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Walking route: Boucle des Plagnes

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
10.9 km
5h
Medium

  • A beautiful panoramic walking trail on the moutain alpine of Abondance with a view on the Switzerland and Chablais peaks, and a discovery of the mountain chalets.

  • This moderate hike invites you to discover the mountain pastures on the southern slopes of Mont de Grange.

    Lac des Plagnes and the Cubourré site are part of the Chablais Unesco Geopark. From glaciers to bulging peat bogs, the trail around the lake takes you through landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years.

    You'll then cross the Montagne de Lens, where the word "Montagne" refers to the mountain pastures where pastoral activities are practiced. You can take advantage of...
    This moderate hike invites you to discover the mountain pastures on the southern slopes of Mont de Grange.

    Lac des Plagnes and the Cubourré site are part of the Chablais Unesco Geopark. From glaciers to bulging peat bogs, the trail around the lake takes you through landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years.

    You'll then cross the Montagne de Lens, where the word "Montagne" refers to the mountain pastures where pastoral activities are practiced. You can take advantage of the "chèvre" (a wooden fountain carved out of a tree trunk) to refresh yourself.

    You will then reach the chalets de Lenlevay, the highest point (1733 m), with an exceptional panorama of the Swiss peaks and the Chablais, via a short section of the GR5. The path crosses alpine meadows and rhododendron heaths, the natural habitat of capercaillies.

    The descent takes you past traditional mountain chalets and small chapels and oratories.

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

    Tricky passages : Late snow between the Tindérêts refuge and the Chalets de Lens.

    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 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.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    1/ Reach the edge of the lake and follow the signs for "Chalets de Lens". Join Cubourré. 2/ Follow the trail up the combe d'Ardens. 3/ Then take the trail up to the "refuge des Tindérêts". 4/ Take the path above the refuge through a copse of green alders. 5/ After crossing the large schist corridor, join the "Aup Couti". This last passage can be tricky for those with no previous experience in the mountains. 6/ Take the trail to the left to reach the "alpage de Lens". After 200 m, you'll come to the "Montagne de Lens". 7/ Continue down the path to the "Chalets de Lens". At the crossroads, you can shorten the circuit by returning to the Plagnes parking lot in 45 minutes (alternative). 8/ Head towards "Lenlevay". After a long but easy climb, you reach Les Covagnes, on the GR5. 9/ Turn left towards Lenlevay, just before the chalets, take the "Chalets du Jouly Haut puis Bas" trail on the left. 10/ Continue along this path as far as the "Les Trables" oratory, then take the left-hand trail down through the grass, which joins an old path through the forest. 11/ Turn left towards "Tetagottay", then right down to the edge of the meadow. Lac des Plagnes can be seen at the bottom of the valley, and you're almost there.
  • Departure
    Abondance
  • Difference in height
    719.667 m
  • Parking at the Lac des Plagnes, located 10 minutes by car from the centre of the village of Abondance, take the direction of Lac des Plagnes.
  • Plain text period
    From 01/06 to 15/10 daily.
    Check with tourist offices in advance to find out the current access conditions.

    Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Forest location
    • Waterside
    • Lake view
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
720 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1744 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1183 m
  • Total positive elevation : 720 m
  • Total negative elevation : -720 m
  • Max positive elevation : 504 m
  • Min positive elevation : -344 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Parking nearby
    • Car park
    • Picnic area
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of livestock and wildlife.