Your mountain retreat
The Area
Nestled at the head of the Giffre Valley in the French Alps, Le Clocher is situated just a stone's throw away from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. A quintessential mountain village that feels worlds away from its neighbouring bustling ski hubs, Sixt still offers all the beauty and adventure you could wish for. Classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, this charming hamlet combines authentic Alpine heritage with breathtaking natural scenery, making it a perfect base for chalet getaways.
Just a short drive away lies the vibrant mountain village of Samoëns, a lively yet characterful destination that beautifully complements Sixt’s tranquillity. With its charming medieval square, traditional stone buildings, weekly market, and welcoming cafés and restaurants, Samoëns offers plenty to explore year-round. As part of the vast Grand Massif ski area, it provides easy access to extensive alpine skiing in winter, while summer brings mountain biking, paragliding, lakeside swimming, and scenic lift-accessed hiking trails. Together, Sixt and Samoëns offer the perfect balance of peaceful retreat and vibrant mountain life.
Whether you’re here to explore high-mountain trails in summer or enjoy family-friendly skiing and snowshoeing in winter, Le Clocher offers a tranquil, all-season mountain experience framed by some of Haute-Savoie’s most unforgettable scenery.
Summer
When the snow melts, the Giffre Valley transforms into a vast natural playground. Long sunny days, flower-filled meadows and dramatic limestone peaks create the perfect setting for an active — or wonderfully relaxed — Alpine summer.
Hiking & Nature
The spectacular Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is the jewel of the valley, with waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs and well-marked trails suitable for both gentle family walks and full-day mountain hikes. The surrounding Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy offers pristine wilderness, high-alpine lakes, and the chance to spot ibex, marmots and golden eagles. A visit to the impressive Cascade du Rouget is a must.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
From scenic valley rides to challenging mountain trails, the area caters to every level. The wider Grand Massif region offers lift-assisted biking routes in summer, while road cyclists can tackle iconic Alpine climbs or enjoy gentler routes through picturesque villages and forested valleys.
Adventure Activities
For thrill-seekers, the River Giffre provides excellent white-water rafting and canyoning. Rock climbing, via ferrata routes, and paragliding are all available locally, offering unforgettable views over the valley and surrounding peaks. Horse riding, high-ropes courses and guided alpine experiences add even more variety.
Lakes & Relaxation
On warmer days, the beautiful Lac aux Dames in Samoëns is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or simply relaxing by the water. Picnic spots, tennis and padel courts, open green spaces make it ideal for families. Once you've checked out the lake there is also an outdoor swimming pool with slides and baby pool.
Culture, Markets & Village Life
Beyond the outdoor activities, Samoëns charms visitors with its historic square, traditional stone buildings and lively weekly market. Local restaurants serve Savoyard specialities, while summer festivals and open-air events bring music and atmosphere to the village. Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval itself offers a quieter rhythm, with beautiful hamlets, baroque chapels and scenic café terraces perfect for soaking up the mountain views.
Whether you’re seeking high-adrenaline adventure, peaceful alpine walks, or long leisurely lunches in the sunshine, summer in this corner of Haute-Savoie offers something for everyone — all set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in the French Alps.
Winter
When winter arrives, the Giffre Valley is transformed into a snow-covered alpine landscape. Frosted forests, frozen waterfalls and sweeping white peaks create a magical setting for both adventure and relaxation. Crisp mountain air and bright, clear days make it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Alpine winter escape.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Winter transforms Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Samoëns into a snow-covered alpine playground. Samoëns provides direct access to the Grand Massif ski area, offering extensive pistes for all abilities, from gentle beginner slopes to long, high-altitude runs with spectacular views across the Alps. Reliable snow conditions, modern lift systems and varied terrain make it ideal for families, mixed-ability groups and experienced skiers alike.
For those seeking something quieter, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval has its own small ski area, perfect for beginners and children, as well as access to peaceful, uncrowded slopes.
Snowshoeing & Winter Walking
The valley becomes wonderfully tranquil in winter. Marked snowshoe trails wind through forests, frozen waterfalls and open alpine meadows, offering a slower way to experience the dramatic scenery. The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, dusted in snow and ice, feels especially magical during the colder months. Winter walking routes are also well-maintained, allowing you to explore the landscape at your own pace.
Cross-Country Skiing
The area offers excellent cross-country skiing, with scenic tracks following the River Giffre and linking villages through snowy woodland. Whether you are new to Nordic skiing or an experienced enthusiast, the peaceful setting and panoramic mountain views make it a memorable experience.
Family Fun & Alpine Experiences
Beyond downhill skiing, winter in the valley offers plenty of variety. Tobogganing, ice skating, dog sledding and guided alpine experiences provide fun for all ages. Festive markets, torchlit descents and seasonal events bring a warm atmosphere to the villages throughout the winter months.
Village Life & Savoyard Evenings
After a day in the snow, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval offer welcoming restaurants serving traditional Savoyard specialities such as fondue and raclette. Cosy cafés, local shops and the charm of traditional alpine architecture create a relaxed and authentic mountain atmosphere.
Whether you’re carving fresh tracks, exploring snowy trails, or enjoying long evenings by the fire, winter in this corner of Haute-Savoie offers the perfect balance of adventure and alpine charm.
Walking from Le Clocher's doorstep
Our hamlet of Salvagny is an excellent starting point for a variety of scenic mountain walks. Several well-marked trails lead into the surrounding alpine landscape, with four summer mountain refuges accessible on foot — ideal for combining a rewarding hike with a relaxed lunch stop.
01
Les Fonts
The Refuge de Fonts is the closest refuge to Le Clocher and can be reached in approximately 1½ hours on foot. The route climbs steadily from the hamlet, passing traditional alpine buildings before crossing a bridge and continuing into the beautiful Cirque de Fonts.
Set within limestone cliffs and waterfalls, the refuge offers a memorable destination for a half-day walk, whether for refreshments, lunch, or simply to enjoy the scenery before returning to the valley.
02
Refuge des Sales
One of the most rewarding hikes from Le Clocher is the walk to the Refuge de Sales, set high above the valley in a spectacular setting. The trail passes through dramatic limestone scenery, with numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs - particularly impressive after rainfall - and there are frequent opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way.
Starting directly from the chalet, the walk to the refuge takes approximately three hours. Alternatively, you can drive past the Cascade du Rouget to the parking area at Lignon, from where the refuge can be reached in around 1½ hours at a steady pace, or closer to two hours, allowing for photo stops.
At the refuge, you can enjoy refreshments or a relaxed mountain lunch, or simply bring a picnic and take in the panoramic views before returning to the valley.
03
Rocher de Fiz
If you have a long summer day and are happy to spend the day walking, continue walking past Refuge de Sales and the end of the valley you will find yourself at the top of the towering cliffs of the Rocher de Fiz looking directly at Mont Blanc!
04
Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
Surrounded by dramatic peaks and untouched wilderness, the extraordinary Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a short 10-minute drive from Le Clocher. An immense horseshoe-shaped limestone amphitheatre of cliffs and waterfalls creates one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Alps.
Visit at any time of year for truly breathtaking options for either longer, but accessible, walks or a simple picnic in one of France's most spectacular natural amphitheatres.
