Walking route -" On the former smuggler's trail"

This walk follows the footsteps of former smugglers and customs officers who criss-crossed the region until the 1950s.

Description

The view over the Illiez and Abondance valleys reveal a fraction of the many routes taken by the smugglers on their clandestine operations. Their encounters have left some wonderful and revealing stories in this frontier region which are starting to fade from memory.
To learn more about their aventures, you can rent a special battery pack from the "Vieille Douane" or Châtel Tourisme, between mid-June and September, which activates the audio posts ("borne sonore") along the way.

From the old customs building "Vieille Douane", follow the RD22 road to Morgins for about 100 metres, then take the track that leads straight to the border and to markers 1737 and 1891.

Carry on towards "La Pointe du Midi". There's a shorcut for families to head back through the forest, if needed.

For a harder walk, head along the border ridge by the "Plan des Mitres", to the "Col de Fecon". Head home via the "Perthuis" chalets and "Aity" before arriving at the "Vieille Douane".

Additional information

Whichever walk you choose, we recommend that you :

- Wear appropriate footwear and always take with you: warm clothing, preferably waterproof, plenty of water, sunglasses, sun cream and a small first-aid kit.
- Do not set off alone.
- Inform someone living in the valley of your plans.
- Do not change the planned itinerary indiscriminately. But do not hesitate to shorten it if necessary.
- Carry a map and even a torch.
- Check the weather forecast before setting off.
- In the event of a thunderstorm, move away from ridges, passes and summits as soon as possible and never take shelter under an isolated tree.

• Minimum age : 8 years

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Dogs must be kept on a lead due to the presence of herds.

Prices

Free access.

Route

• Distance 3.6km
• Type of itinerary Loop
• Elevation gain 653m
• Negative elevation 410m
• Daily duration 04h00
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Details about signage Trail-specific signposting and audio markers.
• Tricky sections Some steep and aerial passages
• Types of terrain Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 1895m

Opening period

From 01/06 to 31/10 daily.
Accessible outside of snowy periods and depending on weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office in advance to find out the current access conditions. Recommended period for use: spring, summer, and autumn.

Adaptive tourism

• Not accessible in a wheelchair

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Location

Departure from the Lake Vonnes lift ticket office car park.
Shuttle line 4 stop Gabelou (July & August).