Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sunsets. Don’t miss the stunning color gradients that light up our mountains. That’s why we’ve put together our top 5 spots to catch a sunset, with varying levels of difficulty: accessible by trail for the adventurous, or by car for those looking for a peaceful paradise.
Before heading up and soaking in the view, here are some tips and tricks for a perfect sunset:
- Plan for an outing between 6 PM and 9 PM to enjoy the hike, the aperitif, and the descent before nightfall.
- A headlamp is highly recommended.
- Even in summer, bring a sweater: temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- Make sure to charge your phones for added safety.
1. THE TÊTE DU DANAY HIKING EXPERIENCE
We start with a classic, a sunset accessible by hiking to the Tête du Danay.
We recommend starting from Lac des Confins for a hike of about 2 hours, of moderate difficulty.
At the summit, you’ll find a large cross, an orientation table, and a 360° panoramic view of the entire valley (Le Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Thônes, Manigod), as well as the Aravis mountain range.
During your break, you can picnic while admiring the Aravis range as it transforms into beautiful colors at sunset.
2. BEAUREGARD ON E-BIKE
This second getaway is for e-bike enthusiasts.
Ride up from the village via trail 40, passing by Lac de la Ferriaz, then join a section of trail 48 (or 20) via the Col de la Croix Fry.
At the summit, settle at 1647 for an aperitif with a sunset view. You can also take a walk on the plateau, offering stunning views of the Aravis mountain range, Mont-Blanc, and Mont-Charvin.
The show begins when the mountains are bathed in vivid pink hues in the last light of the day.
To descend, you can either take the road back or return via the same trail 40 you used on the way up.
3. POINTE DE TARDEVANT ON TRAIL
Now we move to the expert level with the Pointe de Tardevant trail.
For a more challenging route, you can choose to go all the way to Lac de Tardevant.
We recommend starting from the parking lot at the end of the Confins valley. Hike up to Lac de Tardevant: Along the way, you may encounter patous, the dogs that protect the livestock. For their peace (and yours), it’s best to observe them from a distance without getting too close.
Once at the summit, the sunset will unfold behind you, bathing the Aravis mountain range in its most beautiful colors.
4. CRÊT DU MERLE BY CAR
We finish with two spots accessible by car.
First, easily reach Crêt du Merle by car via the Crêt du Merle road all the way to the top. To get to the large “La Clusaz” letters, there’s a short 5-10 minute walk. Once there, you’ll find a wide open space perfect for picnicking and enjoying time with family. You can admire the sunset to the east of the letters.
5. Col des Aravis
Next, for a short walk and to stretch your legs, stop at Col des Aravis.
Settle on the terrace or in a restaurant and watch Mont-Blanc take on the colors of twilight.
Before you leave, make sure to check the weather conditions via the webcam to ensure the summit is clear!
