Brizon – Solaison Plateau and Pointe d’Andey

Brizon combines an alpine landscape with hiking destinations and an agricultural heritage. Solaison Plateau is a sunny alpine pasture above the village of Brizon, stretching between Pointe d’Andey and the Rochers de Leschaux. The mountains and rock formations provide specific landmarks in the area; at the same time, the plateau’s seasonal use and traces of earlier farming shape the character of the place. The plateau thus provides the geographical starting point, while the peaks, trails and historic buildings reveal different aspects of the destination.

Plateau and peaks

Pointe d’Andey reaches an elevation of 1,877 metres and offers commanding views of the surrounding peaks. A 3 km round-trip hike to the Pointe also makes it a clearly defined hiking destination. When choosing a route, you can consider the route format and viewpoint together: the distance is clearly specified, while the panorama takes in the surrounding peaks.

Comparing hikes

The Leschaux Rocks loop offers a different focus. The loop passes through several pastures, is rated very difficult and is intended for experienced or proficient hikers. Unlike the Pointe d’Andey hike, the emphasis here is on difficulty and route. You can access the loop from either the Cenise car park or the Solaison car park. The Solaison car park is recommended because it is larger. The two trails therefore offer different experiences: for Pointe d’Andey, the distance and out-and-back format are clearly specified; for the Leschaux Rocks loop, the difficulty, pasture sections and access points help you find your way.

The plateau in winter

In winter, Solaison Plateau is a ski area. So, in addition to choosing a hike, the season is another consideration when deciding whether Brizon suits your plans. The plateau’s winter character adds another perspective to its alpine landscape and can be distinguished from the different profiles of the two hikes.

Alpine chalets and architectural history

Around fifty scattered alpine chalets stand on the plateau, and today they are used as homes. They bear witness to a pastoral tradition and to the area’s former ties to farming and alpine agriculture in the municipality of Brizon. Their present-day use as homes is as much a part of the landscape as the memory of this former way of life. In this way, the present and the area’s history come together in the same landscape.

The present-day Church of Saint-Théodule adds another architectural chapter to the picture. It was rebuilt between 1837 and 1887 on the foundations of an older church. The present building thus connects with the earlier place of worship. The alpine chalets and the church offer two different cultural and historical perspectives: the municipality’s former agricultural character and the architectural history of a religious site.

Discover more destinations: Menthonnex-en-Bornes, Sales, Rumilly, Larringes, Ville-La-Grand, Saint-Jean-De-Sixt, Passy, Saxel

View the broader travel guide: Haute-Savoie.