The mountains are yours for the taking! Megève is packed with marked trails to explore insummer with a good pair of sneakers. These hiking trails are the perfect way to appreciate the flora and fauna of the Mont Blanc region. You can improvise one of these 3 walks without any difficulty. They require no special equipment and can be completed in a very short time. In summer, it’s a good idea to bring along a hat or sunscreen, as well as a pair of sunglasses. Even though you should always have a sweater handy in the mountains, the sun heats up your skin and doesn’t do you any favors! Now it’s up to you to choose between these 3 routes for beginners :
An easy excursion: Megève to Chalet de la Vieille
This walk from Megève is quick and easy, lasting around 1 h 30. It’s the perfect opportunity to take an impromptu breath of fresh air in the mountain pastures. This circuit benefits from excellent exposure, so remember to protect yourself from UV rays.
The departure point is at the Jaillet cable car terminus. You can leave your car at the station.
Start your walk in the direction of P’tite Ravine, then continue towards Chalet de la Vieille. The view is unbeatable on this walk: Megève, Mont-Blanc, the Aravis and the Fiz are all to your right and ahead. There’s nothing like it for dreaming and breathing deeply.
Go back down to the right on the chemin de Beauregard until you reach the route de la Fouettaz, still on the right, then follow the signs for the lieu-dit d’Odier via the chemin de Berthe. Continue along the Vauvray asphalt road for about 70 m and turn right again in the hamlet, to take the chemin d’Allard further on the left. Continue until you reach the Jaillet road, which will take you back to your car.
An easy summer hike in Megève: L’oratoire du Christomet via Mont Platard and Les Frasses
This is a lovely, accessible hike, lasting between 3 h 30 and 4 h if you have lunch along the way. It’s perfect for beginners, with a vertical drop of around 200 metres and marked trails.
The starting point for this tour is the Megève Ball-Trap Club, where you can park your car.
Then follow the signs for Le Christomet on the Route du Jaillet until you reach Le Mont Platard. This takes about 30 minutes. Cross the hamlet and immediately turn right onto the Chemin du Pré Sérac. The first part of the path is a little steeper, but soon becomes gentler. Continue towards the Christomet summit. The top station of the chairlift is the highest point of this hike.
The Christomet oratory is located at an altitude of 1853 meters. Take time out for a picnic and admire the panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Aravis chain and the Fiz mountains.
Continue north towards Éperon-la Giettaz, where you’ll have a good view of Croisse-Baulet. Perhaps retrace your steps a little, at the crossroads with a track on the right below, towards Megève via Les Frasses. Continue on this track to the chalet of the same name. You’re on the black grouse trail in reverse.
Arriving at Chalet Les Frasses, you have 2 options:
- It will take you about 20 minutes to reach the Chalet du Christomet by road;
- head for Jaillet Supérieur to catch a gondola to Megève.
If your car is parked at the Megeve BTC, the first option is ideal.
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A family-friendly walk: La Petite Ravine and Fouettaz in Combloux
This easy walk through forests and alpine meadows is ideal for children. The difference in altitude is only 135 metres and the walk takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, all with a view of Mont Blanc. The starting point is the Cuchet parking lot. Once again, bring your headgear, dark glasses and sun cream, as the summer months flood these pastures with intense light.
Leave the Cry-Cuchet road behind you, pass Emilie’s chalet and a little further on by Petit Cuchet. Climb towards the undergrowth towards the Beauregard alp, first taking the chemin de Nivolet. Then simply take the Chemin de la Ravine to a junction with the Chemin de Berthe on your left. This path leads down to the Fouettaz chalets. The crossing is first through undergrowth, then mostly through meadows.
When you arrive in the hamlet, turn left towards Chalet de la Vieille, along the route de Maison Neuve, then left along the chemin de Beauregard.
Finally, finish your walk by traversing the Alpage de la Vieille and the first undergrowth, all the way back to the trailhead.
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Taking the time to explore the pastures on foot, which you ski down in winter, is also what summer vacations in the mountains are all about. The landscape changes, and if you’re familiar with the resort under the snow, you’re unlikely to recognize your favorite ski slopes covered in lush green grass. Discover the Alps from a different angle and with a different palette of colors. You’ll have no trouble following these tours with your family and children. Mountain hiking is accessible to all. Forget the stroller, prefer a baby carrier and watch out for sunburn😉
