Tour des Oches trekking holidays

Escape to the heart of a listed site dominated by the first peaks of the French Pre-Alps, with its mountain passes and lakes.

Come and escape to the heart of a listed site dominated by the first peaks of the French Pre-Alps, along mountain passes and lakes. You'll share life on the mountain pastures with the men and women who perpetuate pastoral culture and traditions, and sample local produce. You'll discover the unspoilt, protected nature of the Chablais region, including the Massif des Cornettes de Bise. Day 1: Meet in Bernex at 8:30 a.m. to drive 5 minutes to the start of the hike. Accompanied by your mountain leader, the route takes you through the forest to the first alpine meadows, revealing the Dent d'Oche at 2222m. You'll then enjoy views of Lake Geneva, Europe's largest lake and the border between France and Switzerland. Picnic lunch (provided by you) in the heart of the mountain. The hike continues to the cirque de Bise, a listed site, where you descend to the refuge. If you're lucky, you'll come across the lords of the mountains, the ibex. Arrive at the refuge around 4:00 pm, where you can enjoy the enchanting setting at the foot of the Cornettes de Bise (2432m). Installation in the dormitory and dinner at the refuge. Hiking: approx. 1,000 m ascent - approx. 670 m descent - approx. 10.5 km - 4 to 5 hours' effective walking time. Lunch: packed lunch provided by you Dinner: Hot meal prepared by the refuge, drinks not included (bring cash) Night: at the Bise refuge in a shared dormitory (no wifi, no telephone network) Day 2: After breakfast at the refuge, you'll resume your hike towards the alpine farm in the wild combes. The morning is the ideal time to observe the mountain's varied fauna. You'll meet the alpagistes and their cows, who produce milk for the famous Abondance cheese and many other lesser-known but just as good cheeses. At lunchtime, you'll be served a tasty meal on the alpine farm. In the afternoon, you'll climb up to the last pass and its viewpoint, before descending to enjoy the last views of the Dent d'Oche. Return to Bernex around 4pm. Hike: approx. 800 m ascent - approx. 1,100 m descent - approx. 12 km - 5 to 6 hours' effective walking time Breakfast at the refuge Lunch: meal at alpine farm (drinks included) This program may be modified before or at any time during the trip by the professional supervisor, depending on weather conditions, participants' physical and technical abilities, availability of accommodation or any other unexpected event. In the final analysis, the program is the sole responsibility of the supervisor. The trip is organized by Alp'Evianature, an association of local mountain leaders, mountain guides and mountain professionals, in partnership with AEM Voyages.