If you want a beautiful view.. any of the peaks around the Lac d'Arvouin are amazing!!
Here is a sneak peak of the view over the Lac D'Arvouin from the Pointe de Vernaz.
There are lots of options of how to get to the Lac D'Arvouin with various degrees of difficulty depending on your ability. I have included a few options of how to get there.
It's pretty impressive right! This is the view from the top of the Pointe de Vernaz looking onto the Lac d'Arvoin. There are a few options of how to get there depending on your level of fitness or the time you have. Below i'll give you two options starting from La Chapelle.
OPTION 1: From the Route des Thoules
I started in La Chapelle from the route des Thoules. Look for the "Fer Rouge" restaurant, then your starting point is the road just behind there. There are a few different places for free parking nearby your starting point too or depending on where you are staying in the valley, you will be able to take a free shuttle bus.
If you choose this route, it is pretty steep for a few kms as soon as you enter the forest path. Then it gradually levels off until you arrive at the Lac D'Arvouin.
When you arrive at the Lac D'Arvouin there are a few different options you can take from there that are not too long and you have great views.
-Pointe de Vernaz
-Pointe d'Arvouin
-Le Linleu
If you are really looking for some stunning views and don't mind a fair bit of extra climbing then you can continue onto the Cornettes de Bise. The views are very impressive and you can see over the Lac Leman. Here is an idea of what you can see from the Cornettes de Bise.
OPTION 2: From the parking on the Route de Ryz
If you have access to a car, you can miss the initial climb and start from the parking on the
"Route de Ryz". You will see a sign for the Lac d'Arvoin when you arrive at the parking.
If you are more of a beginner to hiking, then I would recommend this route as you don't have any super steep climbing to get to the Lac D'Arvouin. Then you have the same options for continuing your hike as I mentioned in option 1.
OPTION 3: From Route de Chevenne
(you can also make this route into a loop by combining it with option 1)
Distance: Roughly 5km with 800m elevation.
This option is also fairly steep, around the same difficulty as option 1. Although the terrain is a bit different as you are not following a foresty path. If you like trail running and don't mind a bit of climbing, this route is great as you get a nice mix of different terrains and lovely views along the way.
I have added the full loop below.
Option 1 & 2 as a loop. Approx 8.5km with 800m elevation.
Start & finish in La Chapelle d'Abondance.
If you are visiting the area I hope that you find this post and information useful! Here are a few more pictures of what you will see along the way. You might even make some goat friends like me!
The trail just before you arrive at the lake if you are starting from option 1.
The Lac d'Arvouin arriving from option 1 or 2.
The view from above the lake. You will arrive around here before descending down to the lake on route 3.
Don't forget to leave a comment if you try out any of these routes. I'd love to hear what you think.
Lots of love,
Reenie xo