Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval village - Haute Savoie region, Grand Massif ski area

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a magnificent village of Haute-Savoie that is well-known thanks to its architectural heritage, and especially thanks to the classified natural sites, such as the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the Cascade du Rouget waterfall, the Gorges des Tines, and the 12th century Abbey. Sixt ski area is linked to the Grand Massif via the superb Piste des Cascades, a 14 km-long blue slope.

In the summer, beginner or advanced hikers can wander the footpaths through the biggest natural reserve in Haute-Savoie: Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve.

An authentic natural environment!

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is an authentic village at the heart of the mountains. The typical charm of this place guarantees visitors an authentic holiday, far from the crowds and surrounded by a lush natural environment. This welcoming village of Haute-Savoie also has its fair share of historical heritage, with the 12th century Abbey, built by a brotherhood of Augustinian canons, bearing witness to a rich religious past.

Sixt, exceptional natural sites…

The natural setting of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is surprising and exceptional, offering all the wonders of Mother Nature! Discover the famous Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the biggest mountain cirque of the Alps with impressive cliffs and waterfalls. Admire the majestic Cascade du Rouget waterfall, known as the “Queen of the Alps” . Explore the mysterious Gorges des Tines. Venture into the very heart of the Sixt Passy Nature Reserve, with varied and diverse plant and animal species.

… And historical heritage sites all around you

24 hamlets, 44 basins and fountains, 53 oratories and 9 chapels, typical Savoyard farms and cabins (also known as mazots), a 12th century Abbey are all evidence of the history of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Discover this surprising heritage, on a commented guided tour or just by wandering around the centre of the town and enjoying all the charm of a Savoyard village.

History of Tourism in Sixt

In the middle of the 19th century, the valley welcomed their very first visitors who came to see the wonders of Sixt Valley. In 1854, Sir Alfred Wills, an English judge and mountain climber discovered the valley for the first time and fell in love with the place. He decided to build the Nid d’Aigle chalet at the Cirque des Fonts. Every year, a small group of English visitors came to this chalet. It is believed that this was the beginning of mountain tourism in Sixt. Little by little, the inhabitants of the valley began to see the benefits of this newfound popularity for the mountains. They first offered their services as “freelance” guides and then founded the Compagnie des Guides de Sixt in 1865.