The Plagnes loop

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  • View on Charmy and Abondance
  • Hiking on the heights of Abondance
  • Saint Theodule Chapel - Abondance
    Abondance

    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)

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    Further information

    Hiking shoes recommended.

    Services & Equipment

    • Picnic area
    • Car park
    • Free car park
    • Parking
    • Pets welcome

    Customer base

    • Level bue - Medium

    Opening

    From 01/05 to 30/11.
    Accessible except during snow and depending on weather conditions.
    Please check with the Tourist Office for the latest information on access conditions. This route is usually suitable for strong walkers during spring, summer, and autumn, except in adverse weather.

    Animals

    Animaux : Accepted

    Dogs must be kept on a leash because of the presence of herds.

    Prices

    Free access.

    Location

    Lac des Plagnes
    74360 Abondance

    Parking at the Lac des Plagnes, located 10 minutes by car from the centre of the village of Abondance, take the direction of Lac des Plagnes.

    Characteristics :

    • Waterside
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Forest location
    • Lake view

    Spoken languages

    • French