Across Vallon de They to the sources of the Vièze

This walk from Morgins up to the sources of the River Vièze explores the many ways in which water has shaped the landscape. Along the way, it passes mineral-rich springs, a waterfall, alpine lakes – and some charming restaurants and refuges at which to admire the scenery.

Starting in the centre of the resort, the trail leads upstream along the banks of the Vièze. Soon it passes a curiosity: the “red spring”, whose iron-rich waters brought the first tourists to Morgins back in 1820 to “take the waters”.

The trail continues upriver, passing the welcoming Cantine de They restaurant, until it reaches the upper sections of the valley. Here it zig-zags steeply uphill to the right to the top of a waterfall, the Fontaine Blanche – whose waters appear to emerge from the bare rock.

This is one of several features characteristic of a karst landscape: streams that disappear underground into sinkholes only to re-emerge downhill in the form of a spring, sinkholes and bizarre shapes sculptured in the rock by water.

Beyond, the trail climbs higher to the Lac de Chésery (whose waters feed the Fontaine Blanche via underground streams), and higher again to the Lac Vert. Here, the Refuge de Chésery (1,985 m) is a stable built in the mid-19th century and converted into a refuge in 1987. Attractions include delicious mountain cuisine and the chance to fish in the lake for brown and rainbow trout.

The trail then leads by two passes – including the Portes du Soleil, which gave its name to the whole holiday region – before descending again to La Tovassière, an alpine dairy farm and restaurant where specialities include dishes made from the local cheese.

After dropping back to the floor of the valley, the trail follows the Vièze once again into Morgins.

Highlights 

• Vallon de They – idyllic, unspoilt mountain valley
• Variety of landscapes: woodland, open pastures, alpine lakes, waterfalls and high passes
• Multiple refreshment stops en route

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