A short winter loop, a challenging mountain hike and two chapels with specific ties to the village give Saint-Jean-De-Sixt its distinctive character. For trip planning, the contrast between the 2.4-kilometre Petite boucle du CrĂŞt and the much longer Trail No. 16 is particularly revealing. There are also mountain biking routes, summer landscapes and connections to neighbouring villages.
Cultural Sites with Local Connections
The Église Saint Jean Baptiste was built in 1868, replacing the former Église du Crêt. The Chapelle du Villaret was built at the site where Saint Pierre Favre was born on 13 April 1506, on his parents’ farm. The farm was in the hamlet of Villaret in Saint-Jean-De-Sixt. The chapel was restored in 1982. It is listed as open daily from 1 May to 31 October; check whether it is currently accessible before your visit. During a stay, you can thus explore the history of the parish church and the chapel’s precise connection to the area as distinct aspects of the local cultural heritage.
A Short Winter Loop or a Challenging Hike
The Petite boucle du CrĂŞt No. 28 is a winter route suitable for beginners. It is 2.4 kilometres long, with 80 metres of elevation gain and 80 metres of descent. This sunny, family-friendly walking trail above the village offers views of Saint-Jean-De-Sixt and the Tournette massif. The trail is groomed and does not require snowshoes.
The challenging Trail No. 16 Suet/La Mare/Traversiers in Saint-Jean-De-Sixt is considerably longer: it is 14.7 kilometres long, with 1,100 metres of elevation gain and 1,100 metres of descent. This comparison shows a difference not only in distance but also in the amount of elevation covered. Published route details may be updated; check them before setting out. These are two clearly distinct options for planning, from a short winter loop to a challenging, considerably longer route.
Mountain Biking and the Route des Grandes Alpes
The cross-country mountain biking trails in Saint-Jean-De-Sixt pass through forests and alpine meadows. Le Bois de l’Envers is a challenging, 7-kilometre loop that starts at the tourist office. It has 220 metres of elevation gain and 220 metres of descent. The Le Tour du Danay cross-country loop also starts in Saint-Jean-De-Sixt and runs between Saint-Jean-De-Sixt, Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz. Its route description therefore covers a different area from the Le Bois de l’Envers loop.
The village also has a connection to road cycling: Saint-Jean-De-Sixt lies in the heart of the Route des Grandes Alpes, between the Col de la Colombière and the Col des Aravis. It is a possible starting point for two stages of this route. Stage details may change; check them when planning your current trip. This allows you to consider the mountain biking loops and the long-distance cycling route as separate options, rather than combining them into a single tour.
Summer Landscapes and Connections Between Villages
In summer, Saint-Jean-De-Sixt offers hilly landscapes with forests, ridges and open views across the valley. The landscape is a point of interest in its own right, alongside the marked routes and cultural sites. Shuttles connect Saint-Jean-De-Sixt, Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, making it possible to travel between the villages throughout the day. The shuttle service is seasonal; check the current summer operating period before your trip. This is particularly relevant when planning journeys between the three villages.
Discover more destinations: Nâves-Parmelan, Taninges, Dingy-Saint-Clair, Onnion, Châtillon-sur-Cluses, Menthonnex-en-Bornes, Yvoire, Neydens.
See the wider travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
