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Ascent to the Roc de Tavaneuse

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
7.8 km
5h
Hard

  • A sportive hike to reach the top of the Roc de Tavaneuse, this top offer you a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc. On the way down, you can enjoy the most beautiful lake of the Chablais: the lake of Tavaneuse!

  • The Roc de Tavaneuse, reserved for good walkers, is a beautiful summit to discover in the Vallée d'Abondance.

    Starting from the Prétairié parking lot, you cross a forest.

    THE TRAIL THROUGH THE SERRANANTS CHALETS IS CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2023 AND 2024 DUE TO A LANDSLIDE.
    Variation: take the path that rises steeply on the left before the Serranants chalets, or start from the Plagnes lake (more gradual ascent, see itinerary).

    Then follow the signs for the chalets de Tavaneuse to reach the...
    The Roc de Tavaneuse, reserved for good walkers, is a beautiful summit to discover in the Vallée d'Abondance.

    Starting from the Prétairié parking lot, you cross a forest.

    THE TRAIL THROUGH THE SERRANANTS CHALETS IS CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2023 AND 2024 DUE TO A LANDSLIDE.
    Variation: take the path that rises steeply on the left before the Serranants chalets, or start from the Plagnes lake (more gradual ascent, see itinerary).

    Then follow the signs for the chalets de Tavaneuse to reach the lake.

    The climb is fairly steep and there is little shade, so on hot days it's best to start out cool.

    You'll reach the superb Tavaneuse mountain lake with its transparent turquoise waters.

    The cliffs of the Petite Pointe du Piron and the Col de Tavaneuse overlook the lake. Follow the path to the Col de Tavaneuse (1997 m), then the ridge path to the summit of Roc de Tavaneuse.
    A panoramic view of the Chablais mountains and the Mont Blanc massif awaits you.

    The descent follows the same route to the lake, offering 3 possible alternatives to get back to the starting point.

    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panels with green lettering.

    Tricky passages : On the way down, the terrain can be muddy and slippery.
    It is recommended to pass by the Serranants chalets.

    Map references : Portes du Soleil hiking map in France and Switzerland
    TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil

    Mountain boots are strongly recommended.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    0/Start : Pretairié.

    1/ Take the path towards Les Serranants. On the path, fork to the left and climb the path through the alder forest. The path can be slippery.

    2/ The narrow path climbs steeply towards the Tavaneuse stream. Once you reach a small promontory above the waterfall, the path climbs again and takes you to the Tavaneuse chalets.

    3/ Continue beyond them to climb straight up into the combe to reach Lac de Tavaneuse.

    4/ Turn right towards Col de Tavaneuse.

    5/ At the Col, take the path leading to the Roc de Tavaneuse.

    6/ Take the same route down to Lac des Plagnes.

    From Lac de Tavaneuse, there are three possible routes back to Prétairié:
    - via the ascent itinerary in 1h20, or more quickly in 1h by cutting through the alder forest;
    - via the Entre Deux Pertuis chalets in 2 hrs;
    - via Lac des Plagnes in 3h35.
938 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 2118 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1138 m
  • Total positive elevation : 938 m
  • Total negative elevation : -938 m
  • Max positive elevation : 938 m
  • Min positive elevation : -21 m
Services
  • Equipment
    • Car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Free car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a lead.