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Marnaz
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Free · Open access
Lac Bénit
A small 4.1-hectare glacial lake at 1,452 m, set against the cliffs of the Bargy. Listed under Natura 2000, swimming and water activities prohibited. The Bété trail is currently closed by municipal order; access is via Morsulaz.
At a glance
Type
Glacial mountain lake
Access
Free · Open
Best season
June – September
Parking
Free (Bété, Morsulaz)
Animals
Allowed on leash
Stroller / Reduced mobility
Not suitable
Town
Mont-Saxonnex
What is Lac Bénit
The Lac Bénit is a small glacial lake of 4.1 hectares, up to 8.7 m deep, at 1,452 m altitude in Mont-Saxonnex, at the foot of the limestone cliffs of the Bargy massif. The site lies in a Natura 2000 area and is subject to a permanent municipal order strictly framing activities.
Swimming, boating, camping, ground fires, motor vehicles and drone overflight are prohibited. Lake access is only on foot from Mont-Saxonnex, about 1 h 15 climb via the Morsulaz path through pastures and alpine meadows. An alpine refreshment stop opens from Pentecost to late September for a friendly break. Since 6 January 2026, a municipal order forbids access via the Bété path; only the Morsulaz ascent remains usable. Panoramic view of the limestone cliffs around the lake. A short scenic walk to the buvette offers a wide-angle view of the Bargy massif.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Route de Morsullaz, 74130 Mont-Saxonnex View on map
Coordinates
46.0287° N, 6.5051° E
Elevation
1,452 m (lake)
Size
4.1 ha · maximum depth 8.7 m
Opening hours
Site open year-round. Bété trail closed by municipal order since 06/01/2026. Access via Morsulaz.
Price
Free
Parking
Bété and Morsulaz car parks (free). No motor vehicles beyond.
Animals
Dogs allowed, on leash. Dog swimming prohibited.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair or stroller: mountain path with significant gradient
Swimming
Prohibited (municipal order, Natura 2000 zone)
Bivouac
7 pm – 9 am only, no ground fires, prohibited around the lake
Drones
Overflight prohibited by municipal order
Public toilets
When to visit
When to visit
<p>The site is reachable on foot year-round, but here are the useful seasons:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>June – September:</strong> bar open, lake clear, active alpine pastures. Herds and wildlife: stay on paths, dogs on leash.</li>
<li><strong>Pentecost – late September:</strong> bar open depending on season.</li>
<li><strong>October – May:</strong> snowy or muddy trail depending on weather, bar closed. Avalanche awareness in winter.</li>
</ul>
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Photos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Lac Bénit?
No. Swimming is prohibited in the Lac Bénit by a permanent municipal order from the communes of Mont-Saxonnex and Marnaz, along with all water activities (boating, diving, ice skating). The site is listed under Natura 2000.
Is the Lac Bénit accessible right now?
The Lac Bénit site is still reachable on foot, but since 6 January 2026 a municipal order has closed the Bété trail. Only the climb from the Morsulaz car park is usable. Check the commune website before setting out.
Can I bring my dog to the Lac Bénit?
Yes, dogs are allowed at the Lac Bénit on a leash. Dog swimming is prohibited, as for humans, to protect the lake's fauna.
Is there parking at the Lac Bénit?
Yes. Two free car parks allow walking access to the Lac Bénit: the Bété car park and the Morsulaz car park, both in Mont-Saxonnex. Motor traffic beyond these points is prohibited.
Is the hike to the Lac Bénit suitable for children?
The climb to the Lac Bénit from Morsulaz is short but steep (significant average gradient). The route remains accessible to families used to mountain walking. The gentler Bété trail is currently closed by municipal order.
Is there a refreshment bar at the Lac Bénit?
Yes. An alpine refreshment bar operates by the Lac Bénit, open from Pentecost to late September according to the Tourist Office. Precise hours are not published on an official source.
Is bivouac allowed at the Lac Bénit?
Bivouac is allowed only between 7 pm and 9 am, with no ground fire (stove permitted). Bivouac around the Lac Bénit itself is prohibited, under the municipal order.
Are drones allowed at the Lac Bénit?
No. Drone overflight of the Lac Bénit site is prohibited by municipal order.
How big is the Lac Bénit?
The Lac Bénit covers 4.1 hectares with a maximum depth of 8.7 metres, at 1,452 m elevation. Its catchment area is 90.6 hectares.
Sources
Sources & verification
- Commune de Mont-Saxonnex — Arrêtés permanents et non permanents (site du Lac Bénit)
- Cluses Arve & montagnes Tourisme — Le Lac Bénit – Randonnée
- Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme — Lac Bénit (Mont-Saxonnex)
- Wikipedia — Lac Bénit (fiche lac, surface, profondeur, altitude)
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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