Nestled below towering mountains at the head of the Haute Giffre valley, the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a wonderfully unspoilt year round resort known for its rich cultural heritage and unique architecture. The village acts as a gateway to the huge nature reserve in which it resides, an area well known for its outstanding natural beauty. The village is just 6km / 8 minutes drive from Samoëns, or alternatively a gentle and very scenic cycle or walk following the Giffre river as it tumbles it way down the valley through the impressive Gorge des Tines.
The name « Cirque de Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval » comes from the shape of the natural amphitheatre, which from above looks like a horseshoe. Located in the Natural Reserve of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, classified a Grand Site de France, is a favoured destination for 500,000 visitors each year.
Also officially recognised as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', the village is based around a beautiful former 12th-century Abbey with the glacial river Giffre splitting the village in two.
The abundant nature around Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and the valley attracts and inspires:
Many directors chose to settle in the valley. One of the latest is none other than Clint Eastwood (his movie "Hereafter" was shot in the Mont-Blanc Massif). French producer and director Gilles Legrand, who settled in St-Gervais, shot his first two films "Malabar Princess" and "La jeune fille et les loups" ("The girl and the wolves") in Sixt. He has sung the valley's praises. Several movies shot in Sixt include :
As a year round, working village, it offers a good range of of local amenities providing everything you could need including a boulangerie, small supermarket, shops, several bars/cafes, and a selection of restaurants.
A firm valley favourite and well-known for its warm welcome and tasty local dishes. Located in the centre of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Conveniently located at the foot of the village's very own ski resort, it boasts an excellent sunny terrace with stunning views over the slopes and mountains.
Great food (and ice cream!) in the stunningly beautiful location of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
Offering a varied, good value menu with a stunning terrace overlooking the impressive Cascade du Rouget waterfall, just 3km from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Only open in summer.
All year round, the village offers a large programme of cultural and sports events : various competitions, festivals, shows, exhibitions, traditional festivals... so many good reasons to visit and come back to Sixt.
All events are available on the Tourist Office’s official website:
The Media Centre - “Point Media”
Located at Place de la Gare, the media centre, is part of the town hall. It hosts the Post Office, the newspaper kiosk and the multimedia library, as well as a computer station with an internet access, all at your disposal.
Cultural activities are also available.
School term opening hours :
Open Mondays to Saturdays mornings from 8:15 am to 11:45 am and on Wednesdays and Fridays afternoons from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
School holidays / half-term opening hours :
Open Mondays to Saturdays mornings from 8:15 am to 11:45 am and Mondays to Fridays afternoons from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Contact information : 04 50 90 01 49 or espace-culturel-sixt@orange.fr
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval boasts its very own ski area which is perfect for beginners and families wanting a hassle free stay. You will find an excellent nursery area surrounded by towering mountains to create a stunning backdrops! Add to that some excellent ski touring/off-piste potential plus quiet, quiet slopes! For those just starting out skiing, and for people with younger kids, or who are a little nervous on the slopes, it's ideal. Those looking to rack up even more piste miles will be pleased to know that the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval ski area forms part of the extensive Grand Massif network with the Cascade piste (the longest blue piste in the world!) descending 14km from Flaine to Sixt. A regular bus service links Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to the Grand Massif Express gondola in Samoëns, providing an fast and efficient link into the Grand Massif ski area.
Those looking for non-ski activities are well catered for with cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, dog sledding and ice climbing all available.
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a year-round resort with spring, summer and autumn offering an almost endless array of activities. Alternatively a tranquil, beautiful location to simply relax and take in the views. The area has an almost unfair share of impressive waterfalls and the ‘Cascade du Rouget’ and incredible Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval should be on every to do list! The area is a hiking paradise offering everything from from gentle strolls along the Giffre river exploring the numerous sleepy hamlets, to all day hikes through the national park taking in towering peaks and hidden mountain lakes. Nestled in the mountains surroundings the village are many mountain refuges offering drinks, lunch, or even a bed for the night should it be required. Add to this mountain biking, white water rafting, via ferrata, rock climbing, pony trekking, local markets, plus a selection of small shops and mini-golf, and it’s easy to see why Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is such an impressive holiday location.
Don't just take our word for it, here's what our guests have had to say about staying in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval -
We went to the playground, to the Cirque-du-fer-à-Cheval, to the swimming pool in Samoëns, lac bleu, watched the rafters, Giles did lots of cycling in the morning, I went for a run, had a glass of wine on the balcony in the evening...just a perfect stay!
Monnickendam family, Le Bella Vista
Tiffanie bakery has a lovely selection of bread and cakes, and also have quiche and other savoury for packed lunch if needed. The local Sherpa supermarche was enough for us to cook each evening... lots of local cheeses and meats in their deli. We hired our ski equipment from local Lionel sports in Sixt. Skiing in Sixt feels a bit wilder and amazing views!
Viveier Family, Le Bella Vista
Chalet Sisu – 5-bedroom, ski in, « ski-out » chalet (or « hike in, hike out » chalet)
Apartment La Tibolire – 2-bedroom apartment opposite the lifts and slopes
Apartment Le Bella Vista – 3-bedroom apartment conveniently located in the heart of the village
