Pointe de Miribel

The Pointe de Miribel (1,581 m) is a summit in the Haut-Chablais overlooking Lake Geneva and the Vallée Verte. Its name, derived from local toponymy, literally means "beautiful view", a promise amply fulfilled at the summit. This exceptional viewpoint offers a 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Mont Blanc massif, Cornettes de Bise, Dent d'Oche and all the peaks of the Chablais.

Beyond its scenic interest, the Pointe de Miribel possesses unique religious heritage: seventeen columns of red marble topped with iron crosses and a statue of the Virgin Mary crown the summit. This monumental calvary, created in 1808 by Joseph-Marie Félisaz, a farmer from Villard, marks the route of a Way of the Cross frequented during pilgrimages and solemn festivals for over two centuries. In 1774, an initial oak cross was erected here, destroyed during the Revolution and replaced by this remarkable ensemble.

The hike from Villard or from the Ajon alpine pasture crosses forests and meadows. The Ajon pasture is occupied by Abondance cattle during the summer season; the transhumance in late May is a festive event attended by hundreds. The route from Ajon (elevation gain ~400 m, about 1h30 ascent) is classified as easy, while the loop from Villard (about 10 km, elevation gain ~700 m) is more demanding but varied. Winter access from the Plaine-Joux cross-country ski center is also possible. Accessible from May to October depending on snow conditions, the Pointe de Miribel is an ideal hike for novice hikers or for an early-season warm-up.