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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.

François Dumaine
François DumaineUpdated Oct 9, 2026
Choose my trail Plan my outing
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 photos

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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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Recommended gear for this trail

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LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
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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?

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Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
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

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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).
No, Cirque Du Fer A Cheval has no visitor centre on site.
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 : October 2026