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Pointe d'Ardens walking tour from Lac des Plagnes

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
12.2 km
4h 35min
Hard

  • A sporty hike that will take you to discover the Plagnes lake and the Tavaneuse lake, on the foothills of one of the many peaks of the Chablais massif: La Pointe d'Ardens.

  • The tour of the Pointe d'Ardens lakes will show you the beauty of the Haute-Savoie countryside.

    Departing from the Lac des Plagnes, you will first pass through the chalets d'Ardens to the south of the summit of the same name: La Pointe d'Ardens, which rises to an altitude of 1959 m.

    You'll then reach the Lac de Tavaneuse at the foot of the cliffs of the Pointe du Piron, between scree slopes and alpine meadows, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Chablais region.

    You then descend...
    The tour of the Pointe d'Ardens lakes will show you the beauty of the Haute-Savoie countryside.

    Departing from the Lac des Plagnes, you will first pass through the chalets d'Ardens to the south of the summit of the same name: La Pointe d'Ardens, which rises to an altitude of 1959 m.

    You'll then reach the Lac de Tavaneuse at the foot of the cliffs of the Pointe du Piron, between scree slopes and alpine meadows, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Chablais region.

    You then descend to the north of the Pointe d'Ardens to reach the Lac des Plagnes. Take advantage of the restaurants and picnic tables near the lake to recuperate from your hike and enjoy this must-see geosite in the UNESCO Chablais World Geopark.

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

    Map references : Map of the Portes du Soleil hiking trails in France
    TOP 25 IGN N°3528 ET - MORZINE

    Whatever your hike, remember to take cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sun cream, a small first aid kit, as well as clothes adapted to your outing according to the season and the weather forecast.
  • Sustainable tourism
    To respect farming practices, natural areas and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Keep / sort your garbage, stay on the paths and close the fences.

    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 tranquillity 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
    1/ From the "Les Plagnes (Parking) " always follow the direction "Chalets d'Ardens". You will pass the following directional posts "Lac des Plagnes (Nord)", "Lac des Plagnes", "Lac des Plagnes (Sud)", "Cubourré (Bas)", "Cubourré (Haut)" and "Sous Pointe de Chavache".
    2/ When you arrive at "Chalet d'Ardens" follow the direction "Chalet d’Entre Deux Perthuis", you will pass by « Les Pirons d’Ardens » before you reach "Sous Col d’Entre Deux Perthuis".
    3/ From "Sous Col d’Entre Deux Perthuis", follow the direction "Lac de Tavaneuse", you will pass by "Col d’Entre Deux Perthuis". When you arrive at Lac de Tavaneuse, retrace your steps to reach "Sous Col d’Entre Deux Perthuis".
    4/ From "Sous Col d’Entre Deux Perthuis", follow the direction " Lac des Plagnes (parking) par Chalets d’Entre Deux Perthuis " before you arrive at "Chalet d’Entre Deux Perthuis".
    5/ From "Chalet d’Entre Deux Perthuis" follow the direction " Lac des Plagnes (parking) par La Guorfère". From "La Guorfère", always follow the direction "Lac des Plagnes (Parking)". You will pass the following directional posts : "La Séchère ", "Le Cazot ", "Sous le Lac des Plagnes" et "Lac des Plagnes (Sud) ". From here, return to "Les Plagnes (Parking)" by the same path.
882 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1928 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1180 m
  • Total positive elevation : 882 m
  • Total negative elevation : -882 m
  • Max positive elevation : 529 m
  • Min positive elevation : -458 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Picnic area
    • Car park
    • Parking
    • Free car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash because of the presence of herds.