Sixt Fer à Cheval is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France thanks to its architectural heritage and above all its listed natural sites, including the famous Fer à Cheval (Horseshoe Circus), a fabulous rocky cirque.

In winter, Sixt's ski area is linked to the Grand Massif by the superb Piste des Cascades, a 14km long blue run, and in summer, hikers can explore the largest Nature Reserve in Haute-Savoie.

The most visited and best-known site is the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, the largest alpine mountain cirque. Closing the eastern part of the Giffre valley, it is an immense limestone amphitheatre 4 to 5 km long, whose steep cliffs can reach 500 to 700 m high.

Dominated by the Corne du Chamois. It rests on the jagged slopes of the Tenneverge (2985 m). In June, there are more than thirty waterfalls gushing down the walls.

You can discover it by walking along a path or by venturing to the Bout du Monde, at the bottom of the Combe, dominated by the Ruan and Prazon glaciers. This family walk lasts no more than 3.5 hours (outward and return) and is an unforgettable experience. The more athletic will discover it by the Pas du Boret path, and will thus be able to have an overall view of the site, overhanging it. Not to be missed!

Beyond this spectacular cirque runs the Swiss border and, even if it is not visible, the other side overlooks the Emosson lake in the Valais.

Warning: this is an easily accessible and therefore very busy place, so avoid going there at weekends, it is very crowded!

(text adapted from the official website)

Useful links

French Region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (iSwitzerland Guide) - Wikipedia