In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAlps / Haute-Savoie
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions38.94 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Explore the mountains in a new way during a 4-night/5-day all-inclusive stay, punctuated by three days of guided hikes . Each day offers a different theme for total immersion in the heart of the Alpine landscapes . On Monday, discover the Lac Vert (Green Lake) and its flowery alpine meadows , an ideal setting for wonder and rejuvenation. On Tuesday, the challenging Pavis Needles loop takes you in the footsteps of ibex , which you can observe just a few meters away in their natural habitat. On Wednesday, head to Switzerland and the Signal de Bonnavau , at the foot of the Ruan Glacier , for a spectacular hike among cliffs and eternal snows.
The experience is enhanced by the opportunity to witness the "enmontagnée ," an iconic local tradition: the ascent of Abondance cows to the high-altitude pastures. This all-inclusive stay is the perfect opportunity to combine gentle exercise , wide-open spaces , and unforgettable encounters in a pristine alpine setting.
The highlights
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Hikes accessible for all levels
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An all-inclusive stay in an authentic setting
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The charm of spring in the mountains
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
The expert's opinion
The Abondance Valley and the Châtel area offer a wide variety of hikes suitable for all levels, whether you're going alone, as a couple, or with your family. 😊
🌿 For families and casual walkers
Numerous easy trails offer stunning panoramic views, alpine pastures, and mountain lakes with minimal elevation gain. These walks are ideal for families with children or for a leisurely exploration of the mountains.
🥾 For regular hikers
The area also offers intermediate routes with greater elevation gains and longer walking times, allowing access to superb views of the Alps and the Abondance Valley.
🏔️ For experienced athletes and hikers
Some hikes, whether more technical or with significant elevation gain, require good physical condition and appropriate equipment. They offer the opportunity to discover wilder and more scenic areas.
🚡 Thanks to the ski lifts open in summer, it is also possible to easily access many trails and reduce the elevation changes to enjoy the mountain gently.
📍 Before you leave, always remember to check:
- the weather,
- the duration of the journey,
- the difference in elevation,
- and your equipment.
😊 Our team at the Gîte in Châtel can also advise you on routes adapted to your level and desires during your stay.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 569 m
- Average daily descent: 384 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 8 to 12 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Bertrand, François
Bertrand, François
Certified mountain guide and specialist in the region's heritage!
Our hikes are led by qualified mountain guides who are passionate about their region.
They will help you discover the most beautiful routes around Châtel, the flowery alpine pastures , the panoramas of Mont de Grange and the alpine fauna that awakens in spring.
Their goal: to share their knowledge, adapt to everyone's pace and provide you with moments of conviviality and discovery in complete safety.
Program
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Welcome and setup in the mountains
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in to your accommodation. At 6:30 pm , a welcome drink is offered to help you get to know the group and the guides. This friendly gathering is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the trip and receive initial information about the schedule for the coming days.
Day 1 -
Immersion in the alpine pastures and panoramic views of Lake Vert
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The first day of hiking is dedicated to exploring alpine pastures . You'll follow an accessible route leading to Lac Vert (Green Lake ), nestled in the heart of a pristine environment. Throughout the walk, you'll cross flowery meadows , perhaps encounter some herds of animals, and enjoy soothing views of the surrounding peaks. This gentle warm-up offers a first immersion in alpine landscapes , between the silence of the high altitudes and the vibrant colors of the mountain flora.
Day 2 -
Following the trail of ibex around the Aiguilles de Pavis
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 555 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day trip takes you on the Tour des Aiguilles de Pavis , a more challenging route punctuated by the crossing of three mountain passes. The theme of the day is alpine wildlife , with a particular focus on ibex , which you'll have a good chance of spotting in their natural habitat. These iconic mountain animals are quite tame and often allow you to approach them, offering exceptional opportunities for observation . The varied and rhythmic route alternates between rocky sections and sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Day 3 -
Heading towards Switzerland and a glacial panorama at Signal de Bonnavau
- Transportation Car - 00h35 - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The final day of hiking takes us into Switzerland to reach the Signal de Bonnavau , a natural viewpoint at the foot of the Ruan Glacier . The route leads you between cliffs, snowfields, and alpine pastures , in a more rugged and dramatic setting. This trek offers breathtaking views of the border landscapes and allows you to experience a high-mountain environment, accessible without technical difficulty. A perfect way to conclude this gradual immersion in alpine scenery.
Day 4 -
End of stay and return
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, it's time to pack your bags and leave. Rooms must be vacated by 10:00 AM . This marks the end of your mountain stay, with memories of alpine pastures, ridges, and the glacier, as well as the encounters and moments shared during your hikes.
Day 5
Note
The hiking program is provided as a guide only. It may be modified depending on weather conditions , snow cover , or trail conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of participants . Our guides adapt each outing accordingly to offer the best possible experience while respecting nature and the current conditions.
Accommodation
🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 4
Discover your accommodation, comprised of 23 rooms fully renovated since 2018, nestled at an altitude of 1200 meters , between Lake Geneva and the majestic Mont Blanc , in the heart of the most Swiss of French villages. Located in the charming resort of Châtel , the establishment invites you to enjoy a unique experience combining relaxation and activity. The team is delighted to welcome couples , families , and groups in a friendly and decidedly sporty atmosphere. Take advantage of an exceptional setting to explore the region's treasures, from breathtaking Alpine panoramas to unforgettable moments shared with loved ones.
Whether you're a nature lover, a mountain enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, this accommodation is the ideal starting point for memorable adventures. Treat yourself to a stay that combines comfort, authenticity, and a change of scenery in an exceptional setting.
Access
Departure
835 Route de Thonon, Châtel, France
Day 1
: 17h00
End of stay
835 Route de Thonon, Châtel, France
Day 5
- 10h00
Here is a link for the bus line between Thonon and Châtel: https://www.evad.fr/line/ligne-12/
Go to the starting point
Take the train toThonon les BainsOrEvian les bains
From Paris:
- Take a TGV from Gare de Lyon in Paris to Thonon-les-Bains (approximately 5 hours)
From Lyon:
- Take a train from Lyon to Thonon-les-Bains (approximately 4 hours), then bus line 12 to Châtel (approximately 1 hour)
From Bordeaux:
- Take a TGV from Bordeaux to Paris (approximately 2 hours), then another TGV from Paris to Thonon-les-Bains (approximately 5 hours)
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
From Paris:
- The journey is approximately 610 km, or about 6 hours by car, taking the A6 motorway towards Lyon, then the A40 towards Geneva, and finally the D902 towards Châtel.
From Lyon:
- The journey is approximately 216 km, or about 2 hours and 30 minutes by taking the A42 motorway towards Geneva, then the A40 and the D902 towards Châtel.
From Bordeaux:
- The journey is approximately 800 km, or about 8 hours by car, taking the A89 motorway towards Lyon, then the A40 towards Geneva, and finally the D902 towards Châtel.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
Full board accommodation at the Le Gîte holiday village in Châtel (from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day).
Hikes accompanied by a qualified mountain guide .
Access to the facilities and common areas of the holiday village (lounge, bar, terrace, friendly entertainment).
Bed linen and end-of-stay cleaning .
The price does not include
Transportation to Châtel and personal travel during the stay.
Drinks outside of meals and personal expenses .
Picnic lunch on departure day (available on request).
Tourist tax , payable on site.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4/5
(1 reviews)
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
M
Murielle
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
may 2026
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
Translated from French
A very pleasant stay, magnificent scenery, a fantastic group of 11 people 🤩, Alissa a very friendly guide, and our day with a very enriching guide. We'll definitely be back! 👍
L
Decathlon Travel Partner
Our partner team
4.6/5
(50 reviews)
• 20 stays
Our local partner offers all-inclusive stays in Châtel, Haute-Savoie. Its manager speaks French and also has some knowledge of English, allowing for a warm welcome to travelers in the heart of the Alps.
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