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Hiking : Lac de Darbon via the 3 passes

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Vacheresse
6.7 km
4h
Quite difficult

  • A hike of medium difficulty, which will allow you to cross the authentic mountain pastures of the Chablais and to discover the Darbon lake, nestled under the beautiful peaks which surround it.

  • Departing from Chalet de Bise, the Lac de Darbon hike is an invitation to discover the wide-open spaces of the mountains. Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging this ecosystem and to respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

    You'll first cross the Bise mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 listed site and emblematic of the Chablais UNESCO World Geopark.

    You will cross 3 passes during your walk.

    First,...
    Departing from Chalet de Bise, the Lac de Darbon hike is an invitation to discover the wide-open spaces of the mountains. Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging this ecosystem and to respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

    You'll first cross the Bise mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 listed site and emblematic of the Chablais UNESCO World Geopark.

    You will cross 3 passes during your walk.

    First, you'll climb to the Col de Bise (1915 m), where you'll enjoy a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva, the Dent du Vélan, and below, Lake Neuteu, with the tête de Charousse ridge on your right and the Pointe de Pavis cliffs on your left.

    You will then reach the Col de Pavis (1944 m) and the Lac de Darbon (1813 m), an ideal spot for a picnic.

    Your final pass is the Col de Floray (1940 m).
    A steep descent takes you back to the chalets de Bise.

    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 walking routes in France and Switzerland
    TOP 25 IGN N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil

    Whatever your hike, remember to take good walking shoes, and in your backpack, cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, as well as clothes adapted to your outing depending on the season and the weather forecast.
  • Sustainable tourism
    Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging the ecosystem and respect the tranquillity of the area, please don't 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.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    1/ Take the track to the left of the stream through the hamlet of Bise, without crossing the bridge. After a flat area, the track splits in two (at a place called "la Salle").
    2/ Turn right towards "Col de Bise" (GR5).
    3/ At Col de Bise, head for Col de Pavis. Go around the "Pavis" and down to an intersection. The terrain is uneven, and you need to cross a few small gravel pits. Climb left towards the pass.
    4/ Descend to Lac de Darbon. Go around the lake to the left and take the path rising to the left towards the Col de Floray. Follow the ridge and plunge left. The slope is steep.
    5/ Then follow the pastures at the start of the hike to reach the Bise chalets.
  • Departure
    Vacheresse
  • Difference in height
    524.635 m
  • Access (Car): From Thonon-les-Bains, follow signs for Vallée d'Abondance, Châtel. Enter Vacheresse and head for Bise-Ubine, then Bise. Park in the Bise parking lot near the refuge.
  • Plain text period
    From 01/06 to 15/10.
    Please check with the Tourist Office for the latest information on access conditions. This route is usually suitable for strong walkers during spring, summer, and autumn, except in adverse weather.

    Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view
    • Mountain location
    • Town location
    • Presence of livestock and guard dogs
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
525 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1948 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1502 m
  • Total positive elevation : 525 m
  • Total negative elevation : -525 m
  • Max positive elevation : 381 m
  • Min positive elevation : -75 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Free car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds and wildlife.