Through the Vallon de They to the sources of the Vièze

The path from Morgins to the sources of the Vièze river shows the different ways water has shaped the landscape. The hike passes mineral-rich springs, a waterfall, mountain lakes, and charming restaurants and mountain inns where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.     

The starting point of the hike is the centre of Morgins. The path then climbs up to the banks of the Vièze, where you soon encounter the first highlight, “the red springs,” the iron-rich water that attracted the first tourists to Morgins in 1820.

The hike then continues along the bank, past the restaurant Cantine de They into higher areas of the valley. Over a steep zigzag path, it goes right up to the waterfall, the Fontaine-Blanche – which gives the impression that the water flows directly out of the bare rock.

This is one of several characteristic features of a karst landscape: water streams that disappear underground in karst sinkholes (dolines) and then reappear at the foot of the rock as a spring, a sinkhole, and bizarre rock shapes created by the water.

Furthermore, the path climbs up to Lac de Chésery (which is fed by underground water streams to the Fontaine Blanche) and even higher to Lac Vert. There is the mountain inn Refuge de Chésery (1,985 m), a former stable from the 19th century renovated in 1987. A highlight is the tasty food and the chance to fish for brown and rainbow trout in the lake.

The hike then goes over two passes – including the Portes du Soleil, which gave its name to the whole region – before descending to La Tovassière, an alpine dairy and a restaurant with local specialties and dishes with local cheese.

Afterwards, you reach the valley floor and the path follows the Vièze back to Morgins.

Highlights:  

NB The mountain inn Refuge de Chésery is open until the end of September.