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Walking route – Banks of the Dranse path
An easy, almost flat path along the Dranse de Sous-le-Pas, linking the hamlet of Très-les-Pierres above Châtel to the village of Abondance over around 16 km. Accessible to all: families, strollers, mountain bikes and e-bikes.
At a glance
Type
Walking trail and greenway along the river
Access
Free access
Price
Free
Duration
≈ 4 hrs on foot (16 km one way)
Best season
May to November (outside snow)
Parking
Très-les-Pierres hamlet (Châtel) and Abondance village
Animals
Allowed on lead
Stroller / Reduced mobility
Yes (flat, stabilised ground)
Town
Châtel
Wheelchair access
Partially accessible Source: Châtel Tourisme (site officiel)
💶
Price
Accès libre
0,00 €Itinéraire en accès libre, hors saison de neige
What is Walking route – Banks of the Dranse path
The Banks of the Dranse path is a walking trail and greenway between Châtel and Abondance, at the heart of the Abondance valley in the Haut-Chablais. The route follows the Dranse de Sous-le-Pas for about 16 km linear (up to 20 km in some variants), between the Très-les-Pierres hamlet on the Châtel side and the village centre of Abondance.
Flat and easy, accessible to all: families with toddlers, strollers, hikers, seniors, sporty walkers. The stabilised surface also suits MTB, hybrid and e-bikes. Free year-round.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Start: Très-les-Pierres hamlet, 74390 Châtel. Finish: village centre 74360 Abondance View on map
Coordinates
46.235463° N — 6.791628° E
Altitude
≈ 850 m (Abondance) to ≈ 1,200 m (Châtel Très-les-Pierres)
Opening times
Open 24/7, from approximately 1 May to 19 November. Outside the snow season and weather conditions. Verified 10 June 2026.
Telephone
+33 (0)4 50 73 22 44 (Châtel Tourisme) · +33 (0)4 50 73 02 90 (Abondance Tourisme)
Official website
chatel.com — hiking section
Access / Parking
Free car park at the Très-les-Pierres hamlet (Châtel). Car park in the centre of Abondance. Bal'Aulps valley shuttle bus in summer.
Duration of visit
≈ 4 hrs on foot one way (16 km), 1 hr 30 by bike. Full loop 20-25 km: 6 hrs on foot, 2-3 hrs by bike.
Required gear
Walking or running shoes. Mountain, hybrid or electric bike. Water, cap and sunscreen in summer.
Animals
Dogs allowed on lead (Abondance cow herds graze on some sections).
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
How long is the path along the Dranse at Châtel?
The path along the Dranse is around 16 km linear between the Très-les-Pierres hamlet at Châtel and the village of Abondance. Up to 20 km depending on the variant. Allow 4 hrs on foot, 1 hr 30 by bike.
Is the path along the Dranse at Châtel accessible with a stroller?
Yes. The path along the Dranse at Châtel is flat and stabilised for most of its length: it is accessible with an all-terrain stroller and for families with young children.
When can the path along the Dranse at Châtel be walked?
The path along the Dranse at Châtel is walkable from around 1 May to 19 November, outside the snow season. In winter the upper section is snowy and used for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing depending on conditions.
Is there a charge for the path along the Dranse at Châtel?
No. The route along the Dranse at Châtel has free, open access. No booking or ticket is needed.
Can I ride the path along the Dranse at Châtel on a mountain bike or e-bike?
Yes. The path along the Dranse at Châtel offers several signed mountain-bike/hybrid variants: 15 km descent, 20.6 km loop, 13 km climb. Electric bikes are also suitable.
Where do I park for the path along the Dranse at Châtel?
The path along the Dranse at Châtel starts at the free car park in the Très-les-Pierres hamlet. At the finish, there is a car park in the centre of Abondance. Bal'Aulps valley shuttle bus available in season.
What is there to see along the Dranse at Châtel?
The path along the Dranse at Châtel runs through the Abondance valley (AOP cheese country), follows the Dranse de Sous-le-Pas river, and allows you to reach the Maison du Fromage Abondance and Abondance Abbey.
Can the path along the Dranse at Châtel be combined with a gourmet visit?
Yes. The path along the Dranse at Châtel is the ideal opportunity to discover AOP Abondance cheese: Maison du Fromage in Abondance, dairy farms in the valley, tastings in Châtel.
Sources
Sources & verification
- Châtel Tourisme — itinéraire bords de Dranse
- Léman Mountains Explore — Sentier des bords de Dranse à vélo
- AF3V — Voie verte chemin des bords de la Dranse
- Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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