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Walking trail along the water's edge
IGN cards
Description
From the Vieux Pont de St Martin to the Arpenaz waterfall, along the Arve and past the Ilettes lakes, come and enjoy this very pleasant walk, accessible to all. Discover the hamlet of Luzier and its chapel on the way back.
The Sallanches Water Trail is ideal for a safe, easy family outing.
You'll first walk along the Arve and cross the listed Vieux-Pont St Martin.
You'll then pass the 18th-century Baroque church of St Martin.
Your walk continues as far as the lakes: the first, further to the right, is a peaceful lake for anglers, with a central island housing rabbits and ducks. The second is for swimming or paddleboarding, with a picnic area. The third is designed for walking and exploring the environment, with a botanical trail and educational panels to help you discover its history and treasures.
Finally, you'll discover the majestic Cascade d'Arpenaz, a listed natural site since 1991, which cascades down from a height of 270 m.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 50 58 04 25
Email : tourisme@sallanches.com
Website : http://www.sallanchesmontblanc.com
Open period
All year round.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Updated by
Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 24/11/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
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Environments
In the country
Lakeside or by stretch of water
Riverside
Forest location
Lake view
Mountain view
Waterside
Overview on river
Waterfall view
Type of land
Ground
Grit
Suitable for all terrain strollers
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3530ET - SAMOENS
Location complements
Access (by car): From Sallanches, take the D13 to the Saint-Martin district. Then turn left onto Ancienne Route Impériale to reach the Saint-Martin parking lot.
Reception complements
Whatever your hike, remember to pack cereal bars, plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, and clothing appropriate to the season and weather forecast.
Tricky passages
Forest passage to the waterfall (slippery depending on the season), but can be avoided by returning along the road or the original path.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1/ To the right of the parking lot, take the path leading to the Vieux Pont de St Martin,
2/ Cross the bridge, then turn left onto the Ancienne Route Impériale, which you will pass in front of the bridge.
3/ Continue to the small bridge after the St Martin secondary school.
4/ Cross this little bridge, and take the path a little further down on your left.
5/ Continue along the banks of the Arve to the Ilettes lakes: a walk in the undergrowth along a flat path between the lakes and the river.
6/ The route then continues along the Arve, taking you to a footbridge and then a path to the Luzier bridge.
7/ Cross the road and continue along a footpath, still running alongside the Arve, until you reach the route d'Oëx.
8/ Turn right onto the road, and after a few metres you'll see the majestic Cascade d'Arpenaz on your left, 270 m high.
9/ Go back up to the parking lot, where you'll find a path leading to the village of Luzier.
10/ There are 2 ways back. You can follow exactly the same itinerary back to the banks of the Arve. Or, as indicated on the route, return via the pedibus path on the opposite bank, east of the lakes.
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash, but are not allowed near or in the lakes.
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