Hiking Loop from La Glacière to Les Frachets

Starting from the Mont-Saxonnex resort village, the trail takes you through the Frachets mountain pastures, over the Col de Cenise, and across the Solaison Plateau. In summer, you’ll hike to the sound of dairy cows’ bells. Throughout the hike, the landscapes are wide open, and the pastures seem to stretch on forever. With the Bargy mountain range on one side and the Rochers de Leschaux on the other, you’ll also have the chance to admire stunning panoramic views, particularly at the Croix du Felay, roughly halfway along the route. At the Col de Cenise, the plateau unfolds before your eyes. In this preserved natural area, designated a Natura 2000 site, you can spot several protected species typical of the mountainous environment, such as the black grouse and the bearded vulture. As you continue toward the alpine pastures of the Plateau de Solaison, you’ll have the chance to see the Glacière Cave, one of the longest underground caverns in Haute-Savoie. A cold draft keeps this snowfield frozen almost year-round and coats the walls of the chasm with a layer of ice. No matter what kind of hike you're planning, be sure to pack cereal bars, plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, and clothing appropriate for your outing based on the season and the forecast.