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Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail
Interpretive trail at the Lac des Plagnes above Abondance: loop around the lake and climb to the Cubourré plateau, panels on 20,000 years of glacial history and a mysterious erratic boulder. Site listed as UNESCO Global Geopark.
At a glance
Type
Interpretive trail · Geology
Access
Free · Free of charge
Duration
2 to 3 hrs depending on option
Best season
May to October · subject to snow
Town
Abondance
What is Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail
The Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail is an educational route around the Lac des Plagnes, a charming mountain lake at around 1,170 m altitude, in the commune of Abondance in the Vallée d'Abondance. The trail belongs to the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark: its interpretive panels explain 20,000 years of landscape evolution, from the great Quaternary glaciers to today's slowly rising peat bogs.
The route begins with a loop around the lake on a flat, shaded path, then continues upstream along the lake's tributary, climbing through the forest beside a waterfall to the Cubourré plateau, drained by a small stream and dominated by the Pointe d'Entre Deux Pertuis and the Chavache. A wide track then leads to a mysterious erratic boulder whose origin is explained on site. The return is by the same direct path to the car park. Allow 2 to 3 hours depending on the option (lake loop alone, or lake loop plus Cubourré climb). Free access, swimming forbidden, a fine outing for families between geological heritage and nature observation.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Lac des Plagnes car park, 74360 Abondance View on map
Coordinates
46.248343° N - 6.754539° E
Altitude
~1,170 m
Difficulty
Easy (lake loop) to moderate (Cubourré option)
Phone
OT Abondance / Leman Mountains Explore - +33 4 50 73 02 90
Official website
geoparc-chablais.com · abondance-tourisme.com
Opening times
Free access. Practicable from May to October, depending on snow cover.
Prices
Free
Access / Parking
Car park at the Lac des Plagnes, access from Abondance via the Lac des Plagnes road.
Visit duration
2 to 3 hrs depending on the option chosen
Animals
Allowed on leash (sensitive natural area)
Required equipment
Walking shoes, water. No swimming allowed in the lake.
Parking
- Lac des Plagnes · To check · 56 m · Go →
Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL
Winter
Winter season
Winter access window
Not specified
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail?
The Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail starts at the lake car park, above the village of Abondance, in the Vallée d'Abondance, at about 1,170 m altitude.
Is the Lac des Plagnes Trail difficult?
The loop around the Lac des Plagnes is easy and flat (30-45 min). The option that climbs to the Cubourré plateau and the erratic boulder is more demanding (2 to 3 hrs round trip) with elevation through the forest alongside the waterfall.
Can you swim on the Lac des Plagnes Trail?
No, swimming is forbidden at the Lac des Plagnes: it is a protected natural area within the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. You can however picnic on its shores.
What does the Lac des Plagnes Trail tell?
The Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail tells 20,000 years of geological history of the Vallée d'Abondance: great glaciers, slow retreat, peat bog formation, and the story of an intriguing erratic boulder left on site.
Is the Lac des Plagnes Trail suitable for children?
Yes. The loop around the Lac des Plagnes is flat and suitable for children old enough to walk. The Cubourré option is more demanding but remains accessible to families with children used to walking.
When can you walk the Lac des Plagnes Trail?
The Lac des Plagnes Interpretive Trail is practicable from May to October depending on snow cover, with free access year-round once the road is cleared. In winter, the area is used for snowshoeing.
Sources
Sources & verification
- Geoparc du Chablais — fiche officielle
- Haute-Savoie Tourisme — fiche 420549
- Leman Mountains Explore — fiche officielle
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
Nearby
Nearby
Other places to explore in the area and in the same category
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Chablais Greenway (Abondance Valley)
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Former railway converted into a greenway in the Abondance Valley: ~22 km of gentle path, ideal for family cycling, walking and prams.
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Cascade des Brochaux
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30 m waterfall with natural pool, 30–40 min hike from Les Lindarets. Free access year-round in Vallée d'Aulps, Haute-Savoie.
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Abondance Cheese House
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Museum of AOP Abondance cheese: sensory route from alpine pastures to ripening cellars, tasting included. €5.50 adult, DUO Abbey ticket €9.
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Eterlou Walking Trail
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Family interpretive trail at Pre-la-Joux (Chatel): 600 m loop, about 50 min, fauna and flora panels, open May - October.
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Walking route – Banks of the Dranse path
Châtel
Easy flat 16 km path along the Dranse between Châtel and Abondance: family-friendly, stroller, bike. Abondance valley, free.
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Birds Trail
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Ornithological interpretive trail at Chatel: from the Col de Bassachaux to the Rochassons summit on the GR5, in the Vallee d'Abondance (Chablais UNESCO Geopark).