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Discovery of the Lac des Plagnes Unesco Geopark site and climb to the Tindérêts refuge

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
5.2 km
2h
Medium

  • A nice easy and accessible hike, ideal for a family, to discover mountain hiking in a magnificent setting and to understand the geological evolution of this Unesco Geopark site!

  • After a walk along the edge of the Lac des Plagnes, head towards Cubourré, you will discover a nice waterfall in the forest and you will reach a peaceful plateau, bathed by a stream and overlooked by the Pointe d'Entre Deux Pertuis and the Pointe de Chavache.

    The Lac des Plagnes site, classified as a Unesco Geopark, is a unified geographical area whose sites and landscapes are of international geological interest. All along the route, interpretation panels invite you to understand the...
    After a walk along the edge of the Lac des Plagnes, head towards Cubourré, you will discover a nice waterfall in the forest and you will reach a peaceful plateau, bathed by a stream and overlooked by the Pointe d'Entre Deux Pertuis and the Pointe de Chavache.

    The Lac des Plagnes site, classified as a Unesco Geopark, is a unified geographical area whose sites and landscapes are of international geological interest. All along the route, interpretation panels invite you to understand the geological evolution of this place.

    A trail leads to the Tindérêts refuge. During the summer school holidays, everyone can enjoy a gourmet break in the refuge after the climb.

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

    Map references : TOP 25 IGN 3528 ET Morzine Chablais Portes du Soleil
    Portes du Soleil hiking map.

    Good walking shoes and sticks are required. The lake shore and the waterfall path can be muddy and very slippery, especially in spring and autumn.
  • Tips
    Refuge des Tindérêts is open in summer with a small restaurant on the spot at lunchtime. Half-board and accommodation on site.
    In winter, the refuge is open on reservation. Snowshoe and fondue evenings.
    Reception for individuals and groups.
  • Tips for the photographer
    At the departure, view of the Lac des Plagnes and observation of the local fauna and flora.
    Discovery path of the flora on the way.
  • Sustainable tourism
    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 N° 179/2025) aimed at limiting practices that degrade this ecosystem and ensuring the safety and peace of mind of visitors.

    Swimming in Lac des Plagnes, including for pets, and all water sports activities (except fishing) are strictly forbidden.
    Dogs must be kept on a leash and their owners must pick up after them.
    In a 200m zone around Lac des Plagnes, wild camping, bivouacs and campfires are prohibited day and night.

    Any infringement of this by-law will be recorded in an official report.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    0/ Car park at Lac des Plagnes
    1/ Go down to the edge of the lake on the dike.
    2/ Take the direction "Chemin du tour du lac" passing by the right side of the lake.
    3/ A little before the bridge at the end of the lake, take the path that goes up in the forest towards "Cubourré". Follow the path along the waterfall.
    4/ At the top of the path, turn right towards "Refuge des Tindérêts" and continue on the path, which is flat at the start and then climbs higher and higher.
    5/ At the intersection, take the path on the left towards "Refuge des Tindérêts".
    6/ A path will lead you to the refuge.
    7/ The return is by the same path. You can reach the car park by following the road down towards "Lac des Plagnes".
  • Activities
    • Minimum age (in years) :  5
378 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1510 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1180 m
  • Total positive elevation : 378 m
  • Total negative elevation : -396 m
  • Max positive elevation : 212 m
  • Min positive elevation : -213 m
Services
  • Equipment
    • Picnic area
    • Car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Free car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a lead (presence of herds of cows and wildlife).
    • Accommodation
    • Restaurant