Free
Abbaye de Sixt
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
12th-century abbey listed as a Historic Monument. Free summer exhibition, 13th-century church and restored abbots' lodge. Free visit in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Free · Open access
Via ferrata du Mont
The du Mont via ferrata, within the protected Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
At a glance
Type
Via ferrata
Access
Free access (gear required)
Price
Free
Duration
2–4 h depending on route
Best season
Year-round (weather permitting)
Town
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
What is Via ferrata du Mont
The via ferrata du Mont, at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, is a free-access equipped route that overlooks the Gorges des Tines in the heart of the classified Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval. With 800 m of cable and 150 m of elevation gain, it combines cables, rungs, footbridges and exposed passages along a south-facing limestone wall, secured by a continuous lifeline.
The route starts gently along the Vire de l'Ours, a comfortable ledge running below the cliff, before gaining height at the Barme aux Corbès and the Dalle des Paresseux. Highlights include the Passerelle de l'Ou Izès (a 15-metre suspension bridge, very airy), the Courte Échelle (an 8-metre inverted ladder) and several exposed traverses. Three escapes allow the route to be adapted to the participant's level.
What sets this via ferrata apart is its progressive difficulty (graded F to D depending on the section) and the exceptional views over the Pointe de Sales, the Frêtes du Grenier and the village of Sixt. Free access all year, weather permitting. Mandatory equipment: harness, double lanyard with energy absorber, helmet and hiking boots. Guided outings available with the Bureau des Guides de Sixt. Allow 20 min approach from the free Gorges des Tines car park and 20-25 min for the descent.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Gorges des Tines car park, D907, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval View on map
Coordinates
46.0560° N — 6.7580° E (start car park)
Altitude
Start ~780 m, summit ~930 m (elevation gain 150 m, length 800 m)
Opening Hours / Season
Open 24/7, practicable year-round weather permitting. South-facing — possible in spring and autumn.
Rates
Free. Supervision by Sixt Guide Office from €50/person in group, gear included.
Phone
Sixt Tourist Office: +33 4 50 34 49 36 — Guide Office: enquire via OT
Official website
sixtferacheval.com (Tourist Office) — franceviaferrata.fr (topo)
Access / Parking
Free Gorges des Tines car park on D907 between Samoëns and Sixt, just before the hairpin. 'Via Ferrata' signed trail opposite. Approach 15-20 min.
Duration
Route 2-4 h (depending on escapes) + approach 20 min + return 20-25 min. Total 3-5 h.
Required equipment
Mandatory: harness, double absorber lanyard, helmet, hiking boots with good grip. Recommended: 1 L water (south exposure), light backpack, thin gloves.
Level / Public
Progressive F to D grade by section. Min height 1.20 m, min age 12-14 recommended. Not advised for people with vertigo.
Booking
No booking for free access. For Sixt Guide Office supervision: booking advised 48 h in advance.
Access
How to get there
Nearest stops
- Gorges des Tines · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · N-CMG, Y94 · 37 m
- Gorges des Tines · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · 79 m
- Gorges des Tines · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y94 · 121 m
- Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
When to visit
When to visit
Open year-round subject to favorable weather conditions. Best in summer and early autumn. South-facing exposure allows spring and autumn climbing. Avoid in thunderstorms or on wet rock (very slippery). Arrive early morning in high season to avoid crowds (frequent school groups).
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Photos
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
Do I need a guide for the via ferrata du Mont?
Access is free, but a guide is strongly advised if you are not self-sufficient, equipped and experienced. The Bureau des Guides de Sixt offers supervised outings with equipment from €50/person.
What is the difficulty level?
Grading ranges from F (Easy) on the Vire de l'Ours to D (Difficult) on the most exposed sections. The route is progressive with three escape routes. Not recommended for those prone to vertigo.
What equipment should I bring?
Mandatory: harness, energy-absorbing double lanyard, helmet, hiking boots with good grip. Recommended: 1 liter of water (south-facing, hot in summer), light backpack, thin gloves.
What is the best time to visit?
Accessible year-round subject to good weather. Ideal May to October. South-facing exposure allows spring and autumn climbing. Avoid in rain: limestone rock becomes very slippery.
Can we go with children?
Not recommended for children under 1.20 m tall. From age 12-14 with good fitness and no fear of heights. Professional supervision mandatory for children. The 15 m footbridge can be intimidating.
Where to park and how long is the approach?
Free Gorges des Tines car park on the D907 between Samoëns and Sixt. Approach: 15-20 minutes via forest trail. Route: 2-4 hours depending on itinerary chosen. Return: 20-25 minutes.
Is it crowded in high season?
Yes, the via ferrata is very busy in July-August, especially afternoons. Arrive before 9 am to enjoy it peacefully. Many supervised and school groups during the day.
What to do after the via ferrata in the area?
Nearby: visit the protected Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, Cascade du Rouget waterfall, Gorges des Tines. Many restaurants in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to extend your day in the Haut-Giffre valley.
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
Free
Cascade du Rouget
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
80 m waterfall nicknamed 'Queen of the Alps', accessible year-round from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Free access, parking, GR5 trails, Giffre Valley.
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Cascades de Sixt Trail
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Trail through the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval to the Bout du Monde at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: 6 km loop through up to 30 waterfalls inside the Sixt-Passy National Nature Reserve.
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Rafting and white-water activities on the Giffre, Fier and Chéran rivers, in the Giffre valley.
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Evasion Nordique — Dog sledding Les Carroz
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Evasion Nordique in Les Carroz: dog-sled rides with Nordic huskies, taster, half-day and full day. Pro musher guidance.
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Grotte de Balme — Magland
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The Grotte de Balme in Magland: natural cave in the Arve valley, guided caving recommended. Seasonal access.