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Tour of Lac des Plagnes

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
1.8 km
45min
Very easy

  • The Lac des Plagnes is the largest lake in the Abondance valley. Accessible by car, it is located 5 km from the centre of Abondance village. A short walk around the lake to refresh yourself in a mountainous setting.

  • The tour of Lac Plagnes is a pleasant little hike in summer. Picnic tables and benches allow you to enjoy this refreshing spot.

    Lac des Plagnes is a Chablais Unesco Geopark site. From glaciers to bulging peat bogs, the trail around the lake takes you through landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years.

    In May and June, when the ice melts, the lake is at its highest, and the turquoise waters and snow-covered peaks make it a magnificent place to discover. At the end of the lake,...
    The tour of Lac Plagnes is a pleasant little hike in summer. Picnic tables and benches allow you to enjoy this refreshing spot.

    Lac des Plagnes is a Chablais Unesco Geopark site. From glaciers to bulging peat bogs, the trail around the lake takes you through landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years.

    In May and June, when the ice melts, the lake is at its highest, and the turquoise waters and snow-covered peaks make it a magnificent place to discover. At the end of the lake, you can take a variation via the Cubourré waterfall, where you'll discover some lovely cascades.

    From the lake, you can see the sunny side of Mont de Grange, the highest point in the Abondance valley at 2,432 m.

    This hike is accessible to all, as the tour of the lake is designed for the general public.

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

    Map references : Portes du Soleil hiking map in France and Switzerland
    TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    Start: Lac des Plagnes parking lot
    1/ Go down to the edge of the lake and continue along the dike, following signs for "Chalets de Lens" via the "refuge des Tindérêts". Turn left at the end of the dike.
    2/ Around the lake on a fairly wide path. Follow "Tour du lac" (wooden markers).
    3/ At the end of the lake, after the small bridge, take the path up into the forest on your right.
    4/ The tour ends with a descent to the lakeside just below the chalets. Cross several wooden footbridges to reach the dike, planted with larch and birch trees.
    5/Possibility of extending the tour: 250 m ascent, 2.5 km walk.
    Variant via the Cubourré waterfall: after taking the path to the right of the lake, at the end of the lake, before the wooden bridge, take the path towards the Tindérêts refuge and Cubourré. Take the forest track on the left down to the lake parking lot.
  • Departure
    Abondance
  • Difference in height
    55.6667 m
  • Lac des Plagnes car park located less than 10 minutes by car from the centre of the village of Abondance, take direction Lac des Plagnes.
  • Plain text period
    From 01/05 to 01/11.
    Trail accessible with the arrival of good weather. In case of snowfall, avalanche passages. Access prohibited at the end of the lake in winter. Ask at the Tourist Office.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Mountain location
    • Waterside
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
  • Activities
    • Minimum age (in years) :  4
56 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1254 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1180 m
  • Total positive elevation : 56 m
  • Total negative elevation : -56 m
  • Max positive elevation : 49 m
  • Min positive elevation : -52 m
Services
  • Equipment
    • Picnic area
    • Car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Free car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash (fishing area) and wildlife.
    • Restaurant