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Darbon loop

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Vacheresse
11.0 km
5h
Hard

  • A lovely loop that takes you to Lac de Darbon and crosses its mountain pastures, with many pretty viewpoints!

  • A challenging day hike to discover Lac de Darbon and the surrounding mountains.

    From Lac de Fontaine, you'll reach the Bise mountain pasture on a forest trail.

    The Bise mountain pasture is a Unesco Geopark. Its landscapes offer a real journey through time, from the history of the formation of the Alps to the history of the people who have inhabited this mountain environment with their herds.

    You'll then climb to the Col de Floray (1925 m), from where you'll overlook Lac de Darbon...
    A challenging day hike to discover Lac de Darbon and the surrounding mountains.

    From Lac de Fontaine, you'll reach the Bise mountain pasture on a forest trail.

    The Bise mountain pasture is a Unesco Geopark. Its landscapes offer a real journey through time, from the history of the formation of the Alps to the history of the people who have inhabited this mountain environment with their herds.

    You'll then climb to the Col de Floray (1925 m), from where you'll overlook Lac de Darbon and the Alpage de Bise.

    You'll then descend to Lac de Darbon, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip! A picnic is welcome.

    You may even spot ibex, which are plentiful in this area.

    You'll then climb up to the Darbon mountain pastures and reach the chalets.

    The return to Lac de Fontaine is via a fairly steep path through the Bouaz mountain pastures.

    This hike can be started from the Bise mountain pasture.




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    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panel and green writing.

    Map references : Map of the Portes du Soleil hiking trails in France and Switzerland
    TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil
  • Sustainable tourism
    Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging the ecosystem and respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

    To respect agricultural practices, natural areas and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them.
    Keep and sort your garbage, stay on the paths and close the fences.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    0/ Start: Lac de Fontaine parking lot
    1/ Take the forest path to the left of the lake, towards "Chalets de Bise".
    2/ At the Bise mountain pasture, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray" and "Col de Bise".
    3/ At the next intersection, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray".
    4/ At Col de Floray, descend to Lac de Darbon.
    5/ At the lake, follow the path towards "Darbon".
    6/ At the Darbon chalets, take the path down to the left towards "Bouaz Dessous", "Bouaz Dessus" and "Lac de Fontaine".
    7/ Take this path downhill to Lac de Fontaine.
  • Departure
    Vacheresse
  • Difference in height
    824.656 m
  • In the Abondance valley, at Vacheresse, take the direction of Bise.
    Large car park on arrival at the Bise mountain pasture.
    No public transport service.
  • Plain text period
    From 01/06 to 19/11.
    Opening periods :
    Accessible outside the snow season and according to weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions.
    Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view
    • Close to GR footpath
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
825 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1946 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1343 m
  • Total positive elevation : 825 m
  • Total negative elevation : -825 m
  • Max positive elevation : 442 m
  • Min positive elevation : -442 m
Services
  • Equipment
    • Parking nearby
    • Public WC
    • Picnic area
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds, Natura 2000 reserve and hunting reserve.
    • Accommodation
    • Restaurant