Where is Lac Vert located and at what altitude?

Lac Vert is located in the municipality of Passy, in Haute-Savoie, at about 1,270 meters altitude, at the foot of the Fiz mountain range, between Sallanches and Chamonix.

How long does it take to walk around Lac Vert?

The complete tour of the lake takes about fifteen minutes in summer, on a developed trail accessible to all, including families with young children.

Can you swim in Lac Vert?

No, swimming is strictly prohibited. Lac Vert is a classified natural site and a fragile ecosystem, preserved for its biodiversity and water quality.

How do you access Lac Vert by car?

Access is via the D43 road towards Plaine-Joux, where a parking lot allows reaching the lake in a few minutes on foot.

Is Lac Vert accessible in winter?

Yes, the site is accessible all year round. In winter, it becomes an initiation snowshoe route, notably from the top of the Barmus chairlift.

Where does Lac Vert's emerald color come from?

This hue comes from the presence of microscopic algae and underwater vegetation, combined with very clear water which lets trunks and submerged plants appear on the lake bottom.

Lac de Vallon (Bellevaux): guide, history and hiking

In brief

Vallon Lake is an artificial mountain lake located at an altitude of 1,085 m, in the municipality of Bellevaux, at the foot of Roc d’Enfer.
It was formed in 1943 following a landslide that swallowed the hamlet of Econduit, still visible in clear weather.
Accessible for families (parking, picnic area), it can be explored on foot, by bike, or on snowshoes depending on the season.
It is part of the Chablais Geopark, whose history is told at the Maison de la Belle Vallée in Bellevaux.

Sommaire

Description of Vallon Lake

Nested in the heart of the Chablais massif, at 1,085 meters altitude, Vallon Lake stretches at the foot of the majestic Roc d’Enfer, in the municipality of Bellevaux in Haute-Savoie. Its waters, with emerald and turquoise hues depending on the light, make it one of the most photographed natural sites in the Léman Alps area.

Surrounded by forests and alpine meadows, the lake offers a peaceful setting, punctuated by wooden piers that allow a walk or bike ride around it. Its modest size and relatively easy access make it a very popular destination for families, while also attracting anglers, as the lake is known for its trout population.

History: a hamlet swallowed in 1943

What makes Vallon Lake special is its origin. It did not always exist in this location: a landslide that occurred in 1943 transformed the landscape and gave birth to the current lake, swallowing the hamlet of Econduit in the process.

In clear weather and low water, it is possible to see beneath the surface the remains of the foundations of the houses of the lost hamlet, a striking testimony to this geological event. Today, this story makes Vallon Lake one of the must-see sites of the Chablais Geopark, a territory recognized for the richness of its geological heritage. To learn more about this event and the local history, a visit to the Maison de la Belle Vallée in Bellevaux is highly recommended.

Practical information

Information	Detail
Municipality	Bellevaux (Haute-Savoie)
Altitude	1,085 m
Access	Vallon Lake parking, La Chèvrerie, 74470 Bellevaux
Price	Free
Opening period	All year round, subject to favorable weather conditions
On-site services	Parking, picnic area, pets allowed
Activities	Hiking, mountain biking/biking, fishing, snowshoeing in winter

Access to the lake is from the hamlet of La Chèvrerie, in the municipality of Bellevaux, where a dedicated parking lot allows easy access to the shores. The walk around the lake, without major difficulty, is suitable for families with children as well as more casual walkers, while longer routes allow extending the outing to the surrounding alpine pastures.

What to do around Vallon Lake?

The lake tour. The classic route, accessible to the whole family, allows walking or biking (including electric mountain biking) along the shores, enjoying views of Roc d’Enfer and the surrounding mountains. The lake tour takes about 1 hour on mostly flat terrain.

Hiking to Pointe de la Gay. For more experienced hikers, this hike starting from the lake area leads to the alpine pastures of Tré le Saix, offering a wider panorama of the Léman Alps and the Roc d’Enfer massif.

Trout fishing. Vallon Lake is a favored spot for anglers, known for its trout populations.

Snowshoeing in winter. Once the snow is settled, the lake tour becomes an accessible winter walk, one of the most popular snowshoe outings in Chablais.

The Maison de la Belle Vallée in Bellevaux. To complement the visit, this museum space recounts the 1943 landslide story and presents the geological heritage of the Chablais Geopark.

The village of Bellevaux. A natural starting point to reach the lake, the village is also worth a visit for its authentic mountain setting and local shops.

To read: The Lakes of Haute-Savoie

view over Vallon Lake from the forest trail

FAQ: your questions about Vallon Lake

Is Vallon Lake free of charge?
No, access to the lake and its parking lot are free.

Can you swim in Vallon Lake?
The lake is primarily a hiking and fishing site; swimming is not the main activity and there are no specific facilities for it.

Is Vallon Lake family-friendly?
Yes, the lake tour is easy and suitable for children, with parking and a picnic area on site.

How long does it take to walk around the lake?
The lake tour itself is a short and accessible walk; allow more time for extensions to nearby alpine pastures like Tré le Saix.

Can I bring my dog to Vallon Lake?
Yes, pets are allowed on the site.