Balcon de Sixt (Sixt balcony) : snowshoeing in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Pointe de Ressassat
Pointe de Ressassat - @julietteBuret
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Balcon de Sixt (Sixt balcony) : snowshoeing in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Fauna
Flora
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This route passes above the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval through the beautiful forest ‘Sur les Plans' offering a bird's eye view of the village along the way.

3 points of interest

  • Forêt Mixte
    Forêt Mixte - @carolineGehant
    Flora

    Forest serving as a shield against avalanches and landslides

    In the face of natural hazards and the potential risks they can cause, forests are an excellent means of protection: in winter they protect the valley floor from high-altitude avalanches, as can be seen on the opposite slopes. In contrast, and particularly on this slope below the cliffs, the forests can protect the village from falling rocks. This protection is not limited to just summertime. The forest you will be walking through is known as ‘mixed’: it is made up of both deciduous trees (beech, maple, hazel, etc.) and coniferous trees (spruce). These trees make the forest more hard-wearing and resilient to elements.
  • Nichoir
    Nichoir - @carolineGehant
    Fauna

    Birds of all colours

    All those feathered cuties around you thrive in an environment with a huge variety of trees and nutrition! Among the birds you're likely to hear are woodpeckers, whether green, great spotted or black, as well as coal tits, willow tits and others. As for these curious little birdies, the robin is undoubtedly cruising in the surrounding vicinity, as are the nuthatch and other small birds, all part of the passerine order. As for the eurasian jay, it belongs to the corvidae family and is characterised by its colourful plumage: its small, bright blue feathers with black stripes do not go unnoticed. What are its distinctive features? Its loud, throaty cry and also its prowess in sound mimicry!
  • Oratoire
    Oratoire - @carolineGehant
    Small patrimony

    Oratories and religious heritage

    In addition to its stunning scenery, the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval valley boasts an astonishing wealth of heritage buildings, including traditional farmhouses, cottages, fountains and wash-houses, plus numerous chapels, a 12th-century abbey and oratories, all of which reflect the area's rich religious heritage. Along the way, you'll come across two of the many existing oratories (around fifty of them!); the main purpose of these small religious buildings was, and still is, to offer the passers-by, peasants and locals a place to pause and pray in complement to the established churches and other places of worship.

Description

Depart from the Maison de la Réserve, in the center of the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval : Head towards the school, then follow the left bank of the Giffre to a bridge. Cross the Giffre, turn left and follow the main road for 350m. Cross the road in front of an oratory. The Chemin à Chico route starts in a beautiful forest. There is a a plethora of stunning viewpoints: overhead view over the village of Sixt-fer-à-cheval, the Pointe de Sales and a variety of ridges along the trail (Pointe de Ressachat, Tête de Grenier, Pointe Rousse) up to an altitude of 1023 metres where you can enjoy a lovely view of the Tenneverge and Le Grenier de la Commune. The trail then descends to the hamlet of Le Crot and then to Les Curtets. Follow the main road to the right for 100 metres, cross the Vivier bridge and then the village of the same name. After the cemetery, before a bridge over the Giffre, take a path on the left that leads you past the town hall. Continue straight on until you reach the Maison de la Réserve.
  • Departure : Maison de la réserve in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
  • Arrival : Maison de la réserve in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
  • Towns crossed : Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Altimetric profile

Sensitive areas

Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.
Impacted practices:
Aerial, , Land, Vertical
Contact:
Asters - Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Haute Savoie
contact@cen-haute-savoie.org

Recommandations

Be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Asters CEN-74 cannot be held responsible for any accident or inconvenience that may occur on this route.

Access and parking

Parking :

place de la Gare' parking area in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Report a problem or an error

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