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Walking route: Loop around Lake Plagnes and Lake Tavaneuse

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Abondance
11.0 km
5h 30min
Hard

  • Discover the two mountain lakes of Abondance, the Lac des Plagnes and the Lac de Tavaneuse, a magnificent day trip.

  • This hike, for experienced hikers only, takes in two mountain lakes: Lac des Plagnes (1190 m) and Lac de Tavaneuse (1806 m). You'll cross mountain pastures and discover chalets and fountains.

    The hike starts from the Lac des Plagnes parking lot. Take the Cubourré path. Then head for the chalets d'Ardens via the pirons d'Entre Deux Pertuis, which will take you all the way to Lac de Tavaneuse.

    Once there, you can enjoy the lake and its crystal-clear waters. Picnics are a welcome way to...
    This hike, for experienced hikers only, takes in two mountain lakes: Lac des Plagnes (1190 m) and Lac de Tavaneuse (1806 m). You'll cross mountain pastures and discover chalets and fountains.

    The hike starts from the Lac des Plagnes parking lot. Take the Cubourré path. Then head for the chalets d'Ardens via the pirons d'Entre Deux Pertuis, which will take you all the way to Lac de Tavaneuse.

    Once there, you can enjoy the lake and its crystal-clear waters. Picnics are a welcome way to enjoy the place.

    Return via Entre-Deux-Pertuis to Lac des Plagnes via Le Cazot.

    This hike offers magnificent views.

    Marking details : Departmental markings called P.D.I.P.R. on beige metal panels with green lettering.

    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.
  • 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.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    0/ Parking des Plagnes.
    1/ From the "Parking des Plagnes", walk along the north side of the lake, always following the signs for "Chalets d'Ardens". You will pass the signposts for "Lac des Plagnes" and "Cubourre". At the first intersection after "Cubourre", turn right. Then, after the hairpin bends, turn right at "Sous Pointe de Chavache".
    2/ At "Chalet d'Ardens", follow the signs for "Lac de Tavaneuse", passing "Les Pirons d'Ardens".
    3/ At Col d'Entre-Deux-Pertuis, descend to Lac de Tavaneuse.
    4/ Climb back up to the Entre-Deux-Pertuis pass and take the path that descends to the left towards Entre-Deux-Pertuis and Cazot.
    5/ Rejoin the forest towards "Cazot", then head towards "Lac des Plagnes".
    6/ Take the path on your right to reach Lac des Plagnes and its parking lot.
846 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 1928 m
  • Minimum altitude : 1179 m
  • Total positive elevation : 846 m
  • Total negative elevation : -846 m
  • Max positive elevation : 361 m
  • Min positive elevation : -471 m
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Parking nearby
    • Car park
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of livestock and wildlife.