Loisirs 74
← In Bellevaux
Free · Open access

Lac de Vallon

Fifteen hectares of emerald water at 1080 m altitude, born on the night of 11–12 March 1943 when the mountain slid and blocked the Brévon river. Beneath the surface lie the ruins of a submerged hamlet. At the foot of Roc d'Enfer, in La Chèvrerie, commune of Bellevaux.

View on map
Location verified by loisirs74.fr
Lac de Vallon at the foot of Roc d'Enfer, Bellevaux, Haute-Savoie
At a glance
Type
Mountain lake
Access
Free · Open
Best season
April – October
Parking
Yes, on site
Animals
Allowed
Town
Bellevaux
Altitude
1080 m
Area
15 ha
Depth
16 m
Wheelchair access
Partially accessible · Lac de Vallon : place réservée PMR, cheminement de plain-pied, possibilité de dépose devant le site per OT Haute-Savoie

Official source →

What is 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. Access from Bellevaux is by car to the lakeside car park, then a few minutes' walk on a flat path. The site is open April to November depending on snow cover, ideal for a half-day visit or lakeside picnic.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Lac de Vallon, La Chèvrerie, 74470 Bellevaux View on map
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
Access

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.

Open in Maps

Parking

Yes, on site

Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL

When to visit

When to visit

<p>The Lac de Vallon is accessible year-round, but conditions vary significantly with the season:</p> <ul> <li><strong>April – June:</strong> snowmelt, high water, flora awakening. Fishing opens on 1 April.</li> <li><strong>July – August:</strong> peak season, shade appreciated in hot weather. Arrive early for quiet.</li> <li><strong>September – early October:</strong> autumn light, lower visitor numbers. Fishing closes on 8 October.</li> <li><strong>Winter:</strong> snow-covered landscape, lake sometimes partially frozen. Snowshoe routes in the La Chèvrerie area.</li> </ul>
Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

Lac de Vallon
Lac de Vallon
Lac de Vallon
Lac de Vallon
Lac de Vallon
Lac de Vallon

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

Is access to the Lac de Vallon paid?

No. Access to the Lac de Vallon is free and open year-round, every day. Only fishing requires a permit, issued by APPMA and sold at the OT des Alpes du Léman.

How was the Lac de Vallon formed?

The Lac de Vallon formed on the night of 11–12 March 1943, during a landslide that blocked the course of the Brévon river. About ten chalets were swept away, and the submerged hamlet of L'Écondu now lies beneath the water.

Can you swim in the Lac de Vallon?

Swimming in the Lac de Vallon is not mentioned as a permitted activity by official sources. The site is primarily for walking, fishing and geological discovery.

Can you fish in the Lac de Vallon?

Yes. The Lac de Vallon is open to fishing from 1 April to 8 October, every day, with a mandatory permit via APPMA. Species present: brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic char, minnow. Classified as difficult.

How long does it take to walk around the Lac de Vallon?

The interpretation trail around the Lac de Vallon takes about one hour. Geopark panels along the route tell the story of the lake's formation and the submerged hamlets.

Can you camp or bivouac at the Lac de Vallon?

No. Camping, bivouac and fires are strictly prohibited on the site of the Lac de Vallon. Accommodation is available in Bellevaux and La Chèvrerie.

Can I bring my dog to the Lac de Vallon?

Yes, dogs are allowed at the Lac de Vallon according to the Geopark factsheet. Keeping them on a leash is recommended out of respect for the wildlife of the site, classified ZNIEFF since 1991.

Is there parking at the Lac de Vallon?

Yes. A dedicated car park is located right next to the Lac de Vallon, reachable by car up to the foot of the site from Bellevaux via the La Chèvrerie road.

Is the Lac de Vallon classified or protected?

Yes. The Lac de Vallon is recognised as a key geosite of the UNESCO Chablais Global Geopark, and classified as a Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest (ZNIEFF) since 1991.

Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 23 avril 2026·Updated 23 avril 2026

Directions