Darbon loop

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  • On the heights of Lake Darbon
  • Abondance cows on the trail
    Vacheresse

    A lovely loop that takes you to Lac de Darbon and crosses its mountain pastures, with many pretty viewpoints!

    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.

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    Services & Equipment

    • Picnic area
    • Accommodation
    • Restaurant
    • Parking
    • Public WC
    • Pets welcome

    Customer base

    • Level red – hard

    Opening

    From 01/06 to 19/11.
    Opening periods :
    Accessible outside the snow season and according to weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions.
    Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

    Animals

    Animaux : Accepted

    Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds, Natura 2000 reserve and hunting reserve.

    Prices

    Free access.

    Location

    Lac de Fontaine
    74360 Vacheresse

    In the Abondance valley, at Vacheresse, take the direction of Bise. Large car park on arrival at the Bise mountain pasture. No public transport service.

    Characteristics :

    • Waterside
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Close to GR footpath
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view

    Spoken languages

    • French
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