The Belvédère de Tréchauffé stands at 1,288 metres and offers views of the Plateau de Gavot, Lake Geneva and the Jura range. It is classified as a geosite within the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. From the Alpage de Tréchauffé, you can also see Lake Geneva, as well as the Swiss Alps, Jotty and the Dranse gorges. Both viewpoints overlook the lake, but each also reveals different landscapes.

Hiking between peaks and valleys

The hike to Pointe de Tréchauffé leads through the forest to a summit with views of Lake Geneva, the peaks of the Vallée d’Aulps and the Swiss Jura. The route is moderately difficult, takes three hours and covers 3.8 kilometres round trip. The stated elevation gain and loss are each 375 metres. Check current trail conditions before setting out, as they can vary by season.

The hiking trails of the Vallée d’Aulps and the Vallée d’Abondance are also easy to reach from La Forclaz. This means you can consider the specifically described hike to the Pointe alongside other hiking destinations in the two valleys. The hike to the Pointe has clear figures for duration, distance and elevation gain; the valley trails offer a wider range of options.

When there is snow, you can reach the Belvédère de Tréchauffé in winter on snowshoes, starting from the car park at Col du Grand Taillet. The route is three kilometres long and has 200 metres of elevation gain. This winter option differs from the hike to the Pointe: it leads to the belvedere and is specifically dependent on snowy conditions. Check conditions before you set off.

Cycling route and seasonal planning

The Montée de Tréchauffé cycling route passes over Col du Grand Taillet and follows steep hairpin bends to a viewpoint. Its average gradient is 6.5 per cent. This average describes the overall profile; the steep hairpin bends are also part of the route. Seasonal access conditions may vary, so it is worth checking them before your trip.

There is a fixed seasonal closure on the panoramic road from La Forclaz to the Alpage de Tréchauffé: for safety reasons, it is closed from 15 November to 31 March. Keep this closure period in mind when planning a drive or a visit along the road.

Regional cuisine and village history

At the Chèvrerie du Tréchauffé, you can meet goats and discover goat’s cheese and Savoyard specialities. The Le Bois du Cornet inn is centrally located in the village and serves regional cuisine. These are different places to explore local food: the chèvrerie focuses on animals and specialities, while the inn serves regional cuisine in the village centre. Check the chèvrerie’s current visitor arrangements before visiting, and the inn’s service details before dining there.

The village church adds an architectural highlight to the picture of La Forclaz. It dates from the 19th century and has a bulbous spire typical of Savoyard architecture. Together with the landscape destinations and regional cuisine, the village offers various starting points for planning a trip, without every outing needing to have the same focus.

Discover more destinations: Lugrin, La Chapelle-Rambaud, Bonnevaux, Bonne, Montriond, Montagny-Les-Lanches, Saint-Jean-De-Sixt, Margencel.

Return to the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.