Darbon loop
Description
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 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.
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Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Fontaine Lake
The Fontaine lake is located in the commune of Vacheresse at an altitude of 1330 m. Its surface area is one hectare. You can walk around the lake, an easy walk will take you to the chalets of Bise. There are many fishermen.Easy access by car from Vacheresse, on the road leading to the chalets de Bise.
Bise summer farm
The summer farm situated in the hamlet of Bise is a gem. The majestic mountains with their hints of red and its disappearing lake, together bear witness to the 200 million years of Earths movements.This natural site is part of a protected area NATURA 2000 and is one of the iconic site of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. Refuge, cheese sale, restoration and visit of a small museum space on site.
Darbon Lake
The Darbon lake is a small mountain lake, with a surface area of two hectares, located at an altitude of 1,813 metres, to the south-east of the Dent d'Oche and Château d'Oche peaks. It is accessible on foot and is open to fishing.
Date and time
- From 01/06/2024 to 19/11/2024
- From 01/06/2025 to 19/11/2025
Additional information
Updated by
Office de Tourisme Leman Mountains Explore - 29/06/2024
leman-mountains-explore.com
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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.
Environments
Lakeside or by stretch of water
Close to GR footpath
Lake view
Mountain view
Reception conditions for animals
Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds, Natura 2000 reserve and hunting reserve.
Open period
From 01/06 to 19/11.
Opening periods :
Accessible outside the snow season and according to weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions.
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
On sale in the tourist offices of the Abondance valley.
Map references :
Map of the Portes du Soleil hiking trails in France and Switzerland
TOP 25 N°3528 ET Morzine Massif du Chablais Les Portes du Soleil
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Grit
Contact
Phone : 04 50 73 51 41
Email : lachapelledabondance@ot-peva.com
Location complements
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.
