Le Biot: Hiking and Village History

Le Biot combines hikes with scenic viewpoints and traces of local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Le Biot, you can plan your stay around the trails and topics that interest you most. Col du Corbier is a starting point for a range of hikes; Chapelle de Gys and Halle du Biot add historical context to the destination. Mountain hikes and village history therefore stand side by side as two distinct aspects of the area.

Hiking at Col du Corbier and Mont Ouzon

Col du Corbier is a mountain resort at an altitude of 1,230 metres in the municipality of Le Biot, between Vallée d’Aulps and Vallée d’Abondance. The Tour du Mont Ouzon hike starts from the car park there and offers panoramic views of Vallée d’Aulps and Lake Geneva. A gentle walking trail from the pass also leads to Alpage d’Ouzon and takes about an hour. The same starting point therefore offers a choice between a named route with distant views and an easy trail with an approximate duration.

Another hiking option is the circular Pointe du Mont route. It requires some effort and has steep sections in several places. On the final ascent, Mont Blanc may be visible on a clear day. When choosing a route, consider the terrain as well as the possibility of distant views; treat the view as weather-dependent.

Alpine Pastures, Views and Practical Information

Alpage d’Etelly can be reached from Le Biot via Chemin de Thex; take trail conditions into account when planning your trip. From the alpine pasture, there are views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc, Vallée d’Aulps and Vallée d’Abondance. The hike to Alpage de l’Haut-Thex opens up views across Vallée d’Aulps and of Mont Blanc; access is seasonal and weather-dependent.

There is a free car park in front of Le Biot town hall for the hike to Alpage de l’Haut-Thex. The Navette Balad’Aulps bus stops in front of the village hall. Check transport arrangements before your trip. Both alpine pasture trails list Mont Blanc as a viewpoint; the view from Etelly also includes Lake Geneva and Vallée d’Abondance, while Vallée d’Aulps is highlighted at Haut-Thex.

Chapelle de Gys and Halle du Biot

Chapelle de Gys was founded in 1653 and rebuilt in 1864. From 2009 to 2012, it underwent extensive renovation and was fitted with new artworks, including a mosaic by Claude MARIN and modern stained-glass windows by Joëlle VULLIEZ-MATRINGE. These dates mark different stages in its history: its founding, its rebuilding and a major renewal in the 21st century.

Halle du Biot is also part of the area’s history. It still stands in the centre of the village and recalls the former importance of fairs and markets to the valley. Together, the chapel and the hall offer two distinct historical perspectives: the architectural history of Chapelle de Gys and the former role of markets in the valley.

Discover more destinations: Faverges, Seynod, Neuvecelle, Bogève, Saint-Paul-En-Chablais, Seytroux, Novel, La Chapelle-D'abondance

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.