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Au Fil du Rail Treasure Hunt at Vallorcine
Family trail game (3 km / 1 hr 30) devised by the Chamonix Valley Tourist Office: a free quiz route around Le Buet SNCF station in Vallorcine, in the very heart of the Mont Blanc area.
At a glance
Type
Family trail game (discovery trail)
Access
Free access · free of charge
Price
Free
Duration
≈ 1 hr 30
Best season
Spring, summer, autumn — snow possible in winter
Parking
Le Buet SNCF station (free)
Town
Vallorcine
What is Au Fil du Rail Treasure Hunt at Vallorcine
The Au Fil du Rail treasure hunt at Vallorcine is a free family discovery trail of 3 kilometres and about 1 h 30 of walking, created by the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley Tourist Office. The hunt is part of a collection of four "Au Fil du Rail" trails (Servoz, Vallorcine, Les Bois de Chamonix, Argentière) linked by the theme of the Mont-Blanc Express, the iconic TER line that links Saint-Gervais to Vallorcine and continues on the Swiss side towards Martigny.
The route starts at the Buet SNCF station in Vallorcine, the last French village before the Swiss border, nestled at 1,260 m altitude at the foot of the Aiguilles Rouges range and Mont Blanc. The question booklet invites walkers to explore the Buet hamlet, the village of Vallorcine and its mountain heritage: wooden chalets, Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church, the old school, sites evoking mountain culture and mining. Answers are hidden in the landscape and signage: observe, look, learn while walking.
To take part, simply pick up the question booklet free of charge at any of the valley Tourist Offices (Vallorcine, Argentière, Chamonix). The trail is doable year-round, though spring through autumn is the most comfortable window. The format suits families with children aged 6 and up.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Start: Le Buet SNCF station, Le Buet, 74660 Vallorcine View on map
Coordinates
46.019° N · 6.920° E
Altitude
≈ 1,260 m (village of Vallorcine)
Opening hours
Free access 24/7, year-round (snow possible in winter). Question booklet available during the opening hours of the Chamonix Valley Tourist Offices. Checked on chamonix.com on 10 June 2026.
Prices
Free. Question booklet provided free of charge by the Chamonix Valley Tourist Offices. Also available to download on chamonix.com.
Official site
chamonix.com (Self-guided visits / Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine)
Phone
Vallorcine / Chamonix Valley Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 54 60 71
Access / Parking
Mont-Blanc Express train to Le Buet station (Vallorcine or Le Buet stop). By car: Col des Montets from Chamonix then the Vallorcine road; free parking at Le Buet station.
Length of visit
About 1 hr 30 for the full route (3 km), booklet in hand. Variable to suit the family pace.
Audience
Families with accompanied children from age 6-7, curious walkers, Mont-Blanc Express travellers.
Required equipment
Walking shoes, question booklet and pen, water bottle, warm clothing in shoulder season (1,260 m altitude).
Booking
No booking required. Free activity year-round.
Access
How to get there
Nearest stops
- VALLORCINE - LE BUET · Chamonix Bus · 05, N3 · 27 m
- Le Buet · SNCF (TER) · 39 m
- VALLORCINE - LE BUET · Chamonix Bus · 05, N3 · 69 m
- Chamonix Bus · Fare : 2 € (à bord) · 1,50 € (appli) · gratuit avec la carte d'hôte ou un forfait ski · Official fares & timetables →
- SNCF (TER) · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
Winter
Winter season
Winter access window
Not specified
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine?
The Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine is a free family quiz route created by the Chamonix Valley Tourist Office. 3 km and about 1 hr 30 of walking around Le Buet SNCF station, booklet in hand, to discover the village and its heritage.
Where can I pick up the Au Fil du Rail booklet in Vallorcine?
The booklet for the Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine trail game is available free of charge at the Chamonix Valley Tourist Offices: Vallorcine, Chamonix, Argentière, Les Houches, Servoz. It can also be downloaded on chamonix.com.
How much does the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine cost?
The Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine trail game is entirely free. No booking, no ticket: just pick up the booklet at the Tourist Office and play independently. Checked on 10 June 2026.
What are the opening hours for the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine?
The Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine route is open 24/7 year-round (snow possible in winter). The booklet can be picked up during the opening hours of the valley's Tourist Offices. Checked on 10 June 2026.
How long does the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine take?
The Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine covers 3 km for about 1 hr 30 of walking at a family pace, with stops to answer the booklet's questions.
Is the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine suitable for children?
Yes, the Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine trail game is designed for families with accompanied children from age 6-7. The 3 km route has no technical difficulty, and is fun and educational.
How do I get to the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine?
The Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine trail game starts at Le Buet SNCF station. Reach it by Mont-Blanc Express train from Chamonix or Saint-Gervais; by car via the Col des Montets, with free parking at the station.
What is the best season for the Au Fil du Rail trail game in Vallorcine?
The Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine trail game is best enjoyed between spring and autumn. Vallorcine sits at 1,260 m: snow may cover the path in winter and make the clues harder to read.
Sources
Sources & verification
- Chamonix.com — Au Fil du Rail Vallorcine
- Office de Tourisme Vallée de Chamonix — Jeux de piste
- Office de Tourisme de Vallorcine
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
Nearby
Nearby
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