Trails & Inspiration

World's Best Hikes 4: Lac D'Emosson to Le Buet

In part 4 of our World’s Best Hikes series, SportsShoes ambassador Ben Mounsey describes his alpine experience of walking from Lac d'Emosson in Switzerland to Le Buet in France.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ROUTE IN KOMOOT

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I challenge you to find a more spectacular 10K route than this stunning mountain trail from Lac d'Emosson, which starts on the border in Switzerland and finishes at Le Buet in France.

DO NOT forget your phone or camera, as this is one adventure you will not forget in a hurry and in good weather you're guaranteed to take some stunning photographs of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.

Perhaps the most appealing part of this particular route is the fact it starts at around 2000m and gradually descends to the valley floor (although there is still some climbing to be done on the trail).

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Pictured: Lac d'Emosson

To get to Lac d'Emosson and the start there are several options:

1. Extend the route and walk to Lac d'Emosson from Barbarine or Le Châtelard.
2. Catch the bus to the Lac d'Emosson (cheapest option).
3. Drive to the top and make this a circular, or out and back route.
4. Or, choose the best, albeit most expensive option, and take the train/funicular (which is an incredible experience in itself!)

From Le Châtelard (VS) via three trains:

• Funicular railway from Le Châtelard to Les Montuires.

• Panorama train from Les Montuires to the foot of the Emosson Dam.

• Minifunicular to Emosson Square, overlooking the reservoir.

Click here to visit the MySwitzerland for more information

Before setting off on your walk, I recommend taking some time to enjoy the breath-taking views at Lac d'Emosson. Sit and enjoy a pre-hike coffee in the cafe above the car park, or spend some time taking some photographs of the 360-degree views.

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Pictured: The view of Mont Blanc from the trail

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Take care negotiating the trail, it is rocky and technical in parts and you will need to be sure-footed. However, navigation is very straight-forward all the way to the Refuge de Loriaz and the views towards Mont Blanc en-route are simply breath-taking.

Top Tip: Remember to carry some cash as the Refuge doesn't accept card payments here.

As the route descends from the Refuge and through the woodland, it will feel like you're stepping into another world – perhaps the closest thing you'll experience to wandering through Narnia. The path twists and turns on the most beautiful of trails as you pass through tiny alpine settlements with charming lodges and huts, before reaching one of the route's major highlights - the impressive waterfall below Les Granges.

As you continue to descend towards the valley floor, the idyllic landscape continues to deliver a visual feast for the eyes, one which can only be physically matched with some traditional food and drink in the fabulous Le Buet hotel, a local establishment full of character and rich in history, providing a fitting end to a perfect day.

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Pictured: One of the charming alpine huts at Sur-Le-Rocher

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For this particular hike, our top shoe recommendations are the adidas Terrex Swift R3 Walking Shoes, or the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 Mid GTX (if you prefer a higher fitting boot). This is because the path is quite challenging and technical in parts, so grip, stability and support are the highest priorities.

Please note: If you're looking for a walking shoe to wear in the hot summer months, you won't need to buy the GORETEX version of these shoes.

Check out our detailed reviews of both shoes below;

REVIEW: ADIDAS TERREX SWIFT R3 WALKING SHOES

REVIEW: LA SPORTIVA ULTRA RAPTOR 2 MID GTX WALKING BOOTS

Photos: Ben Mounsey

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Follow Ben and all his outdoor komoot adventures here.

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