Morcles is a mountain village that was formerly an independent municipality and is now part of Lavey-Morcles. The mountain activities vary considerably in type: alongside an approach to Petite Dent de Morcles, there is a forest circuit and an ascent route to the summit of Dent de Morcles. Climbing at Petite Dent, the winter lift at Les Martinaux and the galleries of Fort de Dailly offer further highlights.
Hiking: routes and time estimates
The approach to Petite Dent de Morcles leads from Morcles via Le Martenau (1,670 m), where parking is compulsory. From there, continue on foot along the road, which is closed to traffic, to Rionda (2,156 m); this section takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. As mountain conditions can change, check access before setting out.
The “Mystérieuses forêts de Lavey-Morcles” route is a nearly 8-kilometre circular trail of moderate difficulty and takes just under three hours. It is recommended for the warmer months and passes through forests of downy oaks (Quercus pubescens), large-leaved lindens (Tilia platyphyllos) and cornelian cherries (Cornus mas). Near Morcles, another ascent route leads from the motorway exit at Saint-Maurice along the road towards Morcles to the Martinaux car park; the hiking trail to the summit of Dent de Morcles takes about four hours. The 2,969 m-high summit lies on the border between Valais and the canton of Vaud and overlooks the Rhône plain. For planning purposes, this means choosing between a forest loop taking just under three hours and a summit hike of about four hours.
The mountain hiking trail from Lavey-les-Bains passes through Morcles and then crosses alpine meadows to the chalets at Les Martinaux. Conditions on this trail can vary seasonally.
Rock landscape and climbing
The southwest face of Petite Dent de Morcles, at 2,936 m, offers a varied climbing route on limestone. Technical climbing conditions can change. Geology also shapes the landscape: the Morcles nappe has a visible, completely overturned rock sequence that extends from Pont de Nant to the Dents de Morcles.
The Cabane de la Tourche is in the Chablais above the village of Morcles, at the boundary between the cantons of Vaud and Valais.
Fort de Dailly and winter at Les Martinaux
The Dailly fortifications lie at the foot of Dent de Morcles. Visitors can access 2 kilometres of galleries on the site. During guided tours, you can learn about soldiers’ lives during the Cold War. Check booking requirements before your visit.
At Les Martinaux, a ski lift built by the ski club makes it possible to ski in a family-friendly atmosphere in winter. Whether the lift is operating depends on conditions and local management. This winter activity is quite different from the hiking and climbing destinations, each of which requires its own decisions about route and time.
Accommodation and places to eat
The Auberge de Morcles has rooms for hikers and visitors passing through; check availability before travelling. The building was formerly a village school. The inn keeps supply chains short and favours local and seasonal products. The food offering may change.
Discover more destinations: Gryon, Bex, Yvorne, Ormont-Dessus, Ormont-Dessous, Villeneuve Vd, Chessel, Villars-Sur-Ollon.
For the overview of the wider area: Aigle.
