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Hiking Cirque Du Fer A Cheval - panoramic view
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Hiking in Cirque Du Fer A Cheval: trails, map and practical info

Haute-Savoie • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

A moderate 3.2 km hike in Haute-Savoie featuring a UNESCO-listed cirque with dramatic cliffs and beech forests. 700 m elevation gain over 2h30 rewards hikers with three perched villages and spectacular gorge views near Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Updated Oct 26, 2026
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3.2
Distance
2h30
Duration
272 m
Elevation
Difficulty
Moderate
Max altitude
1,001 m
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Cirque Du Fer A Cheval? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photo

Photos: Florian Pépellin — CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Trail description

The Cirque du Fer à Cheval is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, in the department of Isère. It consists of three villages perched on rocks: Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, La Côte-Saint-André and Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. These villages are accessible only on foot or by mountain bike.

The Fer à Cheval cirque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2011. It consists of spectacular landscapes, with steep cliffs, deep gorges and forests of beech and fir trees. The villages of the Fer à Cheval cirque are also very picturesque, with their stone houses and slate roofs.

The Fer à Cheval cirque is an ideal place for hiking and mountain biking. There are many walks and circuits, which allow you to discover the spectacular landscapes of the cirque.

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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, France
GPS coordinates
46.0785014, 6.842447600000001
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Cirque Du Fer A Cheval trailhead is located in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. To get there, you must take the direction of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne from Chambéry or Grenoble and follow the signs to the circus.

When?

Opening hours
Open 24 hours every day
Weather (next days)
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What to bring?
General hiking tips, to adapt to your outing.
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
Tip: bring water
Plan for at least 2 L per person on an outing of 2 hours or more.
Good to know
In an emergency
Emergency
112
GPS coordinates
46.0785014, 6.842447600000001

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Cirque Du Fer A Cheval is rated moderate.
The elevation gain of Cirque Du Fer A Cheval is 272 m.
The summit of Cirque Du Fer A Cheval is at 1,001 m.
Allow about 2h30 for Cirque Du Fer A Cheval (3.2 km).
The Cirque Du Fer A Cheval trail is rated as moderate difficulty. With 700 m of elevation gain over 3.2 km, it requires a reasonable level of fitness and hiking experience.
The Cirque Du Fer A Cheval hike covers 3.2 km and typically takes 1h30 to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and stops along the way.
The Cirque Du Fer A Cheval trail features 700 m of elevation gain over its 3.2 km distance. This significant elevation change contributes to its moderate difficulty rating.
The Cirque Du Fer A Cheval has a moderate difficulty rating with 700 m of elevation gain, making it more suitable for hikers with some experience. Beginners should ensure they have adequate fitness levels before attempting this trail.
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Update : November 2026