Chablais, Portes du Soleil
From an inland sea to the high mountains
From lake Geneva to the fields and pastures of the Abondance Valley and the rugged mountains of the Portes du Soleil, this is an area that has preserved its heritage.
Leave the lakeshore and the multi-coloured countryside rises towards the mountains of the Portes du Soleil. The Morzine valley is crossed by two vivacious rivers and ringed by lakes, verdant pastures and lofty summits.
Unspoilt villages have maintained their traditional chalets and farmhouses, and local producers still take great pride in their delicious Abondance cheese.
Lac des Plagnes
District: Abondance
Region: Haut-Chablais/Portes du soleil
Road access and parking: Thonon-les-Bains - Abondance: 27 km.
From Thonon-les-Bains, follow the D902, and then the D22 to Vacheresse. Go through Vacheresse to Abondance. In Abondance, follow the road to the Lac des Plagnes. Park in the large car park at the end of the road.
Total time, not including rest stops: 45min
Maps and guides: IGN Top 25 n° 3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais
Start height: 1190 m
Highest point: 1268 m
Height difference: 90 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit
Best season: from spring to autumn, when snow free
Description:
Originally a marsh, the basin has filled with water to become a lake surrounded by dark green forests. From the beginning of May onwards, large numbers of fishermen come to fish the waters of this superb lake. Sandwiched between the 2080-m high "Pointe de la Chavache", whose slopes feed the "Cubourré" waterfall, and Mont de Grange (2436 m), this is a great place to cool down on hot summer days.
From the car park, go down the road, bearing immediately left to follow the shores of the Lac des Plagnes.
Walkers who would like to do a longer circuit (4hrs, 660 metres of height gain) can follow the eastern bank of the lake and go up to the Refuge des Tinderêts (see page 64). If you would like to travel light, leave the picnic at home and have lunch at the refuge.
Les Mattes Circuit 1925 m
District: Chatel
Region: Chablais
Road access and parking: From Thonon-les-Bains, take the D902, and then the D22 to Vacheresse and La Chapelle d'Abondance. From La Chapelle follow signs to Châtel and Pré la Joux - Col de Bassachaux (D230). At "Très-les-pierres" turn right to the chapel of François de Sales. Park at the chapel.
Total time, not including rest stops: 4hrs 30min
Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil (GPS)
Start height: 1160 m
Highest point: 1925 m
Height difference: 830 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit
Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free
Description:
A moderately difficult hike through the pastures below the Mont de Grange. The views are magnificent, especially those of the famous Dents Blanches. Follow the track behind the chapel for twenty metres, and then turn left towards Les Mattes.
To the foot of the Roc d'Enfer
District: Saint-Jean-d'Aulps
Region: Haut-Chablais Portes du Soleil
Road access and parking: Thonon-les-Bains - Essert-Romand: 29 km.
From Thonon-les-Bains, take the D902, and then the D328 to Essert-Romand. In Essert-Romand, go up a narrow road to the right of the church. At the T-junction, turn right and follow the Refuge de Graydon road to the end. Parking spaces next to the chapel.
Total time, not including rest stops: 5hrs
Maps and guides: IGN Top 25 n° 3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais
Start height: 1340 m
Highest point: 1905 m
Height difference: 1100 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit
Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free
Description:
A wild and unspoilt area in a valley where chapels and chalets are omnipresent. Look out for the numerous shrines, statues, chapels, etc.
The Roc d'Enfer rises to an altitude of 2243 m. In former times, it was called Mont Maudit (Damned Mountain) because of the steep and exposed route to the summit, but don't worry, the walk described here stays at the foot of the mountain. The walk has a very varied atmosphere, starting with a "mountainous" section at the foot of the Roc d'Enfer, and finishing amongst chalets and forests.
Climb up to the Col Ratti. Go straight on. Do not take the track to the chapel.
The River Brévon, which rises at the foot of the Roc d'Enfer, has given its name to this valley.
Other territories to discover:
Around lakes Bourget and Aiguebelette
Book on line with our favourite Tour Operators:
Inntravel in the Chablais
Lagrange for the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions
Peak Retreats the specialist of the French Alps in all seasons
Addicted to Travel and its news section regarding the French Alps