From Bretaye to Solalex
Difficult
4h30min
15.1km
+552m
-898m
Description
This hike will delight lovers of typical alpine landscapes.
Starting from Bretaye, about a hundred metres after the train stop, take a wide path towards Col de la Croix. Enjoy the panoramic views of Mont Blanc as you walk.
At Col de la Croix, you can admire the extraordinary geological feature of the gypsum pyramids or the sculpture illustrating the passage of the wolves by Olivier Estoppey.
After a hundred metres or so, you arrive at the Col de la Croix mountain pastures.
After this, walk back down to Coufin, then head for the typical hamlet of Taveyanne, where you can stop for a while at the Restaurant de Taveyanne to refuel. Then continue to Les Chaux and the restaurant that’s open during the summer season.
Near the top of the Les Chaux lift, you walk round the building and head in the direction of La Poreyre along a sloping path.
Then head left in the direction of Solalex to the foot of the impressive Miroir d'Argentine, where you can cool off in the pure water of the Avançon that flows to Solalex.
Transport
Access
- To get to the start of this hike, the cogwheel train runs from Villars to Bretaye.
Return
- On the way back, bus 161 takes you from Solalex to Gryon or Villars 4 times a day during the summer period.
Carte Fidélité
- 50% discount on the Villars-Bretaye train
Carte Bienvenue
- 50% discount on the Villars-Bretaye train
- Free travel on the 161 bus
Recommendations
- Stay on the marked trails
- Hike with knowledge of your route and the weather forecast
- Take care of the flora and fauna
- Don't leave rubbish behind
- Respect private property
- Close gates and fences behind you
- Keep your dog on a lead
Equipment
- a good pair of hiking boots for good grip
- Weather-appropriate clothing. Conditions change rapidly in the mountains, so bring a waterproof jacket and warm clothing.
- A rucksack suited to the length of the hike and the amount of equipment.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, high factor sun cream, cap or hat.
- A map (or GPS)
- A first-aid kit
- Sufficient water (at least 1 litre per person) and food.