Hiking Cirque Du Fer A Cheval - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Cirque Du Fer A Cheval: trails, map and practical info

Haute-Savoie • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

4.8 Appreciated by 12 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 25/05/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3
Elevation
700 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
1,289 ft
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

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Trail description

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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
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
46.0785014, 6.842447600000001
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
4 Reviews
R4
Review 4
Aug 5, 2024
Beautiful place for a hike, understandable that you have to pay to drive in with this well-preserved piece of nature. The moderate 3.2km trail with 700m elevation gain takes you through one of the most spectacular cirques in the French Alps. The entrance fee helps maintain the trails and facilities, including the visitor centre. The horseshoe-shaped cliff formation with its numerous waterfalls makes every step of the 1h30 journey worthwhile.
R2
Review 2
Jul 20, 2024
The hike to Le Bout-du-Monde was quite challenging for me but well worth the effort. The 700m elevation gain over 3.2km makes this a proper moderate workout taking about 1h30. The place offers many beautiful waterfalls throughout the cirque, though not as grand as the famous Cascade de Rouget which is also in Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval. The dramatic horseshoe-shaped cliff formation creates an amphitheater of cascading water that's truly impressive.
R1
Review 1
Jun 15, 2024
One of the exceptional places to visit in summer. The 3.2km trail with 700m elevation gain offers spectacular views of the cirque's dramatic cliffs. Spacious parking is available for €5-6 (free in winter). There's a visitor centre where you can relax and toilets are available. Some cliff-side sections are only for experienced hikers, and you'll navigate slippery rocks, so plan your route carefully. The moderate 1h30 hike rewards you with fantastic views of mountains, waterfalls, wild flower meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Bring extra water for this challenging ascent.
R3
Review 3
Jan 10, 2024
Such a great way to enjoy your weekend by snowshoeing up to the waterfalls! The winter transformation of this cirque is magical, with frozen cascades and snow-covered cliffs. The 3.2km route becomes even more challenging with snow, but the 700m ascent rewards you with pristine winter landscapes. Parking is free during winter months, making it an excellent value for a day trip in the Haute-Savoie mountains.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
700.00
1289.00
2h30
No
No
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 : June 2026