The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval: natural jewel of Haute-Savoie

Nestled in the heart of the Haut-Giffre valley, in the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, at the heart of the Sixt 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, 500 to 700 meters high, outline a semicircular shape reminiscent of a horseshoe, hence its name. Crowned by peaks approaching 3000 meters, such as the 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, formerly dependent on the Sixt Abbey. Ancient accounts speak of pilgrimages, scientific explorations, and travelers’ tales 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 must-see trails

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

• Le Fond de la Combe: family walk to the bottom of the cirque.
• Le Bout du Monde: extension of the hike to the sources of the Giffre.
• 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 Prazon refreshment hut is very easily accessible, 35 minutes from the parking lot, with very little elevation change.

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 runs along the Giffre river, crosses meadows, and offers spectacular views of the walls and waterfalls. It ends at the foot of the Bout du Monde, an imposing cliff from which the sources of the Giffre gush forth. In peak season, it is overcrowded, and it is recommended to come early in the morning.

See the Bout du Monde hike

2.3 Practical tips for successful hiking

• Bring suitable walking shoes, even for family walks.
• Site access is regulated: paid parking, dogs must be on a leash.
• Trails are very busy in summer, prefer morning or spring.
• Paths can be slippery in rain.

3. The spectacular waterfalls of the cirque

3.1 Over 30 waterfalls recorded in the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval

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

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 combes of the cirque
• Very wild environment
• Area sometimes restricted at certain periods (nesting)

Cascade de la Vogealle

• At the bottom of the cirque, accessible after 1h30 walk
• It emerges from a rock chaos below the Lac de la Vogealle
• Highly dependent on melting 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 “silk thread” appearance
• May 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 a distance

Cascade de la Pleureuse

• Local name as it “cries” gently in a thin waterfall
• 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 full panorama

3.2 Waterfall season: when to go?

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

4. Sports activities and events

4.1 The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval Trail

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

4.2 Other outdoor activities

The site and its surroundings also lend themselves to:

• Climbing (nearby training sites)
• Canyoning in the Giffre gorges
• Rafting in the Tines gorges on the Giffre (between Sixt and Samoëns).
• Ski touring in winter
• Wildlife observation (chamois, golden eagles…)
• Paragliding, for a 360° view over the cirque from the air. Note, flying over 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 lot is available at the site entrance (€7 per day in high season). From the parking lot, allow 20 to 30 minutes walking to reach the beginning of the trails.

5.2 Accommodation 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 gîtes
• 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 verification of weather conditions and snow cover depending on the season.

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

6.1 Spring and summer: the explosion of waterfalls

The snowmelt gives life to a multitude of waterfalls. The green of the meadows contrasts 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 frequented, 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 with snowshoes or ski touring. The partially frozen waterfalls offer a magical spectacle. Beware, at this time the bottom of the cirque is not accessible as it is too dangerous (high risk of avalanche).

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

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 shelters a remarkable biological diversity. It is a core zone of the Natura 2000 site “Sixt-Passy”, also integrated into the network of Grands Sites de France, making it a model of environmental conservation in Haute-Savoie.

Protected and discreet fauna

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

• Chamois and ibex, often observable early in the morning on the cliffs.
• Golden eagles, nesting in the cliffs, with regulated observation zones.
• Wallcreeper, a rare small climbing bird, specific to limestone cliffs.
• Eurasian lynx, discreet but sporadically reported in the area.
• Alpine black salamander, an 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 at forest edges.
• Wild orchids, such as the frog orchid or mosquito orchid.
• Maples and ashes in the humid wooded parts.

Floral 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:

• Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de Haute-Savoie (Asters): scientific monitoring of fauna and flora.
• French Biodiversity Office (OFB): presence of ranger-monitors.
• Haut-Giffre Regional Natural Park (in project): 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 or disturb animals
• Keep your dog on a strict leash to avoid escape or stressing the fauna
• Respect silent zones during nesting periods
• Report any anomalies (injured animal, fire, pollution…)

8. Practical information and useful resources

8.1 Regulations and preservation

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

• Dogs allowed only on a leash
• No fires or bivouacs outside authorized zones
• Respect the fauna and flora
• Do not leave marked trails

8.2 Additional resources

• IGN map at 1:25000 scale
• Local topo-guides
• Rando-Montblanc app
• Haut-Giffre Tourism Office: haut-giffre.fr
• Webcam: Sixt – Cirque Webcam
• Information on the Sixt natural reserve: https://reserves-naturelles.org/reserves/sixt-passy/

The Cirque du Fer à Cheval in video