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Morclan Trail
Very easy interpretation trail at Châtel, in the Vallée d'Abondance: 3.5 km through the Vorraz, Louennaz and Sur l'Ortaz alpine pastures, with panels on wildlife, flora and the mountain environment, and views of the Mont de Grange.
At a glance
Type
Interpretation trail Family
Access
Free No charge
Duration
About 2 h 30
Best season
15 June → 15 September
Town
Châtel
Wheelchair access
Not accessible Source: Office de Tourisme de Châtel
What is Morclan Trail
The Morclan Trail is a very easy interpretive route waymarked by the Châtel Tourist Office in the Vallée d'Abondance, within the Portes du Soleil ski area. About 3.5 km long, it takes around 2 h 30 to walk, climbing gently through the Vorraz, Louennaz and Sur l'Ortaz pastures from the Route du Petit-Châtel up to Super-Châtel.
The trail starts at the Virage du Tenne, at the end of the Route du Petit-Châtel (2 km from the village). It crosses a mixed forest before opening onto flower-strewn pastures, with a clear view of the sweeping arc of the Vallée d'Abondance and the Mont de Grange. Educational panels along the way introduce walkers to local fauna, flora and the mountain environment; marmots, chamois and alpine flowers are often spotted in season. The trail is open from 15 June to 15 September every day, weather permitting, and rated very easy — though the steady climb still calls for a bit of stamina.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Start: Tenne bend, route du Petit-Châtel, 74390 Châtel View on map
Coordinates
46.273589 N 6.844182 E
Distance / Elevation gain
~3.5 km climb up to Super-Châtel
Difficulty
Very easy (with a steady climb)
Phone
Châtel Tourist Office 04 50 73 22 44
Official website
chatel.com
Opening hours
From 15 June to 15 September, every day, subject to favourable weather. Off-season, the trail is not maintained.
Prices
Free
Access / Parking
Parking at the Tenne bend (end of the route du Petit-Châtel, ~2 km from the village centre).
Visit duration
About 2 h 30 with stops
Pets
Allowed on a leash (pastures with herds)
Recommended gear
Walking shoes, water, hat, windproof.
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 difficult is the Morclan Trail at Châtel?
The Morclan Trail is rated 'very easy' by the Châtel Tourist Office, but it is a steady climb in alpine pastures: 3.5 km from the Tenne bend up to Super-Châtel, about 2 h 30 of walking.
When is the Morclan Trail open?
The Morclan Trail is open from 15 June to 15 September every day, subject to favourable weather. Off-season, it is not maintained and may be covered in snow.
Where does the Morclan Trail at Châtel start?
The Morclan Trail starts at the Tenne bend, at the end of the route du Petit-Châtel in Châtel (about 2 km from the village centre).
What is there to see on the Morclan Trail?
The Morclan Trail offers magnificent landscapes with views of the 'arc' of the Vallée d'Abondance and the Mont de Grange, and features educational panels on wildlife, flora and the mountain environment.
Can the Morclan Trail be done as a family?
Yes. The Morclan Trail lends itself well to a family outing with children old enough to walk: the path is wide, the climb steady, and the interpretation panels make the walk educational.
Can you come back by cable car after the Morclan Trail?
The Morclan Trail reaches Super-Châtel: depending on the summer opening calendar of the Super-Châtel cable car, you can go down by lift rather than on foot. Check the dates on chatel.com.
Sources
Sources & verification
- OT Châtel — fiche officielle Sentier du Morclan
- Haute-Savoie Tourisme — fiche 93240
- Portes du Soleil — fiche Morclan trail
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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