Lac de Vallon

About Lac de Vallon

The Lac de Vallon is a 15-hectare mountain lake at 1080 m altitude in the hamlet of La Chèvrerie, in the commune of Bellevaux. It formed on the night of 11–12 March 1943, when a mudslide swept away about ten chalets and blocked the course of the Brévon river. Water accumulated behind this natural dam, submerging the hamlet of L'Écondu, whose foundations can still sometimes be seen beneath the surface.

It is the youngest lake in the Chablais. It is recognised as a key geosite of the UNESCO Chablais Global Geopark and has been classified as a Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest (ZNIEFF) since 1991. Maximum depth: 16 m. Free, open access year-round. Camping, bivouac and fires are prohibited on site.

What you can do there

Walk around the lake

Interpretation trail of about one hour around the lake. Geopark panels explaining the formation of the site and the history of the submerged hamlets.

Fish in the lake

1 April – 8 October

Brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic char, minnow. Permit required via APPMA. Classified as difficult. Permits sold at the OT des Alpes du Léman (Bellevaux, Habère-Poche).

Picnic by the water

Picnic area on the shores. Grassy lawns along the banks.

Photograph the Roc d'Enfer

The summit of Roc d'Enfer (2244 m) is reflected in the lake. A belvedere overlooks the site for a panoramic view.

Visit the Chapelle Saint-Bruno

Chapel rebuilt in 1651 on the ruins of the former Chartreuse de Ripaille-Vallon, by the lake. Restored since 1971 by the association Les amis de la Chartreuse de Vallon-Ripaille.

Observe flora and fauna

ZNIEFF since 1991

In 70 years, rich flora and fauna have settled in and around the lake. Protected site for its ecological interest.

Practical info

Address

Lac de Vallon, La Chèvrerie, 74470 Bellevaux

Coordinates

46.2160° N, 6.5590° E

Altitude

1080 m

Area

15 ha

Maximum depth

16 m

Opening hours

Free access year-round, every day

Price

Free (except fishing: permit via APPMA)

Parking

Lake car park nearby

Animals

Dogs allowed

Restrictions

Camping, bivouac and fires prohibited on site

Phone (tourist office)

+33 4 50 73 71 53 (OT des Alpes du Léman – Bellevaux)

Protection

UNESCO Chablais Geopark geosite · ZNIEFF since 1991

How to get there

By car

From Bellevaux, follow signs to La Chèvrerie (road leading towards the Roc d'Enfer massif). The lake car park is signposted on arrival. Bellevaux is about 20 km south of Thonon-les-Bains.

When to visit

The Lac de Vallon is accessible year-round, but conditions vary significantly with the season:

April – June: snowmelt, high water, flora awakening. Fishing opens on 1 April.
July – August: peak season, shade appreciated in hot weather. Arrive early for quiet.
September – early October: autumn light, lower visitor numbers. Fishing closes on 8 October.
Winter: snow-covered landscape, lake sometimes partially frozen. Snowshoe routes in the La Chèvrerie area.

Where to eat, drink, stay nearby

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A restaurant in La Chèvrerie?

Do you welcome visitors to the Lac de Vallon in Bellevaux or La Chèvrerie? Appear here.

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A bakery, a local shop?

Based in Bellevaux and serving visitors to the Lac de Vallon? Appear here.

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Accommodation nearby?

Guesthouse, B&B, campsite, rental in Bellevaux or La Chèvrerie. Share your availability with visitors.

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