Le Grand Tour des Vanils

From the Grand Chalet de Rossinière to the Auberge de la Croix de Fer in Allières, this walk through forests and the alpine pastures that ultimately produce cheese offers a panoramic view over the surround-ing peaks: the Dent de Corjon, the Vanils and the Gummfluh.

The roughly 13-kilometre hike begins near the Rossinière stop. Before long, the trail skirts Lac du Vernex, also known as Lac de Rossinière. This small reservoir lies on the Saane and marks the start of the route before it climbs out of the valley.

The trail continues through open meadows and pastures, interspersed with stretches of forest. Mostly marked in yellow, it climbs steadily, gaining just over 800 metres in elevation overall. A little over halfway along, the route reaches its highest point at just under 1,600 metres.

Beyond the high point, the longer descent begins. One section follows a mountain trail marked in white, red and white; after that, the path becomes easier again, alternating between forest and open terrain. Shortly before Allières, the Restaurant Croix de Fer stands directly on the route. After around four and a half hours, the hike ends at the Allières, gare stop.