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Lake Bénit - Hike
Description
A lovely family hike that offers a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Camping is prohibited around the lake.
Step-by-Step Guide: From the parking lot, follow the wide trail that climbs toward Lac Bénit. It winds upward through the forest before running alongside the ski lift. Directly in front of you are the two distinctive “eyes” of Petit Bargy. At Pierre à Muselire, head down to the lakeshore. Return via the same route. To extend the hike, take the Lac Bénit loop: From Lac Bénit to Morsullaz (parking lot): 1 hr 20 min. Hike back up to the Pierre à Muselire sign. Turn left toward l’Enténiou. Go around the top of the chairlift on the left to descend toward Morsullaz (parking lot). Below the cliffs of the Grand Bargy, you’ll reach the ski trail. Turn right to enter the forest and head back to the chairlift departure point. From Morsullaz (parking lot) to Le Bété (parking lot): 25 minutes Follow the trail to the right through the fields toward Les Côtes. At Le Bété d’en Haut, leave the trail and take the paved road, which will bring you back to the Le Bété parking lot.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 01/03/2026 to 14/11/2026
- From 01/03/2027 to 14/11/2027
Additional information
Sustainable tourism
Lake Bénit lies on the northern face of the Bargy massif and straddles two municipalities within the Cluses Arve et Montagnes Community of Communes (2CCAM): the municipality of Mont-Saxonnex and the municipality of Marnaz. Covering an area of 4 hectares with a maximum depth of 8 meters, it was formed by glacial retreat more than 10,000 years ago. The site features a mosaic of habitats conducive to the presence of exceptional flora and fauna: the lake and its submerged vegetation, meadows, spruce forests, scree slopes, and cliffs.
Due to its remarkable natural heritage and unique landscape, Lake Bénit is part of the Bargy Massif Natura 2000 site, designated to protect a number of habitats and species representative of European biodiversity.
All the wildlife typical of mountain environments can be observed here: ibex, chamois, marmots… The site is also home to the bearded vulture, a large vulture reintroduced to the Bargy Massif in the late 1980s. The lake and its surroundings provide a refuge for numerous species: newts, toads, and frogs; dragonflies and other insects; and fish.
Lake Bénit sees a high volume of visitors and faces conflicts over land use, particularly in connection with the work carried out by the alpine herder on the pastures grazed by cattle herds that help maintain the site. If visitor traffic is not properly managed and respectful, it causes significant disturbances to both the alpine pasture and the site’s biodiversity. Local authorities and various local stakeholders are working to resolve the issues encountered, particularly through the implementation of actions outlined in the site’s management plan.
Updated by
Cluses Arve & montagnes Tourisme - 15/10/2026
www.cluses-montagnes-tourisme.com
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Environments
Mountain view
Forest location
Mountain location
Lake view
Tips
The Lake Bénit snack bar is open from Pentecost through September.
Fishing is available on Lake Bénit starting in June. Permits are on sale at the Tourist Office.
Open period
From 01/03 to 14/11 daily.
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3430 ET
Type of land
Ground
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
Contact
Phone : 04 50 96 97 27
Email : tourisme@cluses-montagnes.com
Website : https://espacestrail.run/fr/flaine-carroz-2ccam/parcours/145814
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Cluses-Arve-montagnes-Tourisme-104007097700091/
Location complements
From the Arve Valley, head toward Mont-Saxonnex. Drive through the village. After passing the Le Jarbay tourist resort, pay close attention and turn left toward Route de Morsullaz (chairlift). Continue for 2 kilometers. On your right, a wooden sign will direct you to the parking lot on the left, before the houses in this hamlet.
Animals
Yes. Keep your dog on a leash, he can scare off herds and wild animals.
Data author
