It is also the subject of a legend that gave it its name. It is the ideal place for a refreshing break under the trees. The bar is open from Juny at the end of September.
In order to guarantee the sustainability of environments and species, which are very sensitive to disturbance and most of which are protected, but also in order to respect the work of the alpine pastor, it is our responsibility to be attentive to our practices and our behavior . Also, you are asked:
- Not to drive in a motor vehicle (except entitled persons), this is prohibited by the Environmental Code, in particular to avoid any type of disturbance;
- To stay on the marked paths, so as not to degrade the neighboring land and the fodder resource;
- Not to disturb herds and wild animals, to avoid any incident and harmful stress;
- To keep your dog on a leash, to avoid any incident with another animal or user;
- Not to pick the plants, most are protected;
- Not to bathe yourself (or your dog), this is prohibited, in particular to preserve the habitat of aquatic species;
- To be discreet and to leave as few traces as possible of your visit, to avoid any disturbance;
- To apply the rules of the bivouac, which is only possible between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., without fire on the ground (possible use of a stove).
ATTENTION - The Lac Bénit site is subject to a municipal decree of the municipalities of Mont-Saxonnex and Marnaz, which prohibits:
- Any type of aquatic activity (swimming, diving, sailing, ice skating, etc.);
- Camping and ground fires;
- Motor vehicle traffic;
- Overflight of the site by drones;
- Noises and disturbances likely to disturb the calm of the premises.
Any violation of this decree exposes you to prosecution, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.
- Mountain lake
Blessed lake
Lake Bénit, at 1477m above sea level, nestles at the foot of the chain and the eyes of the Bargy. Located in the Natura 2000 area, the lake of glacial origin is home to a rich endemic fauna: alpine triton, red-rumped frog, toad, salamander ...
About
Lac Bénit is located on the north face of the Bargy massif and straddles two municipalities of the Community of Municipalities Cluses Arve and Mountains (2CCAM): the municipality of Mont-Saxonnex and the municipality of Marnaz. Covering an area of 4 hectares for a maximum depth of 8 meters, it was formed following a glacial retreat, more than 10,000 years ago. The site presents a mosaic of environments favorable to the presence of exceptional fauna and flora: the lake and its meadows, meadows, spruce forests, scree and cliffs.
Due to its remarkable natural heritage and its unique landscape setting, Lac Bénit is included in the Natura 2000 site of the Bargy massif, designated to protect a certain number of habitats and species representative of European biodiversity. It is also in the process of being labeled Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS), a label awarded by the Department for sites intended to be preserved and promoted to the general public. This ENS policy is carried out at the local level by the Community of Communes Cluses Arve et Montagnes (2CCAM), which is responsible for the implementation of a management plan finalized in 2022: this document consists of drawing up an inventory of the site and actions to be implemented to reconcile attendance and preservation.
All the fauna typical of the mountain environment can be observed there: ibexes, chamois, marmots... The site is also flown over by the bearded vulture, a large vulture reintroduced into the Bargy massif at the end of the 1980s. The lake and its surroundings are the refuge for many species: newts, toads and frogs, dragonflies and other insects, fish.
The Lac Bénit site is marked by high visitor numbers and presents conflicts of use, particularly in connection with the work carried out by the alpine pastor on land grazed by the cattle herds that maintain the site. Attendance, if it is not channeled and respectful, induces significant disturbances both for the pasture but also for the biodiversity of the site. The communities and the various local players are working to solve the problems encountered, in particular by implementing the actions defined in the site management plan.
Reception
Preserve the sensitive natural area of Lac Bénit:
- Swimming and camping prohibited
- Motor vehicles prohibited
- Do not disturb the herds and wild animals, remain discreet, on the paths, away from animals and keep your dog on a leash
- Do not pick flowers and other plants, some species are protected
- Do not leave garbage on site
Opening
All year round.
Labels and rating
- Restaurant
- Fast food
- Picnic area
- Bar
Contacts
Access
