A restaurant in Châtel?
Hosting visitors of Birds Trail ? Appear here.
Become a partnerFree · Open access
Birds Trail
Ornithological interpretive trail on the GR5 between the Col de Bassachaux and the Rochassons summit, in Châtel: panels to identify mountain birds, panorama over the Vallée d'Abondance, Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark.
At a glance
Type
Interpretive trail · Ornithology
Access
Free · Free of charge
Duration
1 hr 30 to 2 hrs round trip
Best season
15 June - 15 September
Town
Châtel
What is Birds Trail
The Birds Trail is an ornithological interpretive route along the section of the GR5 linking the Col de Bassachaux (1,778 m) to the Rochassons summit, in the commune of Châtel in the Vallée d'Abondance. It follows a wide driveable track throughout, ideal for families: an out-and-back walk, returning the same way.
Along the route, educational panels teach walkers how to identify the mountain birds seen around Châtel — crossbill, nutcracker, alpine chough, ptarmigan, common raven — alongside their habitats, diet and nesting habits. The Col de Bassachaux is reached by car via the D 228 from Châtel (12 km), with a large car park and a seasonal snack bar; it marks the end of the Vallée d'Abondance, beneath a sweeping panorama. The site is part of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, whose history is bound up with the formation of the Northern Alps. The trail is usually open from 15 June to 15 September, weather permitting.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Start: Col de Bassachaux (1,778 m), access via the D 228 from Châtel 74390 View on map
Coordinates
46.221712° N - 6.772299° E
Altitude
1,778 m (Col de Bassachaux)
Difficulty
Easy · wide driveable track
Phone
OT Châtel - +33 4 50 73 22 44
Official website
chatel.com
Opening times
Trail practicable from 15 June to 15 September, weather permitting. Out of season, access difficult due to snow.
Prices
Free
Access / Parking
Large car park at the Col de Bassachaux. 12 km from Châtel via the D 228 (mountain road).
Visit duration
1 hr 30 to 2 hrs round trip
Animals
Allowed on leash (alpine pastures with livestock possible)
Required equipment
Walking shoes, binoculars, windbreaker.
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
Where to eat, drink, stay
A bakery, a shop in Châtel?
Share hours and specialties with visitors of Birds Trail.
Become a partnerA nearby stay?
Gîte, B&B, campsite, rental in Châtel.
Become a partnerPhotos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Birds Trail in Châtel start?
The Birds Trail starts at the Col de Bassachaux (1,778 m), 12 km from Châtel via the D 228. The pass has a large car park and a seasonal snack bar.
Which birds can be seen on the Châtel Birds Trail?
The Birds Trail is designed to spot the mountain birds seen at Châtel - crossbill, nutcracker, alpine chough, common raven, ptarmigan depending on altitude - thanks to panels explaining their habitat, diet and nesting.
How difficult is the Birds Trail at Châtel?
The Birds Trail follows the GR5 on a wide driveable track between the Col de Bassachaux and the Rochassons summit: it is an easy route, suitable for families with children old enough to walk.
When is the Birds Trail open?
The Birds Trail at Châtel is maintained from 15 June to 15 September every day, weather permitting. Out of season, access to the pass can be difficult due to snow.
Is the Birds Trail free?
Yes. The Birds Trail and the Col de Bassachaux car park are free of charge throughout the summer season.
When is the best time to watch birds on the Birds Trail?
On the Birds Trail, set off early in the morning: that is when the mountain birds are most active around the Col de Bassachaux. Bring binoculars and walk quietly.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
Nearby
Nearby
Other places to explore in the area and in the same category
Free
Cascade des Brochaux
Montriond
30 m waterfall with natural pool, 30–40 min hike from Les Lindarets. Free access year-round in Vallée d'Aulps, Haute-Savoie.
Paid
Avoriaz
Morzine
Avoriaz, a 100% pedestrian resort at 1 800 m at the heart of the Portes du Soleil: ski-in ski-out, snowparks, Aquariaz and a renowned family-friendly and freestyle terrain.
Paid
Aquariaz
Morzine
Tropical water park at 1,800 m altitude in Avoriaz: heated pools 29-33°C, slides, outdoor hot tub with mountain views. Adult €12, child €8. Winter and summer.
Free
Eterlou Walking Trail
Châtel
Family interpretive trail at Pre-la-Joux (Chatel): 600 m loop, about 50 min, fauna and flora panels, open May - October.
Free
Walking route – Banks of the Dranse path
Châtel
Easy flat 16 km path along the Dranse between Châtel and Abondance: family-friendly, stroller, bike. Abondance valley, free.
Free
Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail
Abondance
Geological trail at the Lac des Plagnes (Abondance): lake loop, peat bog, erratic boulder, climb to Cubourre, Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark.