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Hiking Trail: a walk along the water

Hiking Trail: a walk along the water

Description

From the Vieux Pont de St Martin (old bridge) to the Ilettes lakes, along the River Arve to the Arpenaz waterfall, enjoy a pleasant stroll along the water, accessible to all. Discover the hamlet of Luzier and its chapel on the way back.

Go hiking safely!

Walking time is approximate and does not take into account break times.

The topo/step-by-step description guides you generally but does not replace a 1/25,000 hiking map or other topoguides available in our tourist office!

In Sallanches, our Office of Guides & Leaders also offers a wide choice of outings accompanied by mountain professionals providing you with complete expertise on the environment and alpine nature, inquire at the tourist office to register.

Whatever your hike, check the weather before you go. Remember to take cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap or hat, a small first aid kit, as well as clothing suitable for your outing in your backpack. depending on the season and the forecast weather.

Technical Information

Walking
Difficulty
Very easy
Duration
3h
Dist.
11 km
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Altimetric profile

Starting point

départ : parking de St Martin ancienne route Impériale , 74700   Sallanches
Lat : 45.939353Lng : 6.643667

Points of interest

image du object

Church of St Martin s/Arve

This small church, rebuilt in 1681, harmoniously combines the Baroque decor of the 18th century with the Neoclassical elements of the 19th century. On the altarpieces or the vault, sculpted and painted angels are present, enhancing the artistic richness of the place.Saint-Martin Church, rebuilt in 1681, reflects the evolution of artistic styles, blending Alpine Baroque from the 17th century with Neoclassical touches from the 19th century. From the outside, its modest façade gives little hint of the treasures within. A statue of Saint Martin, the protector of travelers, stands above an arched portal, while the square bell tower rises gracefully. Upon entering, you'll be struck by the colorful frescoes adorning the vaulted ceilings and the sculpted and painted angels watching over the sanctuary. The interior design, rich in detail, combines elements of regional folk Baroque with the more rigid additions of the 19th century. The main altarpiece, with its twisted columns from the 18th century, houses 19th-century statues, including one of Saint Francis de Sales. Behind it, an impressive painting illustrates the legendary generosity of Saint Martin as he shares his cloak with a poor man, set against the backdrop of the Saint-Martin-sur-Arve bridge and church. This painting, gifted in 1828 by local residents who had emigrated to Paris, symbolizes the deep connection between the church and its community. The church also features treasures such as the pulpit sculpted by a local artist, altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, and late Baroque details that will delight lovers of religious art. Don’t miss this historic and emotional site, where every detail tells a part of the village’s soul.

ancienne route impériale 74700 Sallanches
- Sallanches TOURISME -
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Base de loisirs des Ilettes

Very beautiful leisure center with its 3 lakes which welcome you for all your leisure activities: fishing, swimming and paddle, windsurfing, walking and relaxing and many other activities on site: fitness trail, volleyball court, ping-pong table.* “What if we teased the trout?!” This 1st lake, coming from St Martin, is exclusively reserved for category 1 fishing and extends over 242 m in length. Guaranteed tranquility. The island located in the middle of the lake being a hunting reserve, you will have plenty of time to observe mallards, coots and wild rabbits while waiting for the fish to take the bait! - Aquatic species: wild and rainbow trout, perch, carp, pike, roach, tench, chub, crayfish, verons, and frogs. - Fishing license: on sale at the “Passion peche” store or at the Sallanches tourist office - Night fishing for carp: "no kill" organized by the AAPPMA - Faucigny Approved Association for Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment - (registration required) - Fishing competitions: organized by the fishing company (information at the tourist office) * "Take the plunge !" This 2nd lake is a true summer paradise, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing. With its 450 m length, it offers an area dedicated to supervised swimming in July and August, as well as ideal areas for paddle boarding and kayaking on the southern part. Whether under the bright sun or in the refreshing shade, you can relax on the green lawns that border the lake waters. Numerous facilities are available for leisure and well-being: open-air showers near the first aid station, volleyball courts, fitness trail, ping-pong table; but also equipped picnic areas. Snacks & refreshments in the summer. Free-standing barbecues are accepted under conditions established by municipal decree. Classified in category 2 for fishing outside the summer season. To preserve the tranquility, hygiene and health of the premises, access to the 1st and 2nd lake is prohibited for animals. Free parking and sanitary facilities on site. * “Want to slide on the water?” This 3rd lake is reserved for windsurfers on the southern part and for fishermen on the northern part in category 2. It is 515 m long. Notice to lovers of "jibe" and "fun" who are welcome on this site, one of the best spots in Haute-Savoie, for windsurfing. Exploring the northern end of the lake, you will find a waterbird and fish observation cabin, a true treasure for nature lovers. This last lake welcomes animals subject to compliance with the following provisions: • swimming of animals is strictly prohibited; • animals must be kept on a leash; • dog owners will have to pick up their pet's droppings themselves. Animals can take the so-called rustic route on the banks of the Arve (dike) at any time of the year. Standing barbecues are allowed according to the conditions established by the municipal decree; ground fires are strictly prohibited on the 3 lakes.

ancienne route Impériale 74700 Sallanches
- Sallanches TOURISME -
Consulter
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Les Lacs des Ilettes (Lakes)

Very beautiful "spot" in Sallanches for a moment of tranquility and contemplation close to nature, 2 km from the city center. At the edge of the lakes you will have a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and can also observe the local flora and fauna.During a pleasant walk, you will have the opportunity to soak up the beauty of this preserved natural environment while taking the time to take breaks on the benches along the route of this true haven of peace. The 1st lake, classified category 1 and intended for fishing, is full of fish and wild birds that you can observe up close being careful not to disturb them while feeding them. The 2nd lake, reserved for swimming and paddle boarding in summer, also offers a setting conducive to relaxation, allowing you to enjoy moments of absolute relaxation. Outside of this period, fishing is authorized in category 2. The 3rd lake, dedicated to windsurfing and walking, offers an introductory experience to discover the local fauna and flora, complete with an observatory allowing you to explore this preserved environment more closely. Authorized for fishing on the northern part, in category 2. By following the "Au fil de l'eau" path towards the north, which crosses the Luzier footbridge, you can reach the famous Arpenaz waterfall, just 2km away (30 min on foot). To preserve the tranquility, hygiene and health of the premises, access to the 1st and 2nd lake is prohibited for animals. The 3rd lake is accessible to animals subject to compliance with the following provisions: • swimming of animals is strictly prohibited; • animals must be kept on a leash; • dog owners will have to pick up their animal's droppings. Animals can take the so-called rustic route on the banks of the Arve (dike) at any time of the year. Ground barbecue is strictly prohibited. ground fires are strictly prohibited on the 3 lakes.

ancienne route impériale 74700 Sallanches
- Sallanches TOURISME -
Consulter
image du object

La Cascade d'Arpenaz (waterfall)

At a height of 270m, this magnificent waterfall, dominating the hamlet of Luzier, is the 3rd highest waterfall in France and is of geological interest (shales). Listed natural site. Impressive in the spring, you can refresh yourself there in the summer.Natural site classified since 1991. The waterfall is easily observed from the highway or national. Many travelers have always stopped at its foot to admire its splendid waterfall. This waterfall has its charm in any season, but its fall is very impressive in spring when the snow melts. In summer, a reception basin that can be used as a "vat" for swimming, and a small stream sheltered by the forest await you there. The torrent, called Nant d'Arpenaz or La Laiteuse, descends from the Platé massif, where it originates from several streams from the mountain pastures of the Véran mountain. From its source located at an altitude of 1850 m to where it flows into the Arve, the torrent travels 4 km. The name "Arpenaz" comes from the Celtic prefix "Ar" meaning living water and the Celtic suffix "pen" meaning rocky head. The site is also of geological interest, with its "S" rock folding. Developed site: free parking, picnic areas, starting point for hiking and mountain biking trails. When the Arpenaz waterfall inspires... The novelist Théophile Gaultier described the Arpenaz waterfall in the middle of the 19th century as follows:. "From the upper plateaus of the mountain, between the tumult of large rocks of a purplish gray, the water descended and seemed from afar a vein of silver embedded in the stone. From a distance, the most furious waterfalls seem motionless and have the air of streaks of snow between masses of rocks. At the edge of this steep slope, the mountain cuts steeply and the water rushes into the void".

Route d'Oëx 74700 Sallanches
- Sallanches TOURISME -
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Additional information

New for 2025

Construction Information
Construction work in Les Ilettes began at the start of the school year in September. Since October 1st, pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the paths around the fishing and swimming lakes has been prohibited until June 2026.

Similarly, vehicle traffic is prohibited in the north and central parking lots of the Les Ilettes site.

For your safety, we ask that you respect the barriers in place on the site and refrain from entering the construction site. The ongoing work presents a significant risk of accidents (falls, injuries, etc.). As such, your safety is not guaranteed in this area.

Amphibian protection barriers have been installed around the construction site (green netting). These safety nets are primarily used to prevent amphibians from entering the construction area. Please do not damage the barriers.

We understand the frustration this closure may cause. We remind you that the dike path located on the right bank of the Arve River will remain accessible throughout the construction period, as will the paths around the North Lake (the windsurfing lake).

Please be patient and civil.

Tips

Leisure center of Ilettes fully equipped for a nice stop at the water's edge after this pleasant stroll.

Updated by

Office de Tourisme de Sallanches - 20/11/2025
www.sallanchesmontblanc.com
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Environments

Lakeside or by stretch of water
Riverside
Overview on river
Mountain view
Forest location
Beach within 300 m
Waterside
Lake view
In the country
Waterfall view

Open period

All year round daily.

Type of land

Ground
Grit
Suitable for all terrain strollers

Reception complements

Go hiking safely!

Walking time is approximate and does not take into account break times.

The topo/step-by-step description guides you generally but does not replace a 1/25,000 hiking map or other topoguides available in our tourist office!

In Sallanches, our Office of Guides & Leaders also offers a wide choice of outings accompanied by mountain professionals providing you with complete expertise on the environment and alpine nature, inquire at the tourist office to register.

Whatever your hike, check the weather before you go. Remember to take cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap or hat, a small first aid kit, as well as clothing suitable for your outing in your backpack. depending on the season and the forecast weather.

Tricky passages

passage through the forest towards the waterfall (slippery depending on the period), but which can be avoided by resuming along the road or the initial path.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

Departure: St Martin car park
1. to the right of the car park, take the path that leads you to the Vieux Pont de St Martin, listed as a Historic Monument.
2. cross the bridge then turn left on the Old Imperial Road where you will pass in front of the Baroque church of St Martin which can be visited on request.
3. continue to the small bridge after the college-high school of St Martin.
4. cross this small bridge, and take the path a little lower on your left
5. you will follow the edge of the Arve to the lakes of Ilettes: walk in the undergrowth along a flat path between lakes and river.
Be careful, many mountain bikes and hybrid bikes also use this path to get to the lake.
6. you will have access to the lakes and the leisure center via the 2nd lake; you can take a relaxing break to discover them:
- the 1st, more to the right, peaceful with its central island sheltering rabbits and ducks, is intended for fishermen
- the 2nd for swimming or paddling and dining on sunny days; a fitness trail can enhance the walk or a beach volleyball or ping-pong break (bring your own equipment); picnic areas also available.
- the 3rd intended for walks and discovery of the environment with a botanical trail and educational panels that will allow you to discover its history and its riches, and its observatory at the end of the lake to observe the fauna discreetly.
7. The route then continues along the Arve, and will take you to a footbridge, then a path to the Luzier bridge.
8. You will then continue crossing the road, a path, always along the Arve, then emerging on the road to Oëx.
9. You will turn right on the road and after a few meters you will be able to discover on the left the majestic Cascade of Arpenaz which throws itself from the top of its 270 m.
10. You can stop to observe it in the spring when the snow melts or cool off there in the summer.
11. walk back up to the car park, where you will find a path leading to the village of Luzier past the pretty little hamlet chapel (only open on guided tours)
12. Return either by following the Old Imperial Road to the lakes then by the footpath to the starting car park or by joining the bottom of the Luzier road to join the same starting route with the possibility of traversing the other shore of the lakes to vary a little and join the footpath to the starting car park; or again by mixing the 2 and at the 2nd lake take the Arve path to avoid the road and rejoin the starting route.

Animals

Yes. dogs kept on a leash, but prohibited in the vicinity and in lakes.

Data author

32 Quai de l'Hôtel de ville 74700 74700 - SALLANCHES France

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾