Hiking Trail: A Walk in the Bois de Fessy (Fessy Woods)

A lovely family-friendly walk through the heart of Bois de Fessy, among deciduous and coniferous trees. Easy and accessible to all, it leads to Le Psot, a small meadow offering beautiful views of Mont Blanc, ideal for a family break.

From the heart of Sallanches, this pleasant loop quickly gains height, leading you into a beautiful woodland setting. After an initial climb along Route du Mont Rosset, the route passes close to a farm where you may sometimes spot the cows, before reaching the woodland. The path then winds between deciduous and coniferous trees, offering a great variety of tree species and a peaceful, shady atmosphere.

The trail gradually makes its way through Bois de Fessy, alternating between woodland sections and more open areas. Occasional openings between the trees reveal views of the surrounding peaks and the Fiz mountain range.

The route leads to Le Psot, a small meadow on the edge of the forest and a pleasant spot for a break. Facing the Mont Blanc massif, it is an ideal place to enjoy the panorama, while children can explore the surrounding woodland and enjoy playing in nature.

The return follows the Chemin de Mabert at a leisurely pace, before rejoining the route taken on the way up and descending back towards the centre of Sallanches.

Start: Place de la Grenette

1. From Place de la Grenette, take Route du Mont Rosset, to the left of Crédit Agricole, and follow it for approximately 1 km. The climb is fairly steep.

2. As you approach a residential area, go to the end of the car park, pass through the turnstile and take the path on the right.

3. Follow the path winding between woodland and meadows, at the start of Bois de Fessy. Along the way, geocaching enthusiasts can also look for a cache hidden by the Tourist Office nearby.

4. A alternative route can be taken on your right. It passes through the undergrowth along a section with tree roots and rejoins the main path a little further up. If you continue straight ahead on the main route, you will pass close to a large farm on your left.

5. You reach Clos de la Crémaillère, recognisable by a beautiful large house directly ahead, surrounded by a few other houses. Take the path on the right, which climbs again through the undergrowth. You will rejoin the alternative route at the foot of an old tree, near a bench. Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful view of Mont Blanc.

6. Continue climbing along this small path. Take care: a ravine runs alongside the path on your right. Some sections are protected by wooden barriers.

7. The path continues through Bois de Fessy, gradually becoming wider and turning into a forest track that winds between the trees towards the plateau.

8. You reach the plateau. Continue to the hamlet of Le Psot, where a lovely meadow is ideal for a family break. The view of the Mont Blanc massif is magnificent.

The surrounding woodland provides a great natural playground for children. On your right, the Chemin de Mabert continues towards Nant-Cruy, from where you can reach the village of Cordon or continue towards Col du Jaillet.

9. To continue the loop, take the Chemin de Mabert downhill.

10. At the bottom of the path, turn left onto a small paved road and follow this quiet residential road. Enjoy the beautiful view of Mont Blanc on your right.

11. When you reach the houses of Clos de la Crémaillère, rejoin the route taken on the way up and follow the same path back down to Place de la Grenette.