Discover Ruffieux

Ruffieux can be explored through specific activities: trails on Mont Clergeon, walks in the Chautagne State Forest and the wine selection at the Caveau de Chautagne. When choosing a destination for a stay, these themes offer different points of interest: mountain activities, nature watching or an introduction to Savoie wines.

Hiking on Mont Clergeon

The hike up Mont Clergeon can be reached from Ruffieux via the RD55. The Mont Clergeon hiking trail is signposted with numerous signs and yellow markings. In good weather, the summit offers a 360° panorama with views of Mont Blanc. On the route from Ruffieux, you reach the Grande Cuve site after one kilometre. It lies at an altitude of 1,000 m and has an information board. The Mont Clergeon trail also passes an old charcoal kiln. The forestry administration used it between 1943 and 1945 to sell charcoal and fuel gas-powered vehicles. The hiking trail therefore combines summit views, marked paths and distinctive points of interest. If you value waypoints and traces of history as well as views along the way, this hike offers several specific points of interest.

Cycling to Col du Clergeon

The cycling climb to Col du Clergeon also starts in Ruffieux and follows the D55. Over 8 km, it climbs from the Chautagne plain to the 979 m summit. Weather and trail conditions can vary; check conditions before setting out. For cycling, the route and summit altitude are specified; on foot, the named features include trail markings, Grande Cuve and the panorama. These differences help you compare activities by mode of travel and the waypoints mentioned for each.

Walks in the Chautagne State Forest

The Chautagne State Forest spans the municipalities of Chindrieux, Ruffieux, Vions and Serrières-en-Chautagne. It is a good place for walks to observe beavers and amphibians. The forest is accessible to people of all abilities; the forest roads are closed to traffic. Check local conditions before your visit. Alongside the trails on Mont Clergeon, this offers a distinct nature-focused option: walks in the forest with opportunities to observe the animals that live there.

A regional hiking route

The GR65 Way of St James also passes through the Chautagne. One 22 km stage runs from the heights of Seyssel to Chanaz. With its stated endpoints and distance, this stage provides a regional hiking option alongside activities directly connected with Ruffieux and Mont Clergeon.

Wine at the Caveau de Chautagne

For a wine-focused visit, the Caveau de Chautagne in Ruffieux is another specific destination. It has offered wines from Savoie since 1952. You can visit its sensory wine trail, “L’Éveil des Sens”; this is followed by a tasting of various cuvées. Unlike the hiking and cycling routes, the focus here is on the trail and the tasting. This lets you choose Ruffieux according to your preferred focus: mountain activities, nature watching or a wine-related experience.

Discover more destinations: Bellentre, Fontcouverte-La-Toussuire, Val-D'isère, Montricher-Albanne, La Rochette, Sardières, Saint-Franc, Le Pontet

See the regional travel overview: Savoie.