Lake Plagnes

Stretch of water
Bog

Elevation : 1191m

Lac des Plagnes, 74360 Abondance

Lac des Plagnes à Abondance — ©A. Berger / SIAC

Aménagement en bois sur le tour du lac des Plagnes — ©A. Berger / SIAC

Lac des Plagnes, a UNESCO Geopark, is a popular destination for hikers, anglers and nature lovers.
A starting point for many walks, it reveals all the mountain's natural riches.

The lake is one of 20 geosites in the UNESCO Chablais World Geopark. Educational panels explain the geological evolution of the Lac des Plagnes and Cubourré site. Of glacial origin, it offers a glimpse of landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years.

The lake is accessible by car and has a parking lot, while visitors can stroll along the lakeside dyke.
After the snow melts, you can walk around the lake on the "chemin du lac", which is not accessible to baby carriages or people with reduced mobility. In season, restaurants and picnic tables near the lake allow you to enjoy the area.

To quench your thirst or spend the night in the mountains, the Tindérêts refuge is about an hour and 15 minutes away.

Campervans are not allowed on the parking lot at night.

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.