This hike takes you to the summit of the Criou, the symbolic mountain towering over the town of Samoëns. There is a breathtaking panoramic view from the summit over the Giffre Valley, Mont Buet, Rousse des Chambres and Les Dents Blanches.
Time taken: 5 hours
Starting altitude: 717 m
Finishing altitude: 2,207 m
Particular difficulties: none up to the chalets at Le Criou. The ridge at the top of Aouille du Criou overlooks the very sharp drop of the north face of the Criou.
Itinerary for guidance only.

Mountain symbol overlooking the village of Samoëns.


Departure: Vallon d'en haut

To discover: the alpine chalets of Pertuet, Trot (refreshment room), Criou and Feux.


@Patrice Gain

Itinerary for guidance only.

The path overhangs the gorges until the bridge, crossing the Giffre des Fonts, which gives access to the refuge and the mountain pasture.


Departure point : Samoëns Tourist Office

Tip: You can park your car at Salvagny


@Patrice Gain

Itinerary for guidance only.

Enjoy a safe family outing.

@Patrice Gain

Itinerary for guidance only.

Although located in the heart of the ski lifts, this short walk from the resort of Samoëns 1600 is very pleasant. Departure point: Plateau des Saix car park (Samoëns 1600). To discover : The Saix head (2100m)

@Patrice Gain

Itinerary for guidance only.

The village of Vallon is split into two parts: Vallon d’en Bas and Vallon d’en Haut. Its inhabitants are called the Cavoêrus. This village constituted a civil parish from 1730. On June 22, 1811, it was attached to Samoëns by an imperial decree.

Duration: 1h30

Elevation: 17 meters

Type of terrain: Roads and trails

Special recommendation: none

Starting point: The Grand Massif Express (GME) cable car park

Special difficulty: none

Map reference: itinerary n ° 4 topoguide Haut Giffre Valley.


Go along the Giffre to a footbridge spanning the Clévieu. Cross then take the path on the left, which takes you on the old dykes of Giffre. The path, in the undergrowth, soon joins the Giffre which we follow to the Revé bridge.

Leave the bridge on your right and take, a few meters further, the path which leaves on the left and crosses the plain of Vallon. Facing you overlooks the Criou mountain and to the right, at the bottom of the valley, the Commune mountain.

Cross the road and continue with the one just opposite which leads to Vallon d'en Haut.

In the village turn left. Observe the fountain, dated 1873 and carved from a single block of stone. Continue to Vallon d'en Bas. The chapel founded in 1636 is placed under the name of the Saints: Jacques, Philippe and Joseph, in thanks for their protection during the plague epidemic which raged in 1630.

Shortly after the chapel, turn right in front of a large pool. The road leads to a crossroads. Turn left, follow the Clévieu stream then cross the departmental road.

At the second bridge, change banks and continue along the Clévieu to find the footbridge taken on the outward journey. Continue on the path and return to the gondola parking lot.


Itinerary for guidance only.