Day 1 : Lausanne to Novel

Day 2 : Novel to Refuge de Bise

Day 3 : refuge de Bise to Refuge de Trébentaz

Day 4 : Refuge de Trébentaz to Refuge de Chésery

Day 5 : Refuge de Chésery to Samoëns

Day 6 : Samoëns to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Day 7 : Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to Refuge de Moëde Anterne

Day 8 : Refuge de Moëde Anterne to Chamonix

Day 9 : Departure

The ferry from Lausanne to Saint-Gingolph is a calm 55-minute ride across Lake Geneva, offering wide views of the Alps and the lakeshore as you approach the small French-Swiss border village.

From Saint-Gingolph, the hike up to Novel is a moderate climb of about 11 km with around 750 m of elevation gain. The trail begins near the lake, then winds through forested slopes and viewpoints overlooking the Léman. The atmosphere becomes more alpine as you ascend, and you finish in the quiet mountain village of Novel, surrounded by pastures and high peaks. A peaceful, scenic transition from lake to mountains.

• 4,96km

• 585m elevation

• 0m descent

The hike from Novel to the Refuge de Bise is a beautiful, steadily rising route that takes you from a quiet mountain village into one of the most picturesque alpine cirques of the Chablais. The trail begins among forests and meadows, then opens onto wider views of the surrounding limestone peaks. As you gain height, the landscape becomes wilder and more dramatic: steep grassy slopes, scattered chalets, and the rocky walls of the Bise valley framing the path.

The Refuge de Bise sits in a broad, peaceful alpine bowl surrounded by high ridges where chamois and ibex are often seen. It’s a rustic, welcoming mountain refuge—simple but warm—offering meals, drinks, and a friendly atmosphere that makes it an ideal stopping point or base for exploring the surrounding summits. The combination of mellow pastoral scenery, rugged peaks, and the charm of the refuge gives the hike a classic, serene alpine feel.

• Distance : 7,37km

• Elevation : 936m

• Descent : 423m

The hike from Refuge de Bise to Refuge de Trébentaz is a stunning traverse through some of the most open and panoramic landscapes of the Chablais. Leaving Bise, the trail climbs gently through wide alpine pastures before rising more steeply toward the passes above the valley. As you gain altitude, the views expand dramatically—rolling green ridges, sharp limestone summits, and deep valleys stretching toward Switzerland and the Abondance region.

The descent toward the Chapelle d’Abondance area brings a change of atmosphere: softer meadows, traditional chalets, and a peaceful rural setting. It’s an ideal place to stop for lunch, enjoying both the quietness of the valley and the views back toward the high slopes you’ve crossed.

After the break, the path climbs again toward the Refuge de Trébentaz, perched on a grassy shoulder with sweeping views over the Vallée d’Abondance. The refuge has a welcoming, simple mountain feel and sits in a perfect spot to watch the light shift across the surrounding peaks. The whole route combines high-mountain ambience, pastoral beauty, and classic Chablais scenery.

• Distance : 12,22km

• Elevation : 1188m

• Descent : 809m

The hike from Refuge de Trébentaz to Refuge de Chésery is a gentle, panoramic traverse that keeps you high on the slopes above the Vallée d’Abondance. Leaving Trébentaz, the trail contours across open alpine terrain, offering long views toward the Dents du Midi and the rolling Chablais ridgelines. The walking is varied and never too steep, alternating between grassy paths, rocky sections, and quiet meadows.

Midway, you can stop for a packed lunch in one of the open pastures or near a viewpoint—perfect spots to sit in the sun, look out over the valley, and enjoy the peaceful, wide-open mountain atmosphere.

Approaching Refuge de Chésery, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic, with cliffs and ridges framing the last part of the route. The refuge itself sits beside a small alpine lake near the Franco-Swiss border, in a serene setting surrounded by high peaks and grazing wildlife. It’s a warm, friendly stop that feels tucked away in its own quiet corner of the mountains.

• Distance : 14,10km

• Elevation : 742m

• Descent : 627m

The hike from Refuge de Chésery to Samoëns is a beautiful descent through classic alpine terrain, offering a mix of dramatic mountain scenery and gentle pastoral landscapes. Leaving Chésery, the trail passes along ridges and open meadows, with stunning views back toward the Dents du Midi, the Chablais ridges, and the Vallée d’Abondance. You’ll cross rocky outcrops, small streams, and patches of forest as the mountains gradually open into gentler slopes.

A perfect spot for lunch is the Refuge de la Golèse, set in a peaceful high pasture. Here you can relax, enjoy the alpine scenery, and take in panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and peaks before continuing your descent.

From La Golèse, the path winds down through lush meadows, forested sections, and charming hamlets, gradually leading to the town of Samoëns. The descent combines wide, open vistas with the intimacy of traditional mountain villages, making it a rewarding final stage of the trek.

• Distance : 24,08km

• Elevation : 723m

• Descent : 1991m

The hike from Samoëns to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a relatively gentle and scenic stage, making it a perfect rest day in your trek. The route winds through pastoral landscapes, forests, and small mountain hamlets, with gradual elevation changes that allow you to walk at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you can enjoy the lush greenery, distant mountain peaks, and peaceful streams—a refreshing contrast after the higher, more rugged stages.

Upon arrival in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the village itself offers plenty of calm activities for a restorative day. You can explore the village center, with its traditional Savoyard architecture and charming cafés. Nature lovers can enjoy short, easy walks to nearby waterfalls or along gentle forest trails, such as the path to the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, a spectacular natural amphitheater of cliffs and waterfalls. There are also options for picnicking by streams, birdwatching, or simply relaxing and soaking in the serene alpine atmosphere. This stage provides a perfect balance of light walking and restful enjoyment before continuing into more challenging terrain.

• Distance : 7,01km

• Elevation : 211m

• Descent : 155m

The hike from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to Refuge de Moëde Anterne is a rewarding stage that gradually transitions from the lush valley into high alpine terrain. Leaving the village, the trail winds through forests, meadows, and traditional hamlets, with gentle streams and waterfalls along the way, offering a peaceful introduction to the mountains. The path steadily climbs, revealing wider views of the surrounding peaks and the impressive Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval as you gain altitude.

A packed lunch can be enjoyed on one of the open pastures or near a scenic viewpoint, giving you time to rest, admire the mountains, and enjoy the tranquility of the alpine environment.

As you approach Refuge de Moëde Anterne, the landscape becomes more rugged, with rocky slopes, scattered alpine flowers, and panoramic views over the Aravis range. The refuge sits in a wide alpine bowl, surrounded by high peaks, providing a cozy, welcoming stop for the night. It’s an ideal place to relax after the climb, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the atmosphere of the high mountains.

• Distance : 15,39km

• Elevation : 1549m

• Descent : 321m

The hike from Refuge de Moëde Anterne to the top of the Brevent lift is a scenic alpine trek that combines gentle ridges, wildflower meadows, and sweeping views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Leaving the refuge, the trail gradually climbs through rocky pastures and small streams, opening onto panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The high alpine scenery is dramatic yet accessible, making it a perfect finale to the trek.

A packed lunch can be enjoyed along the way at one of the scenic viewpoints, allowing you to pause and soak in the spectacular mountain panorama before the final ascent.

Reaching the top of the Brevent lift, you are rewarded with one of the most famous views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley below. From here, you can take the lift down to Chamonix, enjoying a relaxed descent after your day’s walk. The combination of a final alpine hike, a scenic lunch stop, and a comfortable lift ride makes this stage both satisfying and gentle—a perfect conclusion to the trek.

• Distance : 9,74km

• Elevation : 910m

• Descent : 401m

An epic adventure comes to an end with hopefully many stories and tales to share with family and friends.

Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?

A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.

When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.

Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.

Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?

A. We have graded this trip as a Level 4.

(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website).

This trip is considered suitable for individuals with good fitness and lots trail trekking experience. With key points including:

• The terrain involves steep mountains, uneven paths, and more sustained walking

• Duration of Trek: 7-10 hours of walking per day on multi days treks of at least 5 days

• Physical Requirements: Excellent fitness; ability to walk continuously for extended periods

• You / your party members should be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for multiple days in a rucksack, which might include items such as:

• A water bottle 2L

• Camera / phone / electronics

• Warm top / sun hat / sun cream

• Any other items you would want to access while out for the day.

If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.

Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?

A. Not necessarily. Clients can request a 'rest day' or perhaps the opportunity to break from the scheduled itinerary, although when that day can land will entirely depend on the itinerary and other considerations from the trip leaders.

In all cases we will work with guests to best accommodate their request.