Lac Tanay & Le Grammont – A Family Hike with an Optional Summit Challenge

🗺️ Overview

• Starting point: Miex, Valais (1,000m)
• Arrival:
  • Lac Tanay (1,400m) – Family-friendly hike
  • Le Grammont (2,172m) – Optional extension for experienced hikers
• Altitude gain:
  • 400m to Lac Tanay
  • +600m to Le Grammont (1,000m total)
• Duration:
  • Lac Tanay: 1 hour up, 30 min around the lake
  • Le Grammont: +1h30 from the lake to the summit
• Difficulty:
  • Lac Tanay: Easy (family-friendly)
  • Le Grammont: Moderate (not suitable for small kids)
• Best time to go: Late spring to early autumn

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A Hidden Alpine Gem: Lac Tanay

One of my favorite family-friendly hikes in summer is Lac Tanay, a peaceful alpine lake tucked away in the Valais region. Unlike other well-known spots, it remains relatively quiet even in peak season, making it perfect for a relaxing day in nature.

The hike starts from Miex (1,000m), where there’s a parking area called Le Flon. From there, the trail climbs through shaded forest for about an hour, gaining 400m in altitude before reaching the lake at 1,400m.

To prove how accessible it is—we even did it with a 2-month-old baby strapped to the chest! That said, it’s best to avoid going too early in spring, as lingering snow can make the trail tricky. Also, arriving early in the morning is a good idea since the parking fills up quickly.

Relaxing by the Lake

Once at Lac Tanay, you’ll find chalets serving coffee and snacks, as well as plenty of open space along the shore to picnic, relax, or let kids play. If you’re in the mood for a bit more walking, a short 30-minute loop around the lake offers lovely views.

Extending the Hike: Climbing to Le Grammont

If you’re feeling energetic (and don’t have small kids with you), you can extend the hike all the way to Le Grammont (2,172m). This iconic peak faces Lake Geneva and is easily recognizable from Lausanne.

Although not technically difficult, this 600m climb brings the total altitude gain to 1,000m, making it a solid hike.

The Route to the Summit

From Lac Tanay, continue along the trail until you reach Refuge La Vouivre. Here, you have two options:

• Right: A loop around the lake, bringing you back to your starting point.
• Left: The path to Le Grammont, marked with yellow signposts.

The climb begins through forest, and at around 1,700m, the landscape opens into high pastures. After about 1h15, you’ll reach the ridge, which you follow for another 15-20 minutes to the summit.

The final ascent is straightforward—no technical difficulties, just a steady uphill trek.

The Summit View – A Matter of Luck!

At the top, if the weather is on your side, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva stretching far below. Unfortunately, I’ve been there three times and only got a clear view once! But maybe you’ll be luckier than me.

Either way, Lac Tanay is a fantastic family-friendly destination, and Le Grammont offers a rewarding challenge for those seeking a bigger adventure.