Gerbaix: Hiking, Landscapes and History

Gerbaix combines hiking, open landscapes and natural areas with architectural and historical landmarks. Options range from a named circular hike of a set length to trails in the west, as well as a wetland, a church and castle ruins. These themes can offer different focal points for your stay.

Hiking Among Hills and Hamlets

The open, agricultural landscapes offer views of the Épine range and the Chartreuse Massif. The La Pierre des Millières circular hike starts in Gerbaix, is 6.7 km long and crosses the hills through meadows, hamlets and forests. Its highlight is a small scenic summit on a rock with a geologically puzzling character. The route therefore combines a set distance with varied landscape features and a distinctive rocky destination. Check the route details again before your hike.

There are also circular walking routes connected to the long-distance GR65 and GR9 trails, passing through the hamlets of Le Vivier and La Lattaz. Several trails in western Gerbaix run through the Chevenières Forest to the Col de la Lattaz. The routes are characterized in different ways: La Pierre des Millières stands out for its set distance and scenic summit, the circular routes for their connections to long-distance trails and hamlets, and the western trails for their forest and mountain pass.

Wetland and Ecological Corridor

The type II ZNIEFF Chaînon du Mont Tournier extends mostly across the western part of Gerbaix. The ridge forms an ecological corridor between the subalpine massifs and the Jura arc. Northeast of Gerbaix, on the border with the municipality of Marcieux, lies the Marais des Grands Champs. It is part of the Natura 2000 network and is managed under a management plan. The Marais is an alkaline marsh; alkaline marshlands feature diverse habitats and high floristic diversity. The natural features therefore also differ in location: the ridge connects large-scale landscapes, while the Marais is a specific wetland on the border with Marcieux.

Viewpoint and Rest Stop

Gerbaix and the neighboring municipality of Sainte-Marie-d’Alvey share a viewpoint and a rest stop.

Church and Château de Gerbaix

The Church of Saint-Georges features exposed masonry, a bell tower and stained-glass windows. The ruins of the Château de Gerbaix lie west of Gerbaix near Les Brest, at an altitude of 680 m, and include several concentric rings of fortifications. The outermost ring is also the newest and is flanked by semicircular towers. Concentric rings are arranged around a common center; this makes it possible to understand the fortification as a layered structure. The Château is said to have been mentioned since the beginning of the 13th century. The church and the ruins offer different architectural highlights: at Saint-Georges, the visible building elements take center stage; at the Château, it is the form of the fortification.

Discover more destinations: Cruet, Saint-Marcel, Ruffieux, Termignon, La Ravoire, Grésy-Sur-Aix, Praranger, La Thuile

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.