Tour of Chamonix Lakes
Tour of Chamonix Lakes
Explore the beautiful alpine lakes and spectacular hydroelectric dam of the Chamonix region.
Number of days: 3
Av. daily hiking time: 6 hours 45 mins
Av. daily hiking distance: 15km / 10mi
Av. daily elevation gain: 1,354m / 4,441ft
Tour details
Starting in the Swiss village of Le Chatelard, this tour begins with the exploration of the Emosson hydroelectric dam, which collects waters from the glaciers located on the Mont Blanc Massif. The spectacular turquoise glacial water contrasts the green alpine meadows and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Crossing by foot into France, the next section of the tour explores five high alpine lakes in the Chamonix Valley. Pack a picnic or sit on the patio of one of the mountain huts and enjoy some of the most picturesque views of Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges. These lakes can be partially covered in ice early in the season, as these lakes all sit above 2,000m / 6,500ft. You may also see ibex and chamois roaming near the trail or lakes while passing through the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve.
The final lake on this tour sits behind the Le Brevent peak and provides views across the nature reserve of Sixt-Passy in the Savoy Prealps region.
Note: This tour requires a return gondola and chairlift ride. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the gondola station.
Tour highlights
Emosson Dam: This hydroelectric dam is the third highest in Switzerland and collects water from glaciers located on the Mont Blanc Massif.
Lac Blanc: Sitting at 2352m / 7717ft it is known as one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in the region. Bring a picnic or sit on the mountain hut patio and enjoy the views.
Lacs Cornu: Located in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, you are likely to see ibex or chamois wandering near these lakes.
Lacs de Cheserys: Located below the more popular Lac Blanc, this group of lakes provide a great alternate rest stop and are equally picturesque.
Lac du Brevent: Located nearby the Le Brevent mountain peak (2525m / 8284ft) and provides views across the nature reserve of Sixt-Passy in the Savoy Prealps region
Grand Balcon Sud: This balcony trail runs above the Chamonix valley, providing hikers views of the entire North West facing side of the Mont Blanc massif.
Base camp details
This tour uses Chamonix as its base camp. The trail is continuous but returns to the valley each night. We recommend you book the same accommodation in Chamonix or within the valley for the duration of the tour for ultimate convenience. Each day begins and ends within 30 minutes of Chamonix and is accessible by public transport. Full details of trailhead locations, transport schedules, and accommodation options are provided upon purchase.
