Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval is a small village - or perhaps a group of hamlets would be a better description - in quite a remote location in the Alps to the east of the Haute-Savoie department, reached from Cluses and to the south of popular ski resorts such as Morzine and Avoriaz.
The village was simply called Sixt until 25 years ago when 'Fer-à-Cheval' was added.
Explore Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Classified among the 'most beautiful villages in France' it is the setting and the close proximity of Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval to several exceptional scenic highlights that makes a visit here highly recommended, but you will also enjoy exploring the village.
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is centred around Sixt Abbey, a small abbey and church dating from the 12th - 15th centuries and in a pleasant waterside setting.You will also see various small chapels and fountains as you explore the small neighbouring hamlets such as L'Echarny and Le Molliet towards the north-east, Le Mont to the west, and Le Fay, Passy and Salvagny to the south.
As you explore the hamlets, the mountains are always in close proximity and a visit should include plenty of time to visit some of the exceptional natural highlights close to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The region falls within the protected natural area called the Natural Reserve of Sixt-Passy (the largest natural reserve in the Haute-Savoie department) and contains an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, as well as scenic spectacles.
The Cirque du Fer à Cheval: a remarkable site with 500 - 700 metres tall cliffs stretching as a great wall in front of you with waterfalls cascading across the rock, and even higher mountain peaks reaching an altitude of 3000 metres behind the cirque.
The Cascade du Rouget is the largest of the cascades although there are other very scenic waterfalls such as the Cascade de la Pleureuse and the Cascade de la Sauffaz (further along the trail that leads to the Cascade du Rouget).
The Gorges des Tines: don't overlook the walk along the Gorges des Tines, which is exceptionally pretty and was very quiet when we visited (although I understand that it becomes impractical after heavy rain...)
Keen and well prepared hikers will also find trails that lead to some of the higher peaks in the area from Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval. Some of these hikes are very challenging so ask for advice at the Park Information centre before setting off in your trainers!
Attractions and activities
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval forms part of the well established 'Grand Massif' ski area for winter visitors, one of the largest ski areas in the Alps and offering a wide range of challenges, both on-piste and off-piste. Popular ski resorts in the region include Avoriaz, Morzine and Chamonix.
You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Savoie guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
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Map of Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval and places nearby
Visit near Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval with France This Way reviews
Morzine
Morzine is a popular ski resort within the Portes du Soleil ski region in the northern Alps
Morzine guide
Avoriaz
The use of local materials for building and the stunning location make Avoriaz one of the most popular Alpine ski resorts
Avoriaz guide
Chamonix
One of the most famous Alpine ski resorts, Chamonix is very close to Mont Blanc
Chamonix guide
Sallanches
While Mont-Blanc and the mountain scenery is the main attraction, Sallanches itself is pleasant to explore
Sallanches guide
Saint Gervais Les Bains
It is the views of, and access to, Mont-Blanc which is the principal attraction of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Saint Gervais Les Bains guide
Megeve
Megeve is among the most prestigious of the French ski resorts and also an active town
Megeve guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Savoie
Tourist classifications for Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval
Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Samoens, Bonneville, Rhone-Alpes, 74740, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.055833, longitude 6.776389
Plan your visit to Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval, Haute-Savoie
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Cascade du Rouget: site of natural beauty
- Jardin botanique alpin La Jaÿsinia: remarkable garden (5 km)
- Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval: site of natural beauty (6 km)
- Cirque de Sixt Fer a Cheval: grand site of france (6 km)
- Lac d'Anterne: site of natural beauty (7 km)
- Lac Cornu: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Le Brévent: site of natural beauty (14 km)
- Col de Romme: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Sallanches: recommended detour (17 km)
- Montenvers: site of natural beauty (18 km)
- Roc d'Enfer: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Glacier des Bossons: site of natural beauty (21 km)
The French version of this page is at Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval (Francais)