The Plagnes loop

A beautiful panoramic walking trail on the moutain alpine of Abondance with a view on the Switzerland and Chablais peaks, and a discovery of the mountain chalets.

This moderate hike invites you to discover the mountain pastures on the southern slopes of Mont de Grange. Lac des Plagnes and the Cubourré site are part of the Chablais Unesco Geopark. From glaciers to bulging peat bogs, the trail around the lake takes you through landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years. You'll then cross the Montagne de Lens, where the word "Montagne" refers to the mountain pastures where pastoral activities are practiced. You can take advantage of the "chèvre" (a wooden fountain carved out of a tree trunk) to refresh yourself. You will then reach the chalets de Lenlevay, the highest point (1733 m), with an exceptional panorama of the Swiss peaks and the Chablais, via a short section of the GR5. The path crosses alpine meadows and rhododendron heaths, the natural habitat of capercaillies. The descent takes you past traditional mountain chalets and small chapels and oratories. Time to climb: 2h20 Descent time: 2h Shorter variant: 2h45 (return to the lake from the Lens chalets)