Le Bout du Monde(Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
8KM
0.1kM
1d
Translated literally as 'The End of the World', this spectacular 8km loop is located in the immense limestone amphitheater of the Cirque du Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Surrounded by towering 2,000-meter cliffs, this is a predominantly flat, welcoming walk that traces the Giffre river to its source. It is perfect for those seeking high-alpine drama without the grueling climbs usually required to find it. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.
Mission Directive / X-Factor
“The 30 Waterfalls. The 'X-Factor' is the sheer volume of falling water. During the peak spring snowmelt (May-June), dozens of distinct waterfalls pour over the cliffs surrounding the valley. Later in the summer, this number decreases significantly as the high snow patches vanish.”
Hazard Assessment
The trail pushes deep into the base of 2,000m cliffs. In spring, massive chunks of ice and loosened rock frequently crash down into the valley.
MITIGATION: Do not cross the warning tape or barriers set up by the park rangers. If a section is closed due to avalanche risk, do not attempt to bypass it.
The Giffre river and its tributaries can swell rapidly on hot afternoons when the glacial melt above accelerates.
MITIGATION: Stay on the marked path and use the official footbridges. Do not attempt to ford the freezing, fast-moving torrents on foot.
Critical Loadout
Water Logistics
HIKING
PATHWAY
Alps (Haute-Savoie) // hiking
The Horseshoe (Cirque)
Departing from the main parking area directly into the center of the massive, flat, grassy amphitheater surrounded by a ring of waterfalls.
The Giffre Gorge
The path follows the milky-white glacial river, crossing small wooden bridges through light woodland toward the Buvette du Prazon.
Le Bout du Monde
Arriving at the dead-end of the valley where soaring rock faces meet the river. Enjoy the views before a relaxed return walk.
| Step | Sector / Waypoint | Dist. | Gain (↑m) | Duration | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Horseshoe (Cirque) Departing from the main parking area dir... | 1 hour | --- | 1 hour | Standard Segment |
| 2 | The Giffre Gorge The path follows the milky-white glacial... | 45 min | --- | 45 min | Standard Segment |
| 3 | Le Bout du Monde Arriving at the dead-end of the valley w... | 1 hour 15 min | --- | 1 hour 15 min | Standard Segment |
Technical Specifications
DOC_REF: GOLDEN_HIKING_FRANCE_020Refuge Capacity
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a classic alpine village with several gîtes, hotels, and a riverside campsite.
Regulatory
- Permit NONE
- Authority Réserve naturelle nationale de Sixt-Passy
Strict nature reserve: no picking flowers (especially the rare orchids), no camping/fires in the main cirque.
Climatology
- OptimalMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Peak waterfalls occur during the May-June snowmelt. By September, the valley is much quieter but many waterfalls dry out. In early spring, be aware of trail closures due to avalanche risk from the high cliffs.
Emergency / Comms
- Rescue (EU) 112 ACTIVE
- Signal Poor
Compare With Other Hikes
Side-by-side metric analysis. Compare Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) directly against similar routes ÔÇö distance, elevation gain, HikeMetrics Hazard Score, and more.
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