If Chamonix valley is well known for its omnipresent Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges massif constitutes its northern border and it remains secret. Composed of sandstone, gneiss and granite, the Aiguilles Rouges massif take its name from the red rocks. This barrier of sharp peaks is surrounded by two exceptional geological formations: to the east... the majestic granite summits of Mont Blanc and to the west... the sedimentary terrains dominated by the calcareous marl black rocks of Buet and the steep limestone cliffs (almost 1000m high) of the Fiz above Lake Anterne.
During the trek, you'll certainly see ibex, marmots and with a bit of luck you'll spot bearded vultures that nest here. Other hidden treasures include; limestone lapies at Lake Anterne, caves full of history and the biggest area of dinosaur footprints in Europe!
Daily departure from 25 June to 3 September 2023
Without baggage transport
495€ per person in classic accommodation (dormitory)
With baggage transport (except Day 1 and Day 5)
675€ per group of 2/3 person, in classic accommodation (dormitory)
585€ per group of 4/5 person, in classic accommodation (dormitory)
555€ per group of 6 person, in classic accommodation (dormitory)
Comfort option : 2 nights (D2 and D3) in a basic twin bedroom (if available): +30€/ pers.
Information and booking via email or phone.
Secure payment
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Meet Sunday at 9:00am in front of Le Buet train station, free car park and transfer to the start of the hike in Les Houches.
AIGUILLETTE DES HOUCHES - MONT-BLANC PANORAMA
The hike starts quietly through a beautiful larch forest. Climb the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m) with Mont-Blanc massif as background. You are entering the Natural Reserves of Haute-Savoie for several days. Wild nature guaranteed! Cross the wild Carlaveyron plateau to Bel Lachat refuge. Night at the refuge, without your luggage.
4 hour walk / Elevation: +900m -150m
BREVENT - VALLEY OF LA DIOSAZ
Follow the ridge to the Brévent. Stunning views on the Mont-Blanc massif and the high peaks. Descend to Arlevé bridge in the valley of La Diosaz and way up to the pastures of Moëde, overlooked by the high limestone cliff of Fiz. Night in Moëde-Anterne refuge. In option : evening walk to Lake Pormenaz (45 min return).
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +800 -780m
ANTERNE PASS AND LAKE
Climb to Anterne pass (2257m) to get into the Nature Reserve of Sixt-Passy, territory of marmots, eagles and vultures. Walk through to "Petit Col Anterne" to enjoy a view over the lake and the high cliff of the Fiz before arriving above Cirque des Fonts. Descend to Chalets d'Anterne and climb to the lake on the limestone pavement. Way back to Moëde Anterne refuge via the other side of the lake and the pass.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +750m -750m
SALENTON PASS AND "PIERRE A BERARD" VALLEY
Hike through the back side of the Aiguilles Rouges mountains by Salenton pass, close to Mont Buet. Descend into "Pierre à Bérard" valley, then to the village of Le Buet passing by Bérard waterfall and Farinet cave, hiding a renowned local Robin Hood! Night in hotel near Le Buet. (For those without the option luggage transport, night in a refuge at Pierre à Bérard or at the Loriaz)
6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +650m -1200m
TERRASSE PASS - DINOSAUR TRACKS - VIEUX EMOSSON HUT
Nice climb in a beautiful larch forest up to Chalet de Loriaz (2020m). Ascension of Terrasse pass (2648m), steep on the last part and descend to the main dinosaur tracks area with visible fossils in Europe. Night in Vieux Emosson refuge, without your luggage.
6 hour walk / Elevation: +1300m -500m
EMOSSON DAM - LA LORIAZ - LE BUET
From "Gorge du Vieux", crossing Veudale gorge to reach the old Emosson dam. Balcony trail of Barberine and the pastures of La Loriaz. Descent facing the Mont Blanc massif to the village of Le Buet, end of the trek.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +200m -1050m
Elevation: +/- 750m approximately per day.
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours approximately per day.
Type of trek: mountain route on rocky path with some aerial passages, punctual and secured by cables.
Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing:
- 2 IGN TOP 25 maps with the route highlighted.
- 1 road book containing all the information necessary for the trek.
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.
This tour is well-marked, some sections are not marked but are easy to follow, especially around Lake Anterne.
In France and Switzerland: marks with red and white stripes on Grande Randonnée trails.
It is important to know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000.
Two options:
without baggage transport: you carry your baggage.
with baggage transport: your baggage is transported daily by our logistics vehicle (except Day 1 and 5)
For the night without your baggage at the accommodation (you will get it back the night after), here are the things to add to your backpack (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes (bare necessities!)
CLASSIC : 5 nights in dormitory, in refuge, gite or hotel.
COMFORT (option) : nights 2&3 in a basic bedroom for 2 people in refuge, night 4 in a bedroom in hotel
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accomodation the day before, in the evening.
You can also buy supplies in small local shops on day 1 at Les Houches and on day 5 at Vallorcine.
During the stage in Switzerland, we recommand to have a minimum of Swiss Francs to pay your drinks.
IGN Top 25 - 3630 OT - Chamonix and Top 25 - 3530 ET - Samoëns (1/25000)
Meet Sunday at 9am at Le Buet train station.
BY TRAIN
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) the day before at 12:45pm arrive in Chamonix at 7:50pm.
Take the train from Chamonix through the valley to Le Buet.
www.chamonix.com/travel-information,13,en.html
Return: Depart Chamonix at 3:45pm arrive in (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 9:52pm.
Timetable must be verified in a train station or on the website www.oui.sncf
BY CAR
Take the A40 to Chamonix, follow the direction of Argentière, col des Montets and Vallorcine. Le Buet is the first village before arriving in Vallorcine. Large free parking on the right handside of the road and the train station is at the entrance to the village.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact: Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71.
End point in the afternoon at Le Buet train station.
Hôtel de l’Arve : +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
Hôtel Vallée Blanche : +33 (0)4 50 53 04 50
Hôtel l’Oustalet : +33 (0)4 50 55 54 99
Chamonix Tourist Office : +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24
www.chamonix.com
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
Your baggage will be transported daily (except Days 1 and 5) between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 10kg. Your bag has to be carried everyday by the driver, where access is not always easy, please think of their backs! Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!
If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.