3-day hike in the Balcons du Léman

– 6.7 km
– Altitude change +880m / -80m
– Max. altitude 2113 m
Lunch: picnic.
Accommodation: half board at the Dent d’Ôche refuge (guarded in July-August and during the weekends in June and September).

Departure from the parking de la Planche (1210 m), above Novel (Saint Gingolph commune). Bring a picnic for lunch.
Rather short distances, and a “reasonable” altitude change for this short stage that enables us to arrive to the site during the morning. Gradually, as we ascend on the pastures, the environment becomes more spectacular. There are gigantic limestone cliffs plunging into Lake Léman. We move easily until the foot of the Dent d’Ôche refuge. Here, a nice couloir equipped with chains awaits. This ascent is not difficult, but it sometimes requires using our hands. You will discover the site where the refuge is located, it’s amazing! It’s a proper “eagle’s nest” perched above Lake Léman. The 360° panorama is unique, both over nearby Chablais and over the more distant massifs (Jura, Oisans, Valais, Bernese Alps and Mont Blanc).

– 12 km
– Altitude change +650m /-1250m
– Max. altitude 2221 m
Lunch: picnic
Accommodation: half board in the refuge at the Tanay Lake (Overnight, half board 75 CHF).

The day starts in a magic way. For the brave, if weather permits, we will catch the sunrise at the summit of Dent d’Ôche. It’s an incredible spectacle! Even though the altitude change is moderate, the day is demanding because of its wild and committed characteristics. There is no climbing, rather small paths in balcony, some technical passages where you have to be surefooted and not suffer from vertigo.
After a short climb to the Dent d’Ôche summit, a secret and spectacular path awaits between the limestone towers and hanging crests…
We descend on the Swiss side until the wonderful little Tanay hamlet, nestled at the edge of the lake. Aesthetics, secret paths, imposing cliffs, abundant wildlife. Everything will be pleasurable if you are surefooted.

– 10.5 km
– Altitude change +952m /-1160m
– Max altitude 2172 m
Lunch: picnic

We will reach the Grammont summit first thing in the morning!
Just over 700 m of positive altitude change are required to walk on the lawn of the summit, but what a reward…
You will discover the sublime views over Lake Léman, Lausanne, Montreux, Saint Gingolph at our feet!
But the day is not over yet! Yes, we have done the hard part, but the descent to the lake and valley of Lovenex can be embellished by a detour through the twin towers…
All of these ridge lines between Léman and Chablais offer innumerable unsuspected passages… We will have a picnic in the area before getting to our cars in the parking de la Planche (1210 m).