Hiking in the heart of nature reserves – Le Tour des Fiz

Are you looking for an alternative to the well-trodden GR trails? If so, Le Tour des Fiz is the perfect route for a weekend getaway. The Fiz is a chain of the French Pre-Alps located opposite Mont Blanc, between the nature reserves of Passy and Sixt-Passy. It stretches from the Pointe de Platé to the Pointe de Sales.

This three-stage Collection is 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) long, with 2,610 metres (8,563 ft) of elevation gain. It crosses mountain pastures, skirts lakes and leads to magnificent landscapes. The itinerary can be enjoyed like a cocktail of spellbinding nature.

The Fiz massif is indeed a superb playground for hikers looking for a change of scenery and a sporting challenge. Even if the distances are relatively short, you need to be in good physical shape to face the challenges of the route.

In terms of equipment, you’ll need good quality hiking boots. Trekking poles will also help you to climb the peaks. A 35-litre pack will be sufficient to carry clothes, a water bottle, food and accessories.

You will also need to add your camping equipment, unless you book a bed in the refuges. Bear in mind wild camping is only permitted between 7pm and 9am. There are nine huts along the route, with a maximum of four hours' walk between them. Four are located near drinking water fountains: the Sales, Grenairon, Les Fonts and Alfred Wills huts. For convenience, all the stages I have chosen always end at one of them.

I recommend that you organise your adventure between 15 June and 30 September, outside the snowy period. You will still have to check the weather conditions with the tourist office.

You can reach the starting point of this loop by car. The Passy Plaine-Joux car park is free. Otherwise, you can use the SNCF stations of Passy and Chamonix.

Final remarks:
- Running enthusiasts will be able to scout out the route and then register for the Trail du Tour des Fiz which usually takes place in July.
- Four-legged friends are unfortunately not invited to this walk, as you will be crossing nature reserves.