Le Biot combines local history with mountain hiking destinations. The Chapelle de Gys and the Halle du Biot tell different aspects of the area’s story; trails to viewpoints and Alpine pastures start at Col du Corbier. To plan your stay, you can distinguish between these highlights: historical sites in the village, hikes with different trail characteristics, and destinations where seasonal or weather-dependent conditions matter.
Chapel and market hall: two sides of local history
The Chapelle de Gys was founded in 1653 and rebuilt in 1864. It was extensively renovated from 2009 to 2012 and given new works of art. These include a mosaic by Claude MARIN and modern stained-glass windows by Joëlle VULLIEZ-MATRINGE. The dates mark different phases: foundation, rebuilding and later renovation. This makes it possible to place the chapel’s history in context without conflating these events into a single building phase.
The Halle du Biot still stands in the village centre today. It recalls the former importance of fairs and markets to the valley. Together with the chapel, it points to two different themes in local history: the development of a religious building and the role of markets. If you would like to explore Le Biot itself as well as go hiking, these offer two specific starting points.
Mountain trails and viewpoints
Col du Corbier lies within the commune of Le Biot at an altitude of 1,230 metres, between the Vallée d'Aulps and the Vallée d'Abondance. The Tour du Mont Ouzon hike starts at the car park there. It offers panoramic views of the Vallée d'Aulps and Lac Léman. This identifies both the starting point and two of the viewpoints that make this hike distinctive.
The Pointe du Mont circular hike has different trail characteristics: it takes some effort and includes steep sections in several places. During the final ascent, you can see Mont Blanc if visibility is clear. When comparing the two hikes, you can therefore weigh up whether you are more drawn to the panoramic views on the Tour du Mont Ouzon or to the steep sections and possible views of Mont Blanc on the Pointe du Mont.
Alpine pastures and practical information
From Col du Corbier, you can reach the Alpage d'Ouzon on foot via an easy trail in about an hour. The Ferme d'Ouzon on the Alpine pasture raises dairy cattle of the Abondance breed. The animals are up on the mountain pasture from June to October; dates can vary from year to year.
The Alpage d'Etelly can be reached from Le Biot via the Chemin de Thex; take trail conditions into account when planning. From there, views extend to Lac Léman, Mont Blanc, the Vallée d'Aulps and the Vallée d'Abondance. Both the Alpage d'Etelly and the Tour du Mont Ouzon offer views of the Vallée d'Aulps and Lac Léman; from the Alpage d'Etelly, the view also takes in Mont Blanc and the Vallée d'Abondance.
The hike to the Alpage de l'Haut-Thex also offers views across the Vallée d'Aulps and of Mont Blanc. Access is subject to seasonal and weather conditions. There is a free car park for this hike in front of Le Biot town hall; the Navette Balad'Aulps Bus stops in front of the village hall. Check transport arrangements before your trip. This helps you plan how to get there, while access conditions and views of Mont Blanc remain distinct aspects of the hike.
Discover more destinations: Essert-Romand, Cusy, Messery, Meillerie, Les Carroz-D'arâches, Reignier-Esery, Cordon, Morillon.
Back to the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
