This walk follows the footsteps of former smugglers and customs officers who criss-crossed the region until the 1950s.
The view over the Illiez and Abondance valleys reveal a fraction of the many routes taken by the smugglers on their clandestine operations. Their encounters have left some wonderful and revealing stories in this frontier region which are starting to fade from memory.
To learn more about their aventures, you can rent a special battery pack from the "Vieille Douane" or Châtel Tourisme, between mid-June and September, which activates the audio posts ("borne sonore") along the way.
From the old customs building "Vieille Douane", follow the RD22 road to Morgins for about 100 metres, then take the track that leads straight to the border and to markers 1737 and 1891.
Carry on towards "La Pointe du Midi". There's a shorcut for families to head back through the forest, if needed.
For a harder walk, head along the border ridge by the "Plan des Mitres", to the "Col de Fecon". Head home via the "Perthuis" chalets and "Aity" before arriving at the "Vieille Douane".
Pricing
Free access.
Route GPX track
Address
Parking Caisses du Lac, 74390, Châtel
Opening
From 01/06 to 31/10 daily.
Accessible outside of snowy periods and depending on weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office in advance to find out the current access conditions. Recommended period for use: spring, summer, and autumn.