Le Suet

Le Suet is a viewpoint summit in the municipality of Glières-Val-de-Borne, rising to 1,863 meters between the Glières plateau and the Bornes massif, on the ridge extending from Mont Lachat. Despite its modest altitude, it offers one of the finest panoramas near Saint-Jean-de-Sixt — a natural balcony stretched out above the valley.

How do you get there?

The starting point for the hike is the Forgeassoud-Dessus car park, located just outside Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. To reach it, follow the road toward Grand-Bornand and turn left immediately after the town hall, heading toward Forgeassoud-Dessus. The walking route to the summit begins from there.

What does the route look like?

The trail covers 6.3 km round trip and is rated as an intermediate-level hike: the climb takes roughly 2 hours 10 minutes, the descent about 1 hour 30 minutes, with a total elevation gain of around 820 meters. The walk starts along a short stretch of paved road before turning onto a marked path that enters the dense Perrière forest. The next stretch is a steady climb through the trees, guided by yellow-and-green arrows and red markings painted on rocks. After about an hour of walking, hikers reach the Cabane du Suet, a natural spot to pause before continuing. From there the path keeps climbing through the forest, eventually opening onto grassy slopes before reaching the summit after a series of switchbacks.

What will you see from the summit?

The reward for the climb is a wide panorama: the Lake Geneva basin comes into view, along with the slender silhouette of the Aravis range, and on clear days some Savoyard peaks visible on the horizon. The route is relatively quiet compared to the region's better-known viewpoints, making it a good choice for hikers looking for a calmer outing.

Is Le Suet only for hikers?

Le Suet is also known among climbers — the site includes rock sectors used for sport climbing, drawing visitors beyond hikers who want direct contact with the rock faces around the Bornes massif.

When should you visit?

Given the altitude of 1,863 meters and a route that runs partly through forest and partly across open terrain, the best window for the hike runs from late spring through early autumn, when the trail is dry and free of snow. Starting early helps avoid the heat of the forest climb and improves the odds of clear, unobstructed views over Lake Geneva.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach the summit of Le Suet? The ascent from the Forgeassoud-Dessus car park takes around 2 hours 10 minutes, with the descent taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. The full round trip covers 6.3 km with an elevation gain of 820 meters.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The most convenient starting point is the Forgeassoud-Dessus car park, reached from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt by following the road toward Grand-Bornand and turning left just past the town hall.

What can you see from the top of Le Suet? The panorama takes in the Lake Geneva basin, the Aravis mountain range, and on clear days some Savoyard peaks on the horizon.

Is Le Suet suitable for beginners? The trail is rated intermediate — it demands stamina for a long forest climb but no technical skills, making it a solid option for hikers with some basic mountain-walking experience.