The Best Easy Hikes in Morzine
When thinking of hiking in the mountains, you probably imagine long, uphill climbs, steep scrambles and many hours of searing calf muscles. And although there are many exciting hikes like this in and around Morzine, the area also has so much to offer if you seek something a bit more calm and breezy.
In fact, some of the best summer hikes in Morzine are actually some of the easiest. We call these ‘minimum input, maximum output’ kind of hikes, as you don’t have to commit to a day of tough, uphill slogging to reap some stunning rewards. A lot of these are also child-friendly, and include some lovely stops for lunch, a rest and even a wild dip. So lace up your boots and grab your flask – it’s time to explore!
Discover the most beautiful easy hikes around Morzine
Lac Montriond hike
Approx. 1h45 moderate/easy walk
Gentle uphill climb
Suitable for big and little walkers alike, this route starts at the stunning Lac Montriond and follows a delightful forest path up to the Cascade d’Ardent (waterfall). At the end of the lake, follow the path which leads you into the forest, towards Les Albertans hamlet, which you’ll reach in 10 minutes. After the traditional huts, carry on along the path to the waterfall. A bridge across the top of the waterfall creates a great viewing spot, where you can feel the ruching water beneath.
From here, you can follow the path back down and return via the other side of Lac Montriond and reward yourself with a crepe from the Lac’Tuel restaurant, or cool off with a cocktail at the chic Hotel du Lac. If you’d like to shorten the walk, you can park at the far end of the lake and walk straight from here up to the waterfall.
Lindarets Village to Brochaux Waterfall
Approx. 3h easy walk
Using chairlift to gain elevation, all the walking is downhill or flat
One of our favourite hikes for a sunny day, the route from the village of Lindarets – more famously known as the Goat Village – to the Brochaux waterfall is a stunning example of alpine scenery at its best. Crossing dreamy meadows full of wildflowers and cows, and flanked by mountains on every side, this walk delivers on beauty from the very first step.
To avoid the uphill climb take the Lindarets chairlift up to the crest of Avoriaz. From here you can walk down to the Brochaux waterfall. Enjoy a picnic on the grassy area by the waterfall, or try the restaurant, Refude de L’Abricotine which serves delicious Savoyard fayre.
To return to Les Lindarets follow the footpath which runs down along the river signposted La Lecherette. This takes you all the way back down to the Linderets plateau. It’s a 2 hour walk on flat or downhill terrain.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try out the Fantasticable whilst you’re in the area? Fly through the mountains on this 1300 metre zip wire. To get to the starting point jump on the Chaux Fleurie chairlift from Les Lindarets bowl (a natural bowl where several chairlifts meet).
Morzine centre to Nyon waterfall
Approx. 1h15
Easy walk along the river bed
Cascade de Nyon sits at the bottom of a gorge that begins high up on the Nyon mountain. It can be accessed by a short walk from the centre of Morzine, and is the perfect place to seek peace and tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the town. From the tourist office in the centre of town, head down Rue du Bourg into Morzine’s pretty old town. Admire the old square and church before making your way along the walking path on the right-hand side of the river towards the Pompiers (fire station) on Chemin de Renard. Simply follow the gravel track along the river until you reach the waterfall. From here, you can have lunch at the quaint Restaurant la Cascade de Nyon, or if you’ve got some adventurous monkeys with energy to burn, try the thrilling Cascade Adventure – an adventure climbing centre high in the trees!
La Bourgeoise, Col de Joux Plane
Approx. 1h15; easy/moderate walk
Mild uphill walk on the way to the viewpoint, can be muddy after rain
Starting from the Col de Joux Plane car park, this relatively short, not too steep walk is perfect for all ages, and moderate fitness levels. The view from the summit looks out over the breathtaking Samoëns valley, across to the magnificent profile of Mont Blanc.
The walk takes around 30 minutes each way and sweeps around the side of the mountain. Look out for soaring eagles. This is the perfect walk if you want to catch a peaceful sunrise, enjoy a family picnic, or share a romantic glass of wine as you watch the sun set over another blissful day in the mountains.
So here’s our round-up of our favourite easy walks to enjoy in Morzine in summer. And with all this adventuring to do, where you base yourself will be key to maximising your time hiking, exploring, and soaking up those holiday vibes. Here at AliKats we have a number of beautiful self catered chalets located close to the fantastic walking routes highlighted above.
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