5 Must Visit Alpine Lakes In and Around Morzine
If you’re visiting Morzine during the summer months there is so much to see and do. Sometimes it can be hard to decide how best to spend your time in this alpine paradise. Luckily for you, we at The Farmhouse are here to help with our guide to the must visit Alpine lakes in and around Morzine.
Alpine Lakes with beautiful backdrops are luckily something we have plenty of here in Morzine and we’d love to share them with you.
There is nothing better than cooling off in the crystal clear water of an alpine lake during the heat of the day and something we thoroughly recommend (although not all of our favorite lakes are swimmable). All the lakes can be accessed on foot and provide the perfect spot for a picnic with a view.
We have put together a list of our top five must visit alpine lakes in and around Morzine and why you should visit them.
The Top 5 Must Visit Alpine Lakes In and Around Morzine
1. Lac des Mines d’Or
This old gold mining lake sits at the far end of Vallee de la Manche and has an absolutely stunning backdrop. The imposing rock faces of the Tete de Bostan and the Terres Maudite which surround the lake are spectacular.
There is ample car parking at the lake as well as a fantastic restaurant. Activity wise relaxing, taking in the views, eating and walking are the order of the day.
You can reach the lake in the car by simply taking Route de la Manche out of the village centre by the Pompiers (fire station) and following the road all the way to the lake where the tarmac road ends. There is also a bus servicing the lake during the peak summer season.
On foot the lake can be reached by following Chemin du Renard which is a riverside path that skirts the river before traversing an alpine pasture and joining the road for the final ascent to the lake. The route is however 7km in either direction so it’s a fair walk and appropriate footwear will be required.
The lake is also the perfect spot to start a number of wonderful walks including the Col de Cou, an old smuggling trail from world war 2, Col de la Golese and the Tete de Bostan.
2. Le Lac de Montriond
The biggest and most popular of the alpine lakes in and around Morzine and it’s easy to see why. The lake is surrounded by an imposing cliff face on one side and offers spectacular views of Roc d’Enfer from the far end.
There is a wide variety of activities on offer here both water and land based so there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want to swim then this lake is our number one recommendation and there is a separate smaller paddling lake for the children too.
Kayaks, Canoes and SUP boards are available for hire on the lakeside and there is mini golf, donkey rides and a boules area to enjoy also. The lake has a flat gravel path which circumnavigates the lake offering a gentle walk with ever changing views. There are restaurants at either end of the lake and purpose built bbq pits at the far end making bbqs a breeze.
Parking is available at either end of the lake and driving is the best way to get there. Simply leave Morzine heading for Montriond and turn right by the Marie then follow the signs for the lake. There is a bus service to the lake and back during the summer months and it is also possible to walk up to the lake along a gently ascending forest path that starts in Montriond off of Vieille Route.
3. Lac des Ecoles, Les Gets
This lake is the perfect summer family day out destination. Nestled just above the village of Les Gets, our neighbouring village, the lake has a wonderful view and is perfect for a swim. The lake is surrounded by flat grassy areas which are perfect for sunbathing, picnicking or playing games.
There is a play park for children, a water slide, beach volleyball court, football/basketball court, table tennis tables, a high ropes course and a wonderful restaurant.
The lake is manmade and is privately managed so a small entrance fee applies but the lake is patrolled by lifeguards making it very safe for swimming. During the peak summer months there is also the Wibit, an inflatable assault course floating out on the lake.
The best way to get to the lake is to drive up to Les Gets and park in the centre before following one of the footpaths up the Chevannes piste to the lake.
If you’re a keen mountain biker then the lake is a great place to stop off and cool down during a day on the hill. You can take your bike on the Pleney cable car from Morzine then follow the signs for Les Gets. The trail will take you right past the lake and it’s downhill all the way!
4. Lac de Joux Plane
The Col du Joux Plane is famous for cycling and steeped in Tour de France history however, there is also a beautiful lake at the summit which is not to be missed. Sat at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level the lake marks the summit of the high mountain pass, a welcome site for many a cyclist.
Although it is not possible to swim in this lake, the views are truly spectacular as you gaze out across the Samoens valley towards Mont Blanc. There is ample parking at the lake and a restaurant with a wonderful terrace where you can take refreshment with a view. Alpine pasture surrounds the lake and the grazing cows often stop for water at the lake, their traditional bells providing a very alpine soundtrack.
It is possible to reach the lake on foot via a very long complicated route but the best way to reach this lake is to drive. The route is straight forward but does involve a fair amount of hairpin turns. Simply take Route des Nants out of the village and follow the road up until you reach the lake.
There is a false summit just before you reach the lake so don’t panic when you start a short descent when it feels like you should have summited.
There is a wonderful walk which is relatively short and flat from the lake which will take you to a stunning viewpoint at the cross at La Bourgeoise point.
5. Lac du Nyon
This lake is actually a man made reservoir built to store water and service the snow cannons on the Nyon pistes during the winter months. In building the lake the pisteurs have created a beautiful spot in which to relax by the water and take in the views. Due to its harder to reach location, this is by far the most peaceful of the Alpine lakes in and around Morzine.
There are a handful of mountain gites occupying the hillside by the lake but otherwise it is a very natural setting. The lake sits at an altitude of 1480m and offers wonderful views back down the Morzine valley towards Lake Geneva.
There are a couple of ways to reach this lake and all require completing the journey on foot as there is no road up to the lake.
The first option is to walk along Chemin du Renard to the Nyon lift station and take the lift up to the Nyon plateau. From here follow the signposted path for the lake which utilizes fire road tracks all the way up to the lake. The walk is about 45 minutes to an hour and is uphill the whole way (you can also continue along the path past the lake and continue up to Lac de Joux Plane which is a further hour along the path).
You can also drive to the Nyon Plateau by taking Route des Nants out of the village and turning left onto Chemin des Raverettes. There is parking at the plateau by the restaurants and you must now follow the path on foot up to the lake.
Stay With Us To See The Lakes
If you’re thinking about visiting to explore these beautiful alpine lakes in and around Morzine and are looking for somewhere special to stay then why not check out The Farmhouse. Our small boutique hotel in the heart of Morzine offers the perfect retreat to relax in after a day out in the mountains.
