Hiking : Lac de Darbon via the 3 passes

A hike of medium difficulty, which will allow you to cross the authentic mountain pastures of the Chablais and to discover the Darbon lake, nestled under the beautiful peaks which surround it.

Departing from Chalet de Bise, the Lac de Darbon hike is an invitation to discover the wide-open spaces of the mountains. Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging this ecosystem and to respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.

You'll first cross the Bise mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 listed site and emblematic of the Chablais UNESCO World Geopark.

You will cross 3 passes during your walk.

First, you'll climb to the Col de Bise (1915 m), where you'll enjoy a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva, the Dent du Vélan, and below, Lake Neuteu, with the tête de Charousse ridge on your right and the Pointe de Pavis cliffs on your left.

You will then reach the Col de Pavis (1944 m) and the Lac de Darbon (1813 m), an ideal spot for a picnic.

Your final pass is the Col de Floray (1940 m).
A steep descent takes you back to the chalets de Bise.

1/ Take the track to the left of the stream through the hamlet of Bise, without crossing the bridge. After a flat area, the track splits in two (at a place called "la Salle").
2/ Turn right towards "Col de Bise" (GR5).
3/ At Col de Bise, head for Col de Pavis. Go around the "Pavis" and down to an intersection. The terrain is uneven, and you need to cross a few small gravel pits. Climb left towards the pass.
4/ Descend to Lac de Darbon. Go around the lake to the left and take the path rising to the left towards the Col de Floray. Follow the ridge and plunge left. The slope is steep.
5/ Then follow the pastures at the start of the hike to reach the Bise chalets.