Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, Natural limestone cirque in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, France.
The limestone walls stretch over 5 kilometers, forming a horseshoe shape with cliffs reaching heights of 2000 meters above the valley floor.
The geological formation emerged during the last ice age when glaciers carved this natural amphitheater in the eastern part of Giffre Valley.
The cirque maintains a partnership with Gavarnie Cirque in the Pyrenees, highlighting the importance of preserving French geological heritage sites.
A parking fee applies from May to September, while the site offers dedicated facilities including orientation boards, picnic areas, and accessible paths.
During spring snowmelt in June, over thirty waterfalls cascade down the limestone cliffs, creating multiple streams across the rock face.
Location: Haute-Savoie
Location: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Elevation above the sea: 1,050 m
Address: 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, France 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
GPS coordinates: 46.07823,6.84060
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
The Haute-Savoie region presents waterfalls of varying sizes. The Cascade d'Arpenaz drops 860 meters, while Cascade du Dard remains hidden in the forest. The Cascades d'Angon and Cascade de la Diosaz cut through mountain gorges. The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval features multiple waterfalls within a valley basin.
The Alps contain numerous natural landmarks, from high-altitude lakes with clear waters to prominent mountain peaks. This range features deep gorges with vertical walls, glaciers extending for kilometers, and distinctive geological formations. Lakes reflect surrounding peaks, while limestone formations create unique landscapes across different regions of the Alpine arc.
Émosson Dam
7.2 km
Lake of Émosson
5.9 km
Cascade du Rouget
7.8 km
Cirque du Bout du Monde
4 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Sixt-Passy
3.4 km
Dents Blanches
6.1 km
Mont Ruan
6.9 km
Abbaye de Sixt
5.5 km
Lac du Vieux Émosson
4.2 km
Fontanabran
7.9 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Samoëns
8.8 km
Aiguille de Criou
6.3 km
Cascade de la Lyre
1.7 km
Pic de Tenneverge
3.5 km
Tour Sallière
8.5 km
Col de Bretolet
8 km
Cornes du Chamois
2.4 km
Le Vieux Émosson
4.2 km
Cirque des Fonts
6 km
Grenier de Commune
3.4 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Vallorcine
8.6 km
Eau de Bérard
8.8 km
Pointe de la Finive
4 km
Fontaine aux bourneaux
6.7 km
Oratoire de Maison-Neuve
6.3 km
Chalet du Boret
2.7 km
Grotte du Cirque du Bout-du-monde
3.9 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Compassion
8.8 kmReviews
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