Lavey-Morcles: Hiking, Geology and Fort Dailly

Morcles is a mountain village and was formerly an independent municipality. Its main attractions are mountain hikes, the geology of the Dents de Morcles and Fort Dailly. The trails vary in duration and character. If you are looking for hotels in Lavey-Morcles, the route and time you have planned can help you decide whether the area is right for your stay.

Plan your hike by distance and time

A mountain hike from Lavey-les-Bains passes through Morcles and then crosses alpine meadows to the Chalets des Martinaux. Morcles, the alpine pastures and the chalets are clearly identified points along the route. Conditions can vary by season, so take this into account when planning.

The «Mystérieuses forêts de Lavey-Morcles» circular route is almost 8 kilometres long, moderately difficult and takes just under three hours. The tourism recommendation is to hike it during the warmer months. The route passes through forests of downy oaks (Quercus pubescens), large-leaved lime trees (Tilia platyphyllos) and cornelian cherries (Cornus mas). The distance, difficulty level and estimated duration give you a clear idea of what to expect on this circular route.

Another route up to Dent de Morcles starts at the motorway exit near Saint-Maurice and follows the road towards Morcles to the Martinaux car park. The hike from there to the summit takes about four hours. Just under three hours for the forest loop and about four hours for the summit ascent are different time estimates: the first is for a circular route, the second for the hike to the summit.

The approach to Petite Dent de Morcles should also be considered separately. It starts in Morcles and passes via Le Martenau (1,670 m), where parking is mandatory, then continues on foot along the road, which is closed to traffic, to Rionda (2,156 m). This section takes 1 hour 30 minutes. As mountain conditions can change, check them before setting off.

Rock, summits and climbing route

The Nappe de Morcles displays a completely inverted sequence of rock layers that is visible in the landscape. It extends from Pont de Nant to the Dents de Morcles. For visitors interested in geology, this unusual sequence is a striking feature of the landscape.

Near Morcles lies Dent de Morcles, a 2,969 m-high summit on the border between Valais and the canton of Vaud, overlooking the Rhône Valley. The climbing information, by contrast, concerns the southwest face of Petite Dent de Morcles at 2,936 m, where there is a varied route in limestone. The names and elevations help distinguish between the two mountains. Climbing conditions can change.

The Cabane de la Tourche is located in the Chablais, at the junction of the cantons of Vaud and Valais.

Fort Dailly, the inn and winter

The Dailly fortification is at the foot of Dent de Morcles. Visitors can access 2 kilometres of galleries there. During guided tours, you can learn about soldiers’ lives during the Cold War. Before your trip, check whether a booking is required for your visit.

The Auberge de Morcles was once a village school. Its kitchen focuses on short supply chains and prioritises local and seasonal products; these details about the cuisine may change. The Auberge has rooms for hikers and visitors passing through. Check availability before you travel.

At Les Martinaux, a ski lift built by the ski club makes it possible to ski in a family-friendly atmosphere in winter. Winter operations depend on conditions and local management. If you are planning a winter stay, check whether the lift is operating.

Discover more destinations: Lavey-Les-Bains, Leysin, Gryon, Villeneuve Vd, Roche Vd, Ormont-Dessous, Corbeyrier, Chessel.

For the main travel overview: Aigle.