From doorstep strolls to day-out adventures, your perfect hike is never far from the chalet.
At Chalet Les Buchilles the mountains really do start at your front door: slip on your boots and you’re soon meandering along the Foron, circling the Chartreuse de Mélan or climbing a quiet forest ridge for a birds-eye view of the entire Giffre Valley.
Fancy something grander? A 25-minute drive brings you to the awe-inspiring Cirque de Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, where waterfalls thunder from 700-metre cliffs and the “End-of-the-World” trail feels every bit as dramatic as its name.
Head the other way for the alpine pastures of Praz de Lys-Sommand: flower-lined family paths around Lac de Roy or airy ridgeline hikes with Mont Blanc on the horizon.
The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a majestic natural amphitheatre in the Giffre Valley, renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Hikers can embark on the popular loop trail to the “Bout du Monde” (End of the World), which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
This area is part of the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve, providing opportunities to spot alpine wildlife such as ibex and marmots.
Praz de Lys – Sommand offers a diverse range of hiking trails suitable for all levels. The Marcelly Loop is a mid-mountain trail that traverses ridgelines with remarkable views of Lac de Roy, Mont Blanc, and the Chablais peaks.
For families, the area provides several easy walks, such as the route to Pont de la Crotte, a moderately challenging 4 km trail near Taninges.
Starting from the village of Mieussy, the Bartou Trail is a 9.5 km loop that leads hikers through diverse terrains, including the Jourdy cave and Roche Pallud pastures.
The trail offers a spectacular spur overlooking the Saix waterfall, making it a rewarding hike for those seeking both natural beauty and geological features
Walks that start right at the front door
Lace up and enjoy having world-class alpine scenery literally on your doorstep!
1. Chartreuse & Flérier Discovery Loop (5.5 km, ±1 h 30)
Step out of the gate and follow Chemin des Buchilles east for five minutes to the 13-century Chartreuse de Mélan. After a quick wander among its contemporary sculptures, cross the little Foron footbridge and circle tranquil Lac de Flérier. The path brings you into Taninges’ medieval Vieux Bourg before you drift back along quiet lanes to the chalet—an easy, almost-flat outing with plenty of cultural stops. Praz de Lys Sommand TourismeActivhandi
2. Foron Riverside & Old-Town Circuit (3 km, ±45 min)
Turn right out of the driveway, then left onto the signed “Rives du Foron” trail. The shady riverbank leads past water-wheels and the Jacquemard bell tower before looping through the cobbled alleys of the old village and back to Chemin des Buchilles. Ideal for a gentle pre-breakfast stroll. Haut-Giffre Tourisme
3. Greenway “Au Fil du Giffre” to Lac des Vernays (7 km return, ±2 h)
Use the same five-minute link to the Chartreuse, then join the flat Voie Verte that follows the Giffre River. Meadows, art installations and mountain views accompany you to bird-rich Lac des Vernays—perfect for a picnic—before you retrace your steps. Keen walkers can continue another 6 km to Morillon’s Lac Bleu for a full-day adventure. decathlon-outdoor.comHaut-Giffre Tourisme
4. Bois de Cher Ridge Panorama (9 km, ±2 h 45)
Leave the chalet uphill, pick up the yellow-waymarked “Circuit du Bois de Cher” and climb gently through spruce forest to the Cher clearing. From the ridge you’ll spot the entire Giffre Valley and, on clear days, the Mont-Blanc massif. Descend via Lac de Flérier and the Chartreuse to close the loop right at the chalet door. Praz de Lys Sommand Tourisme
All distances and times are approximate and assume a relaxed pace; add extra time for photo stops or sculpture-spotting.