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Hiking : Lac de Darbon via the 3 passes

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Vacheresse
6.7 km
3h 30min
Quite difficult

  • A hike of medium difficulty, which will allow you to cross the authentic mountain pastures of the Chablais and to discover the Darbon lake, nestled under the beautiful peaks which surround it.

  • Departing from Chalet de Bise, the Lac de Darbon hike is an invitation to discover the wide-open spaces of the mountains. Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging this ecosystem and to respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

    You'll first cross the Bise mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 listed site and emblematic of the Chablais UNESCO World Geopark.

    You will cross 3 passes during your walk.

    First,...
    Departing from Chalet de Bise, the Lac de Darbon hike is an invitation to discover the wide-open spaces of the mountains. Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging this ecosystem and to respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

    You'll first cross the Bise mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 listed site and emblematic of the Chablais UNESCO World Geopark.

    You will cross 3 passes during your walk.

    First, you'll climb to the Col de Bise (1915 m), where you'll enjoy a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva, the Dent du Vélan, and below, Lake Neuteu, with the tête de Charousse ridge on your right and the Pointe de Pavis cliffs on your left.

    You will then reach the Col de Pavis (1944 m) and the Lac de Darbon (1813 m), an ideal spot for a picnic.

    Your final pass is the Col de Floray (1940 m).
    A steep descent takes you back to the chalets de Bise.

    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panel and green writing.

    Map references : - Map guide to 65 walks and hikes in the Evian region and Abondance valley
    - Map of walking routes in the Portes du Soleil area in France and Switzerland
    - IGN TOP 25 No. 3528 ET Morzine Chablais Massif Portes du Soleil

    Whatever your hike, remember to take good walking shoes, and in your backpack, cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, as well as clothes adapted to your outing depending on the season and the weather forecast.
  • Sustainable tourism
    Lake Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging this ecosystem and to respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

    To respect agricultural practices, natural areas and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them.
    Keep and sort your garbage, stay on the paths and close the fences.

    Swimming in Lac de Darbon is strictly prohibited, including for pets.

    Within a 200-meter perimeter around Lac de Darbon:

    - Dogs must be kept on a leash (this zone adjoins the Cornettes de Bise nature reserve).

    - Wild camping, bivouacs and campfires are prohibited day and night.

    Any infringement of this decree will be recorded in an official report.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    1/ Take the track to the left of the stream through the hamlet of Bise, without crossing the bridge. After a flat area, the track splits in two (at a place called "la Salle").
    2/ Turn right towards "Col de Bise" (GR5).
    3/ At Col de Bise, head for Col de Pavis. Go around the "Pavis" and down to an intersection. The terrain is uneven, and you need to cross a few small gravel pits. Climb left towards the pass.
    4/ Descend to Lac de Darbon. Go around the lake to the left and take the path rising to the left towards the Col de Floray. Follow the ridge and plunge left. The slope is steep.
    5/ Then follow the pastures at the start of the hike to reach the Bise chalets.
525 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1948 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1502 m
  • Total positive elevation : 525 m
  • Total negative elevation : -525 m
  • Max positive elevation : 381 m
  • Min positive elevation : -75 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Car park
    • Parking nearby
    • Free car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of livestock and wildlife. Livestock guard dogs are present in this area, so it is recommended that you adapt your behaviour to minimise disturbance to the livestock and avoid triggering the dogs (barking, approaching, etc.). If the dogs approach, it is important to let them do so and not try to force your way through. When approaching the herd: - Give the herd a wide berth, without putting yourself in danger. - Walk slowly and dismount from your bicycle. - Stay together as a group. Speak clearly, without shouting, to make your presence known. If you encounter the herd: - Stop: the dogs will come to sniff you to identify you. - Do not force your way through. - Do not run away or turn your back on the dogs. - Do not stare them in the eyes. - Do not pet the dogs. - Do not feed the dogs. - You can hold an object (bag, bicycle, jacket) to put some space between you and the dogs. However, do not use this object to push the dogs away. - Avoid sudden movements and do not threaten them. Once the dogs calm down or move away, continue on your way, walking and keeping your distance. Pet dogs and hunting dogs: For your safety and theirs, pet dogs and hunting dogs are strongly discouraged near flocks. In any case, always keep your dog on a lead. In the event of a conflict, - let go of the lead, - do not intervene - do not pick up your dog.