Family Friendly Easy Hike In Morzine With A Choice Of Distance
If you’re looking for a hassle free, easy hike in Morzine then the Dereche circuit is just what your after. By far and away this walk is the easiest and most accessible route in the area and is completely flat. Starting and finishing on your doorstep in central Morzine this route follows the River Dranse through a tranquil forest setting and offers a choice of distances.
We recommend you park/start at the Palais des Sportes in the town centre and you can start and finish the circuit here, there is a bridge across the river by the car park so you can take your pick of which side to start.
Pick Your Route
photo credit Morznet
There are three circuit options of varying length which are chosen by taking one of the three bridges across the river (please note, there are actually 4 bridges as there is a bridge by the equine centre which we have not included so don’t take this bridge or your walk will be over before it has started).
The first bridge will see you on a short 40 minute stroll, the second bridge will take you on an hour loop and the third and final bridge will be a longer 1 hour 20 minute circuit. The last bridge is by the football pitch in Montriond (if you get to the main road, you’ve gone too far) and all three circuits are flat.
The River Dranse
The route follows the river along the valley and once you pass the high ropes course and equine centre near the start of the walk, the Dereche offers a very peaceful stroll and there is lots of wildlife to be seen along the river. The source of the river Dranse is snowmelt up at the far end of Vallee de la Manche which then flows all the way down through Morzine, along the Dereche before heading down the valley ending up in Lake Geneva.
The river becomes more aggressive lower down the valley and a range of water sports are on offer including white water rafting and hydrospeeding. Please click here for more information on rafting.
Once back at the Palais des Sports you can jump in the lift up to the Super Morzine lift station where you can take in the views from the suspension bridge or take a short stroll into the town centre for some refreshment.
And what better way to end a days hiking than soaking up the evening sun from the terrace or hot tub of your luxury central Morzine self catered chalet or apartment. If you haven’t yet booked your Morzine accommodation then please drop us a line using the contact us form or browse through our exclusive portfolio of luxury Morzine self catered chalets and apartments here
Click here to see our other favourite routes for hiking in Morzine