Activities on the Giffre

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The best activities on the Giffre

Rafting on the Giffre

Rafting

The nearest cities to the Giffre

What to do in the Giffre Valley? 
 

The Giffre is a mountain stream located in Haute-Savoie in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. It is one of the most abundant rivers in terms of water thanks to the precipitation in the region, which can be very heavy. It originates from the Cirque du Bout du Monde at an altitude of about 1,080 metres and finally reaches the Arve at an altitude of 460 metres, of which it is one of the main tributaries and is therefore a natural part of the tributaries of the Rhône.  We can distinguish two Giffres which are the Haut Giffre and the Giffre des fonds, they meet to form the Giffre in the surroundings of the commune of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval shortly before the Gorges de Tines.

Activities to do on the Giffre

The activities to be done in the Giffre Valley focus mainly on water. From rafting to cano-raft to hydrospeed, there is no shortage of choices! And the Giffre promises you thrills thanks to its rapids and torrents.

If you are looking for thrills, rafting is the ideal choice. You are with family or friends, know that rafting is an activity accessible to all, young and old, provided you are of the minimum age required and is accompanied by a qualified guide. All you have to do is choose the descent you are going to do... To live the rafting experience to the fullest, you need a good team with whom you will share a good time on the water and discover the magnificent landscape of the Giffre Valley. And why not try mini-raft or cano-raft? These boats will give you more autonomy since the guide will not be in your boat but will still be there to advise you. You can then enjoy the Gorges de Tines and the green landscape that is open to you.

For those who prefer to be in the water, try hydrospeed! With a foam float and fins you will then have the opportunity to manoeuvre between obstacles and learn to use the force of the current. Sensations guaranteed! You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at canyoning if you haven't already done so. Indeed the valley allows the guides to adapt to your desires. Water walk or sports trip? The choice is yours!

If you want to do activities, you move a little away from the water and you prefer to be dry, don't worry. You can fall back on hiking or via ferrata. While the first one will allow you to cross the Giffre on land, the via ferrata is located between hiking and climbing and offers you routes on the cliffs of the valley as well as those of the Gorges de Tines.

The natural heritage of the Giffre Valley

The Giffre valley has a unique environment that has earned it the classification as a Natura 2000 area for several of its sites. This implies that communities try to preserve the valley's biodiversity as best they can, and thus preserve the fauna and flora that inhabit it. There are many animal species that can be observed, such as the golden eagle, ibex or ermine.

The Giffre Valley is also the Cirque du Fer à cheval, which offers a natural spectacle carved into the mountain that will dazzle many people! By rushing you into the Gorges of Tines, the Giffre will be narrow and deep and eventually widen into the plain of Vallon. Another marvel of the valley is the red mullet waterfall, also known as the "queen of the Alps" where the water gushes out over 80 meters high!

You will also have the opportunity to see the small villages such as Samoëns, Taninges, Sixt Fer à Cheval, Morillon or Mieussy which cross the Giffre and take the opportunity to stop there whether in summer or in winter.