Attention 2023/24: work for the future footbridge accessing Lac des Ilettes = the path is closed on the St Martin 2nd lake section, possibility of following the footbus to reach the parking lot of the fishing lake and then follow the surroundings of the swimming lake to join the trail.
Go hiking safely!
Walking time is approximate and does not take into account break times.
The topo/step-by-step description guides you generally but does not replace a 1/25,000 hiking map or other topoguides available in our tourist office!
In Sallanches, our Office of Guides & Leaders also offers a wide choice of outings accompanied by mountain professionals providing you with complete expertise on the environment and alpine nature, inquire at the tourist office to register.
Whatever your hike, check the weather before you go. Remember to take cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap or hat, a small first aid kit, as well as clothing suitable for your outing in your backpack. depending on the season and the forecast weather.
- Sport
Hiking Trail: a walk along the water
From the Vieux Pont de St Martin (old bridge) to the Ilettes lakes, along the River Arve to the Arpenaz waterfall, enjoy a pleasant stroll along the water, accessible to all. Discover the hamlet of Luzier and its chapel on the way back.
About
Difficult passages
passage through the forest towards the waterfall (slippery depending on the period), but which can be avoided by resuming along the road or the initial path.
Further informations
Ground, Grit
Leisure center of Ilettes fully equipped for a nice stop at the water's edge after this pleasant stroll.
Departure: St Martin car park
1. to the right of the car park, take the path that leads you to the Vieux Pont de St Martin, listed as a Historic Monument.
2. cross the bridge then turn left on the Old Imperial Road where you will pass in front of the Baroque church of St Martin which can be visited on request.
3. continue to the small bridge after the college-high school of St Martin.
4. cross this small bridge, and take the path a little lower on your left
5. you will follow the edge of the Arve to the lakes of Ilettes: walk in the undergrowth along a flat path between lakes and river.
Be careful, many mountain bikes and hybrid bikes also use this path to get to the lake.
6. you will have access to the lakes and the leisure center via the 2nd lake; you can take a relaxing break to discover them:
- the 1st, more to the right, peaceful with its central island sheltering rabbits and ducks, is intended for fishermen
- the 2nd for swimming or paddling and dining on sunny days; a fitness trail can enhance the walk or a beach volleyball or ping-pong break (bring your own equipment); picnic areas also available.
- the 3rd intended for walks and discovery of the environment with a botanical trail and educational panels that will allow you to discover its history and its riches, and its observatory at the end of the lake to observe the fauna discreetly.
7. The route then continues along the Arve, and will take you to a footbridge, then a path to the Luzier bridge.
8. You will then continue crossing the road, a path, always along the Arve, then emerging on the road to Oëx.
9. You will turn right on the road and after a few meters you will be able to discover on the left the majestic Cascade of Arpenaz which throws itself from the top of its 270 m.
10. You can stop to observe it in the spring when the snow melts or cool off there in the summer.
11. walk back up to the car park, where you will find a path leading to the village of Luzier past the pretty little hamlet chapel (only open on guided tours)
12. Return either by following the Old Imperial Road to the lakes then by the footpath to the starting car park or by joining the bottom of the Luzier road to join the same starting route with the possibility of traversing the other shore of the lakes to vary a little and join the footpath to the starting car park; or again by mixing the 2 and at the 2nd lake take the Arve path to avoid the road and rejoin the starting route.
Prices
Free access.
Reception
Go hiking safely!
Walking time is approximate and does not take into account break times.
The topo/step-by-step description guides you generally but does not replace a 1/25,000 hiking map or other topoguides available in our tourist office!
In Sallanches, our Office of Guides & Leaders also offers a wide choice of outings accompanied by mountain professionals providing you with complete expertise on the environment and alpine nature, inquire at the tourist office to register.
Whatever your hike, check the weather before you go. Remember to take cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap or hat, a small first aid kit, as well as clothing suitable for your outing in your backpack. depending on the season and the forecast weather.
dogs kept on a leash, but prohibited in the vicinity and in lakes.
Period of practice
All year round.
- Pets welcome
- Coach access
- Restaurant
- Car park
- Free car park
- Public WC
- Picnic area
Contacts
Access
