From Alpage de l’Aup, the view stretches to Mont Blanc, the Aravis range, the Dents du Midi and the peaks of the Vallée d’Aulps. The alpine pasture is in La Côte-D'arbroz, on a south-facing slope at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,300 metres and near the Col de l’Encrenaz. Forests, alpine pastures and distinctive mountain ridges shape the surroundings; the place name means “wooded slope”.

Alpine Pastures and Mountain Scenery

From May to September, Abondance dairy cows graze at Alpage de l’Aup. Herds can also be seen at the higher elevations of the Col de l’Encrenaz in summer. Cattle farming remains part of local life; historically, the use and management of the forest were also important activities in the village.

To reach the alpine pasture on foot, take the path from the Col de l’Encrenaz, which takes about 15 minutes. Another route is a hike from the village of Graydon on the “Le tour du Roc d’Enfer” loop. Seasonal conditions can affect access; check them before setting out.

Hiking Trails and Routes

After the Col de la Basse, the “Tour du Char des Quais” passes through an alpine pasture to the summit of the Char des Quais. This moderately difficult hike is 5.7 kilometres long, with 308 metres of ascent and 308 metres of descent, and takes two hours. The route details provide a specific timeframe for planning your day; check local conditions before setting out.

The trail to the Col Ratti also passes through an alpine pasture where Abondance cattle graze. With a little luck, you may spot chamois on the lower slopes of the Roc d’Enfer. The Circuit de l’Encrenaz takes a different route, crossing the Col de l’Encrenaz and passing through Foron on quiet mountain roads.

Alpine Pasture Experiences and Guided Activities

At Alpage de l’Aup, visitors can watch the cows being milked free of charge each evening at around 5 p.m. during the season. At Ferme du Caly, milking can be observed from early June to mid-September between 5 and 6 p.m. Check the current times for these seasonal experiences before your trip.

Relief Montagne offers guided mountain experiences from Chalet La Tapiaz. These include trips with meals at an alpine hut, as well as half-day and full-day hikes. Other options include wildlife and flora outings, activities focused on edible plants, and cooking workshops. Activities depend on weather conditions. For planning your day, these longer formats are quite different from the time-limited milking visits.

Nature Conservation and Local History

At the Col de l’Encrenaz, on the Char des Quais, there is a winter wildlife protection zone within the Roc d’Enfer Natura 2000 site. A prefectural biotope protection order also applies to the Col Ratti, Char des Quais and Vallon de Foron areas: motorised traffic is prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash. Take these rules into account when planning your visit, and check the current regulations beforehand.

Two dates mark distinct stages in the area’s history. On 23 April 1722, a bishop’s decree allowed La Côte-D'arbroz to build a church separate from Les Gets. Previously, the area was a hamlet of Les Gets; in 1784, it became independent. The ecclesiastical development and subsequent independence can therefore be understood as separate milestones.

Discover more destinations: Saxel, Cernex, Lathuile, Fillinges, La Clusaz, Morzine, Thollon, Bonneville

For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.