Grammont Hiking Guide: From Lac de Taney to the Most Beautiful View of Lake Geneva

The idyllic Lac de Taney in Lower Valais is the starting point for one of the most beautiful hikes in the Chablais region. The trail leads to the 7,126-foot Grammont, where a unique panorama unfolds over Lake Geneva and the Valais Alps. Those who master the ascent are rewarded not only with spectacular views but can also extend the loop via Alamont into a varied half-day tour.

Hike Starts at Lac de Taney

We couldn’t have asked for better weather for this hike. Grammont had been firmly on our agenda for quite some time – and this time the weather gods were completely on our side. At Lac de Taney, we were greeted with brilliant late summer weather and a cloudless sky. We spent a night at the Refuge du Grammont, located directly on the lake. This allowed us to start the Grammont hike early in the morning – before the first day-trippers arrived.

Over Hill and Dale to Grammont

The ascent to the 7,126-foot Grammont is technically straightforward (even somewhat “boring”) and follows wide gravel paths for much of the way. Directly behind the Refuge du Grammont, a trail branches off to the right, ascending steadily through the forest in long switchbacks. You can make good progress here and are well protected from the sun. Once you leave the forest, your view opens up to the valley’s end and the distinctive twin peaks of “Les Jumelles.”

After the alpine pasture building at “Les Crosses,” the trail becomes somewhat steeper in sections but remains a wide gravel path until about 6,560 feet above sea level. Only in the final half hour of the summit push does the terrain take on a more alpine character. However, it never gets truly rocky. Since Grammont is predominantly grass-covered all the way to the top, it serves as an alpine pasture during the summer months.

Summit Bliss Par Excellence

As soon as the summit cross comes into view, you can already sense the panorama that awaits you at the top. From the summit, a gigantic 360-degree view unfolds over Lake Geneva, the Savoy, Valais, and Bernese Alps – yes, even the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are visible – as well as the unmistakable Mont Blanc. Grammont has truly earned its reputation as a viewpoint mountain! It’s best to pack a picnic and take an extended break up here.

Return to Lac de Taney via Alamont

A particularly recommended variation is combining the Grammont hike with a detour to the neighboring peak Alamont. From here, new perspectives open up over the Rhone Valley and the Dents du Midi. And from the summit cross, you can look down at the lower-lying Lac de Taney.

Hike Details: Lac de Taney – Grammont – Alamont

Using the hiking map below, you can see the route of the hike from Lac de Taney to Grammont and back via Alamont. The first nearly two kilometers are marked in yellow (hiking trail, difficulty level T1/T2). After that, a white-red-white marked mountain hiking trail follows (T2/T3). In the uppermost section, it gets quite steep in places, and due to loose rock, it can be slippery. Good footwear and, depending on your preference, hiking poles are advantageous here.

The starting point at Lac de Taney is only accessible on foot. The nearest postbus stop is in Miex, Le Flon. If you arrive by car, you can park there. Allow approximately one hour and 15 minutes of walking time for the ascent from Miex, Le Flon to Lac de Taney. The trail is quite steep with 1,310 feet of elevation gain.

Starting Point	Refuge du Grammont (4,619 ft. above sea level)
Accessibility	Nearest bus stop: Miex, Le Flon (round trip + 2 h 15 min hiking time)
Distance	5.9 miles
Elevation Gain	↗ 2,820 ft. ↘ 2,820 ft.
Duration	4:00 hours
End Point	Refuge du Grammont (4,619 ft. above sea level)
Dining Options	None along the route

Practical Tips for Your Trip to Lac de Taney

• Best Season: The hike described in this article is typically possible from June through October.
• Getting There & Getting Back: Take the postbus from Aigle to Miex, Le Flon
• Accommodation: Right on the lake at Refuge du Grammont. The lodge offers dormitory beds (starting at 65 CHF) as well as simple, small double rooms (starting at 85 CHF) with shared bathroom/shower facilities. Prices are per person and include half board. A 4-course meal (soup, salad, main course, dessert) is served in the evening. More info: le-grammont.ch
• The Surroundings: Lac de Taney has been under nature protection since the 1960s and is considered a breeding ground for amphibians of national significance. A loop trail leads around the lake in about an hour. If you don’t mind the cold water, you can also swim here.
• Other Hiking Options in the Region: We used our trip to Lac de Taney to complete another section of the Alpine Passes Trail. Stage 42 starting in Torgon leads through varied terrain over 6.2 miles directly to Taney. The hike includes an exposed passage that is, however, secured with ropes.