusiasts. The 2024 edition will offer 3 routes between 11 and 32 km, with spectacular panoramas at every turn. The trail crosses steep paths, overlooking the cirque and offering total immersion in nature.

4.2 Other outdoor activities

The site, and its surroundings, also lend themselves to:

• Climbing (school sites nearby)
• Canyoning in the Gorges du Giffre
• Rafting in the Gorges des Tines, on the Giffre (between Sixt and Samoëns).
• Ski touring in winter
• Wildlife observation (chamois, golden eagles…)
• Paragliding, for a 360° view of the cirque from the air. Note, overflight of the cirque is prohibited.

5. Preparing your visit

5.1 Access and parking

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is accessible by car from Samoëns (15 min), Cluses (30 min), or Geneva (1h30). A paid parking is available at the entrance to the site (€7 per day in high season). From the parking lot, allow 20 to 30 minutes walking to reach the start of the trails. See the Cirque du Fer à Cheval parking guide

5.2 Accommodations in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and surroundings

It is easy to find lodging near the site, in the valley. Nearby you can find:

• Chalets for rent
• Rural guesthouses
• Mountain inns
• Campsites and refuges

The villages of Samoëns, Morillon, or Verchaix also offer many lodging options.

5.3 Live weather and webcam

Before leaving, check the live webcam installed on the Haut-Giffre Tourism Office site. It allows you to verify the weather conditions and snow cover according to the season.

6. The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval through the seasons

6.1 Spring and summer: the burst of waterfalls

The snow melt brings many waterfalls to life. The green meadows contrast with the white of the still snow-covered peaks: a magical setting for hiking and photography. Beware of overcrowding.

6.2 Autumn: foliage and tranquility

The site is much less crowded, and the autumn colors transform the landscape. It is an ideal period for contemplatives and photographers.

6.3 Winter: a fairy tale setting

Under the snow, the cirque takes on a whole new dimension. Some areas are accessible by snowshoes or ski touring. The partially frozen waterfalls offer a magical spectacle. Beware, at this time the bottom of the cirque is not accessible because it is too dangerous (high risk of avalanche).

7. The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, sanctuary of alpine biodiversity

An exceptional mountain ecosystem

Beyond its spectacular landscape, the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a true ecological refuge. Thanks to its isolated topography, its varied altitude (from 900 to 3,000 m), and the preservation of its natural environments, it hosts a remarkable biological diversity. It is a core zone of the Natura 2000 “Sixt-Passy” site, also integrated into the network of Grand Sites of France, making it a model of environmental conservation in Haute-Savoie.

Protected and discreet wildlife

More than 70 protected animal species find refuge in the cirque and its immediate surroundings :

• Chamois and ibex, often observable early morning on the cliffs.
• Golden eagles, nesting on the cliffs, with regulated observation zones.
• Wallcreeper, a small rare climbing bird specific to limestone cliffs.
• Eurasian lynx, discreet but occasionally reported in the area.
• Alpine black salamander, endemic species visible after rain, especially in humid undergrowth.

A precious and fragile alpine flora

The flora of the Cirque reflects the richness of mountain environments :

• Opposite-leaved saxifrage, rare and endemic to the Alps.
• Martagon lily, visible in summer on forest edges.
• Wild orchids, such as frog orchid or mosquito orchid.
• Maples and ashes in the humid wooded parts.

The floristic diversity is enhanced by the combination of wetlands, alpine meadows, scree slopes, cliffs, and alluvial meadows.

Active conservation challenges

The site is closely monitored by several organizations :

• Conservatory of Natural Spaces of Haute-Savoie (Asters): scientific monitoring of fauna and flora.
• French Biodiversity Office (OFB): presence of wardens-monitors.
• Haut-Giffre Regional Natural Park (planned): promotion of sustainable tourism.
• Implementation of awareness panels, marked trails to limit erosion, and temporary access restrictions to protect nesting areas.

How visitors can contribute

Even as a simple hiker, everyone can help protect this natural heritage :

• Stay on marked trails
• Do not pick flowers, nor disturb animals
• Keep your dog on a strict leash, to avoid fleeing or stressing wildlife. Dogs are forbidden beyond the parking/welcome chalet, even on a leash, because it is the core reserve.
• Respect quiet zones during nesting periods
• Report any anomaly (injured animal, fire, pollution…)

8. Practical information and useful resources

8.1 Rules and preservation

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a protected area. Some rules to respect :

• Dogs allowed on leash only. Beyond the welcome chalet, dogs are forbidden, even on leash
• No fire, no bivouacs outside authorized zones
• Respect fauna and flora
• Do not leave marked trails
• Drones prohibited

8.2 Additional resources

• IGN map at 1:25000
• Local topo-guides
• Rando-Montblanc app
• Haut-Giffre tourism office: haut-giffre.fr
• Webcam: webcam Sixt – Cirque
• Information on the Sixt Natural Reserve: https://reserves-naturelles.org/reserves/sixt-passy/

The Cirque du Fer à Cheval in video

Frequently Asked Questions