For a day in the mountains with children or people who prefer to avoid steep climbs, Verchaix and Morillon are well worth a stop. These two villages in the Haut-Giffre valley, often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations, offer a solid selection of easy, well-marked trails accessible from spring onwards. If you're looking for family-friendly hiking in Haute-Savoie, this is a good place to start.
Verchaix, the forgotten village
Verchaix sits at the bottom of the Giffre valley, slightly off the main road. The village has kept a quiet character that mass tourism has left untouched: old chalets, well-kept barns, a fountain in the village square. Everything here feels genuinely unhurried.
The trails around Verchaix climb gradually up the slopes above the valley floor. The easiest ones stay close to the village while still offering good views of the surrounding ridges. Families with children aged six or seven and up can gain some elevation without tackling anything technical. The terrain is mostly grassy and regular, with no exposed sections or tricky passages.
The village itself is worth a short walk. A small loop through the lanes gives access to viewpoints looking out across the alpages on the opposite slope, with grazing herds visible in the upper pastures during summer.
Morillon, alpages and riverside
Morillon is known in winter for its ski resort. In summer, the pace shifts completely. The lifts stop, the mountain pastures turn green, and the trails see a much more manageable crowd. That's one of the appealing traits of dual-season alpine villages: in July and August, you get the infrastructure without the crowds.
The walk to Les Miaux and Le Châtelard is rated very easy. It's suitable for children from around four or five years old with an adult, and for anyone new to mountain hiking. The elevation gain is modest, the trails are well-marked, and along the way you'll pass alpine chalets and summer herds on their seasonal pastures. This is the kind of outing where you slow down, make frequent stops, and let the kids lead the pace.
From the higher points on this route, you get clear views of the ridges closing the valley on both sides. You don't need altitude records for a decent horizon out here.
Walking along the Giffre
When the weather is uncertain, when your group is mixed (toddlers, older adults, a pushchair in tow), or when you simply want a flat day out, the riverbank is an option worth considering. The Giffre valley floor trail is rated very easy and stays passable almost year-round.
The river is at its most beautiful in summer, with clear water showing blue-green tints over the riverbed. Several sections have picnic areas nearby, and the banks are accessible enough for short breaks. It's an unpretentious way to spend half a day in a mountain setting without exerting yourself.
Valley-floor trails like this one are often underestimated by hikers used to big elevation gains. But they serve an important role for families and newcomers. Accessible, relaxing, and scenic: three qualities that can make all the difference for a successful day out.
Practical tips
A few things to sort out before you head out:
- Trailheads at Verchaix and Morillon are well-signposted from the main valley road. Car parks here tend to fill up later and less completely than those at Samoëns or Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval in high summer.
- Coming from the west, Taninges is the last reliable stop for food and supplies before heading up the valley. Stock up before you go.
- Yellow-marked trails are the most accessible for families. White-and-red GR markings usually indicate a more demanding route.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead through grazing areas in July and August. Livestock guardian dogs (patous) are present on some alpages and should not be approached.
- Mountain stream water is not safe to drink by default. Bring enough water from the start.
A change of scene without the crowds
Verchaix and Morillon aren't trying to compete with the valley's bigger names. That's exactly what makes them interesting. The trails are quieter, the atmosphere is calm, and the range of family-friendly routes is genuinely good. Whether you want an easy hike, a riverside walk, or simply a corner of the mountains with no pressure to perform, these two villages deliver. A solid choice for anyone who comes back from a day here already planning the next visit.