8/7 Fer-a-Cheval back to Samoens

I had read that nearby was a spectacular scenic area known as the Fer-a-Cheval which was further past where the GR5 turned and left the area. So we took a cab to this area and then walked back through the beautiful town of Sixt Fer-a-Cheval where we picked up the GR and followed it backwards to Samoens. In retrospect I would have simply walked to Sixt... after a night in Samoens- then taxied up to Fer a Cheval in the afternoon and walked back to Sixt for the night. I offer this suggestion because the light hits the waterfalls in the afternoon - they were too shaded in the morning.
Fer - a - Cheval is beautiful. Think of Yosemite valley with intensely green walls and you might get the idea. A huge horseshoe basin with a distinctive peak at one end, waterfalls were all around and one pours out of the mountainside exiting a subterranean river. Spectacular is an understatement. In good weather it a place to spend a full day with plentiful hiking. The taxi was 15€ - good value. So after we were dropped off I found it impossible to turn around and walk back. The was a trail leading up valley with destinations hours ahead. But we walked slowly amidst the many families till we reached a cafe where we settled for a refreshment before walking back. This place needs a day! We returned to our drop off and by this time ~ 1130 the sun had come around onto a few of the falls. Magnificent. A 1€ map was worthwhile and shows the trail back to Sixt and well as the hookup to the. GR at the gorge just past it. The walk is easy maybe 6 km - with woods and the steam close by making nice audio backdrop. A few muddy spots and a couple steep downs - no big deal. We had a late lunch in beautiful Sixt Fer a Cheval. It's been described as one of the most beautiful villages in France although we've heard this a few times now. Indeed. It is gorgeous with picturesque buildings. Alter lunch we strolled down valley as new views opened to the left looking up to where the GR would lead us tomorrow. There was some confusion reaching the gorge parking area as to where the GR links up. Here there is a bridge crossing high above the slot gorge where we watched paddlers proceed one at a time. It wasn't clear if you could connect to the GR from across h the bridge ( it turns out you can by a branch switch backing up to it.) Past the parking area along the road a short steep gravel path leads downhill across a metal bridge here low to the gorge and just across a sign shows the GR 5 connection up and down valley. The walk back was peaceful beside the rushing water. There is a parallel bike path more in the open. Suddenly a another stream comes down and crossing it in a bridge you enter Samoens.