• Sport

Lake Arvouin loop

A beautiful hike which starts from the centre of the village of La Chapelle d'Abondance and offers superb views of the Cornettes de Bise, the lake of Arvouin, the village and the valley of Abondance.

Sport Lake Arvouin loop La Chapelle-d'Abondance

About

Departing from La Chapelle-d'Abondance (74360)
Average length : 05h20
Total elevation gain : 930m
Vertical drop : 930m
Distance : 10.5km
Signed walking trail
Animals allowed

This hike starts in the centre of the typical Haut Savoyard village of La Chapelle d'Abondance. It is located within the natural site of the Cornettes de Bise, classified Natura 2000.
You will take the road and then follow a forest path in the direction of Chevenne.

You will then take a pastoral track and a path towards the Vernaz pass at the foot of the imposing Cornettes de Bise mountain. At the pass, a magnificent view awaits you on its southern face.

You will then reach the Col de Resse and then the Col du Serpentin and the Tête de l'Avalanche, the highest point of the route at 1854m. This viewpoint on the lake of Arvouin, the Dents du Midi and the valley of Abondance is worth the diversions.
It is also an area frequented by mouflons, marmots and grouse roosters.

After a short descent through the alpine chalets, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation at the edge of the Arvouin lake. You may meet Abondance cows or ibexes, which are very present on this site.

The return to the village of La Chapelle d'Abondance is via a fairly steep path through the Tête de la Maisonnette mountain pasture and a long descent through the forest.

Loop
Total elevation gain : 930m
Altitude max : 1854m
Vertical drop : 930m

Signs

Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on ​​beige metal panel and green writing.

Difficult passages

To cross a steep passage towards the Col de Resse, you will need to use a handrail (chain) for a short distance.

Map references

Portes du Soleil hiking map in France and Switzerland TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil

Topoguides references

On sale in the tourist offices of the Abondance valley.

Further informations

Stone, Ground, Grit

    1 2

    0/ Start : "route de Chevenne".
    1/ Take the road to "Chevenne" on foot.
    2/ Follow the forest path on your left towards " Chevenne ".
    3/ At the Chevenne car park, take the path on your right towards the "Col de Vernaz".
    4/ Once at the pass, turn right towards the "Col de Resse" and the "Tête de l'Avalanche".
    5/ After reaching the "Tête de l'Avalanche", go down the path towards the "lac d'Arvouin". Rejoin the road that runs alongside the lake.
    6/ The return to the village of La Chapelle d'Abondance is done by the path starting at the level of the outlet of the lake and going down through the "Alpage de la Maisonnette".

    7/ The itinerary is not recommended without suitable equipment if there is still snow, as the passages in the corridors and on certain slopes are very exposed.

    Prices

    Free access.

    Reception

    Animals allowed

    Dogs must be kept on a leash because of the presence of herds, Natura 2000 reserve.

    Period of practice

    From 01/06 to 30/09.
    Accessible except during snow and depending on weather conditions.
    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.

    Services
    • Pets welcome
    Equipments
    • Picnic area
    • Parking nearby

    Access

    Route de Chevenne 74360 La Chapelle-d'Abondance
    Departing from : La Chapelle-d'Abondance (74360)
    Latitude : 46.295243 - Longitude : 6.789406

    Free parking under the tourist office or access to the starting point by shuttle (municipal in winter or line C and line 12).

    Information update on 09/03/2024 by Office de Tourisme Leman Mountains Explore
    Randonnée PDIPR (Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenades et de Randonnées)