Chaîne des Fiz, mountain in France
Chaîne des Fiz is a mountain chain featuring limestone formations near Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval in the Passy region, France. It consists of layered sedimentary rock with sharp peaks and steep cliff faces that rise for hundreds of meters, creating numerous passages between the high points.
The rocks of the Fiz chain formed during the Cretaceous period and were later uplifted by Alpine mountain building. In 1751, a major rockfall occurred in an area called Dérochoir, killing several people and animals and leaving an enduring change to the landscape.
The Fiz chain holds a visible place in the local landscape, shaping how people in Passy and nearby areas experience their surroundings. The cliff face serves as a natural landmark where visitors can experience the relationship between humans and the mountain environment directly.
Good hiking boots are necessary as trails go over rocky terrain and some sections can be steep. Water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing are important, especially in warmer months when you want protection from UV exposure and dehydration.
Dérochoir is an area where you can clearly see the effects of the 1751 rockfall, with large blocks and rubble accumulated from the collapse over generations. The irregular rocks and crevasses in this zone offer hikers a tangible insight into the forces that shape mountain landscapes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
