Walking route: Darbon loop from Lake Fontaine

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Vacheresse

11.0 km

5h 5min

Hard

A lovely loop that takes you to Lac de Darbon and crosses its mountain pastures, with many pretty viewpoints!
A challenging day hike to discover Lac de Darbon and the surrounding mountains.

From Lac de Fontaine, you'll reach the Bise mountain pasture on a forest trail.

The Bise mountain pasture is a Unesco Geopark. Its landscapes offer a real journey through time, from the history of the formation of the Alps to the history of the people who have inhabited this mountain environment with their herds.

You'll then climb to the Col de Floray (1925 m), from where you'll overlook Lac de Darbon... Read more
A challenging day hike to discover Lac de Darbon and the surrounding mountains.

From Lac de Fontaine, you'll reach the Bise mountain pasture on a forest trail.

The Bise mountain pasture is a Unesco Geopark. Its landscapes offer a real journey through time, from the history of the formation of the Alps to the history of the people who have inhabited this mountain environment with their herds.

You'll then climb to the Col de Floray (1925 m), from where you'll overlook Lac de Darbon and the Alpage de Bise.

You'll then descend to Lac de Darbon, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip! A picnic is welcome.

You may even spot ibex, which are plentiful in this area.

You'll then climb up to the Darbon mountain pastures and reach the chalets.

The return to Lac de Fontaine is via a fairly steep path through the Bouaz mountain pastures.

This hike can be started from the Bise mountain pasture.

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.

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Sustainable tourism

Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging the ecosystem and 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

0/ Start: Lac de Fontaine parking lot
1/ Take the forest path to the left of the lake, towards "Chalets de Bise".
2/ At the Bise mountain pasture, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray" and "Col de Bise".
3/ At the next intersection, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray".
4/ At Col de Floray, descend to Lac de Darbon.
5/ At the lake, follow the path towards "Darbon".
6/ At the Darbon chalets, take the path down to the left towards "Bouaz Dessous", "Bouaz Dessus" and "Lac de Fontaine".
7/ Take this path downhill to Lac de Fontaine.

Departure

Vacheresse
Difference in height

824.656 m
In the Abondance valley, at Vacheresse, take the direction of Bise.
Large car park on arrival at the Bise mountain pasture.
No public transport service.
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
- Lake view
- Mountain view
- Close to GR footpath
Documentation
GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)

825 meters of difference in height

Maximum altitude : 1946 m
Minimum altitude : 1343 m

Total positive elevation : 825 m
Total negative elevation : -825 m
Max positive elevation : 442 m
Min positive elevation : -442 m

Services

Accessibility
- Not accessible in a wheelchair
Equipment
- Car park
- Parking nearby
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.