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Ascent to Lac de Tavaneuse

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
2.5 km
3h 35min
Hard

  • Discover in walking one of the most beautiful lake of the Chablais!

  • This hike, reserved for good walkers, offers a moment of freshness at its highest point: Lac de Tavaneuse, at 1805 m, is one of the jewels of the valley, its turquoise, transparent waters awe-inspiring.

    THE TRAIL THROUGH THE SERRANANTS CHALETS HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE SUMMER 2023 DUE TO A LANDSLIDE.
    Alternative: take the path that climbs steeply to the left before the Serranants chalets, or start from Lac des Plagnes (more gradual ascent, see itinerary).

    From the Prétairié parking lot, you'll...
    This hike, reserved for good walkers, offers a moment of freshness at its highest point: Lac de Tavaneuse, at 1805 m, is one of the jewels of the valley, its turquoise, transparent waters awe-inspiring.

    THE TRAIL THROUGH THE SERRANANTS CHALETS HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE SUMMER 2023 DUE TO A LANDSLIDE.
    Alternative: take the path that climbs steeply to the left before the Serranants chalets, or start from Lac des Plagnes (more gradual ascent, see itinerary).

    From the Prétairié parking lot, you'll pass through an alder forest.

    Follow the signs for Chalets de Tavaneuse to reach the lake.

    The climb is fairly steep, with little shade, so on hot days it's best to start out cool.

    A final climb takes you to the lake.

    We advise you to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy this spot, where fly-fishing is available (at daybreak).

    The cliffs of the Petite Pointe du Piron and the Col de Tavaneuse overlook the lake.

    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panels with green lettering.

    Tricky passages : On the way down, the terrain can be muddy and slippery.
    It is recommended to pass by the Serranants chalets.

    Map references : Carte des randonnées pédestres des Portes du Soleil en France et en Suisse
    TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil

    Mountain boots are strongly recommended.
  • Tips
    You can reach the Col de Tavaneuse from the lake in about 20 minutes. From the pass, you will discover the mountains of the Aulps valley. Advanced hikers can reach the Roc de Tavaneuse (2516 m) in 1 hour, with a panoramic view of the Chablais mountains and the Mont Blanc.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    THE PATH THROUGH THE CHALETS DES SERRANANTS HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE SUMMER 2023 DUE TO A LANDSLIDE.
    Alternative: take the path that climbs steeply to the left before the Serranants chalets, or start from Lac des Plagnes (more gradual ascent, see itinerary).

    0/Departure: Prétairié. 1/ Take the path towards Les Serranants. On the path, fork left and climb the path through the alder forest. The path can be slippery. 2/ The narrow path climbs steeply towards the Tavaneuse stream. Once you reach a small promontory above the waterfall, the path climbs again, taking you to the Tavaneuse chalets. 3/ Continue beyond them to climb straight up into the combe to reach Lac de Tavaneuse.

    From Lac de Tavaneuse, there are three ways back to Prétairié:
    - via the 1h climb ;
    - via the Entre Deux Pertuis chalets 2 hrs;
    - via Lac des Plagnes 3h35.
  • Departure
    Abondance
  • Difference in height
    671.333 m
  • The prétairié parking lot is located 5 minutes from the center of Abondance village, in the direction of Charmy l'Envers. The parking lot is at the end of the road.
  • Plain text period
    From 01/06 to 19/11.
    Accessible outside the snow season and subject to weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions. Recommended season: spring - summer - autumn.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view
    • Waterside
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
671 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1810 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1138 m
  • Total positive elevation : 671 m
Services
  • Equipment
    • Free car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of wildlife and herds.