Lake Plagnes Abondance Located just 5 km from the centre of the village of Abondance, Lac des Plagnes is the largest lake in the Abondance valley.
Accessible by car, it offers a short walk around the lake, ideal for cooling off and enjoying nature.
With a maximum altitude of 1214m, this enchanting lake is a true Alpine jewel.
The tour of Lac des Plagnes is a pleasant little hike in summer. Picnic tables and benches are available to enjoy this refreshing environment.
Listed as a Chablais Unesco Geopark site, this lake takes you on a journey through landscapes that have evolved over the last 20,000 years, from glaciers to the bulging peat bogs.
In May and June, when the ice melts, the lake reaches its highest level, offering turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks, creating a magnificent landscape to discover. A variant via the Cubourré waterfall is possible at the end of the lake, offering charming waterfalls to discover.
This walk is suitable for families, with children aged 4 and over (younger children will need to be carried in baby carriers). We advise you to be well shod as the path can become slippery, especially in spring and autumn. Although the dyke is accessible to all, the complete tour of the lake can be difficult for people with walking difficulties. The fisherman’s path along the lake is not recommended, as it is difficult to access and has no facilities for walkers.
Following the work carried out on the Lac des Plagnes and its designation as a sensitive natural area, the commune of Abondance has issued a decree (municipal decree no. 179/2025) aimed at limiting practices that damage this ecosystem and ensuring the safety and peace of mind of visitors. Any breach of this by-law will be recorded in an official report.
