Walking route: Darbon loop from Lake Fontaine

Hard
5h05min
11.3km
Loop
+930m
-930m
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Description

A challenging day hike to discover Lac de Darbon and the surrounding mountains.

From Lac de Fontaine, you'll reach the Bise mountain pasture on a forest trail.

The Bise mountain pasture is a Unesco Geopark. Its landscapes offer a real journey through time, from the history of the formation of the Alps to the history of the people who have inhabited this mountain environment with their herds.

You'll then climb to the Col de Floray (1925 m), from where you'll overlook Lac de Darbon and the Alpage de Bise.

You'll then descend to Lac de Darbon, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip! A picnic is welcome.

You may even spot ibex, which are plentiful in this area.

You'll then climb up to the Darbon mountain pastures and reach the chalets.

The return to Lac de Fontaine is via a fairly steep path through the Bouaz mountain pastures.

This hike can be started from the Bise mountain pasture.

Guided steps

0/ Start: Lac de Fontaine parking lot
1/ Take the forest path to the left of the lake, towards "Chalets de Bise".
2/ At the Bise mountain pasture, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray" and "Col de Bise".
3/ At the next intersection, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray".
4/ At Col de Floray, descend to Lac de Darbon.
5/ At the lake, follow the path towards "Darbon".
6/ At the Darbon chalets, take the path down to the left towards "Bouaz Dessous", "Bouaz Dessus" and "Lac de Fontaine".
7/ Take this path downhill to Lac de Fontaine.

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Address
Lac de Fontaine, Lac de Fontaine, 74360, Vacheresse
Opening
From 01/06 to 15/10 daily. Check with tourist offices in advance to find out the current access conditions. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

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