Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin

Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin lies at the foot of a massif of the same name and combines hiking opportunities with local produce. Cheese sales, farm visits and insights into alpine farming complement your plans. The guided farm visit “la vie d’alpagiste” is one of the activities offered in Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin; check the current date in advance.

Altitude and the Charvin Massif

Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin lies at an altitude of 930 m at the foot of the Charvin Massif of the same name. Its summit reaches 2,409 m and is the landmark for the “Le Mont Charvin” hiking route.

Hiking trails and summit route

Numerous marked trails are carefully maintained each year so visitors can discover the landscapes, fauna and flora of this still largely unspoilt valley. Family outings are possible in the direction of Les Fontanettes. The “Le Mont Charvin” route is intended for experienced hikers and leads over a ridge section to the summit at 2,409 m. It follows the beige trail markers of the Haute-Savoie département. The difficulty and trail conditions can change; signage may also be altered or temporarily affected by maintenance work. Check the route and current conditions before setting out.

Snowshoeing after the first snowfall

After the first snowfall, a family snowshoe loop from La Savatte via Les Fontanettes and L’Aulp de Marlens is an option. Whether it can be undertaken depends on snow conditions, so take the snow cover into account when planning. Les Fontanettes therefore features in two outing descriptions: as a destination for family outings and as a stop on the winter loop. Different criteria apply when planning: experience is specified for the summit trail, while the snowshoe loop depends on the first snowfall and snow conditions.

Cheese and direct sales

Reblochon, Chevrotin and Tome are among the best-known local products of Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin. GAEC La Chèvrerie de Lily sells Chevrotin AOP directly, daily from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Farm visits are available by reservation; there are also events open to everyone. Check the sales hours and current arrangements for visits before going.

Alpine farming and farm visits

Auberge de l’Aulp de Marlens serves mountain cuisine on the farm at lunchtime and in the evening. It operates seasonally; check the current opening hours before visiting. The Auberge welcomes groups and individuals for farm visits; prior arrangements may be necessary. You can also take part in activities with the alpagistes, subject to the farm’s current visitor arrangements.

On the hike to Lac du Charvin, hikers can enjoy a leisurely break and chat with an alpagiste. This makes an encounter along the trail a complement to the independent options for visits and activities.

Discover more destinations: Samoens, Lovagny, Les Houches, Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains, La Clusaz, Sciez, Collonges-sous-Salève, Mûres

For the full travel guide: Haute-Savoie.