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In the heart of the Massif du Bargy, this itinerary completes the tour of two of its main peaks: Aiguille Verte and Roc des Tours.
Following the ascent via the pass above Chalet de Planay, then from Col de la Forclaz via Chalets de Mayse, Lac de Lessy is revealed before your very eyes. This exceptional natural site, nestled in the rocky cirque formed by the foothills of the Jallouvre opposite and the Aiguille Verte, is home to a pastoral activity that you'll be able to discover.
Legend has it that during great droughts, a stone emerges from the dried-up lake, bearing the inscription: "When you see me, you will weep". Proof that the lake is an essential part of life on the mountain pastures. Another legend has it that two newlyweds drowned in the lake, but long afterwards the bride's veil was found in the river "Le Borne".
On the way back down to Chinaillon, you'll hike along the Aiguille Verte just below its summit, the Pointe de Domingit, on a beautiful ridge path with a wide-open view of the Aravis mountains and the Mont Blanc massif in the background.
Finally, before reaching the village of Chinaillon, you'll make your way through the beautiful alpine landscapes of the Plateau de Samance.
From 01/06 to 15/11.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 26/07/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
Report a problem
Lakeside or by stretch of water
Lake view
Mountain view
Mountain location
Phone : 04 50 02 78 00
Email : infos@legrandbornand.com
Website : https://www.legrandbornand.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/legrandbornand
Rock
Stone
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
Access (by car): Annecy - le Grand-Bornand: 32km.
From the village of Le Grand-Bornand, continue on the D4 towards the Col de la Colombière. Stop at the village of Chinaillon and park in front of the Tourist Office.
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3430 ET - LA CLUSAZ
Swimming at Lake Lessy is strictly forbidden! An altitude lake has a very fragile ecosystem that should not be disturbed.
1/ From the "Le Chinaillon (Office de Tourisme Parking)" sign, follow "Le Chinaillon (Office de Tourisme)".
2/ From "Le Chinaillon (Office de Tourisme)", follow signs for "Lac de Lessy (Refuge)" via Chalets de Mayse, then follow signs for "Lac de Lessy (Refuge)". You will then pass "Le Chinaillon (Jallouvre)", "Le Chinaillon Vieux Village", "Le Chinaillon d'en Haut", "La Bouvardière", "La Culaz", "Le Planay", "Chalets de Mayse" and "Col de la Forclaz".
3/ Arriving at "Lac de Lessy (Refuge)", continue the loop by taking the direction of "Le Chinaillon Office de Tourisme" via Samance. Always follow the signs for "Chinaillon (Office de Tourisme)". You'll pass "Sous le Buclon", "Sur le Freu Nord", "Sur le Freu" then "Bassins de Samance".
4/ At "Bassins de Samance", follow signs for Le Chinaillon Office de Tourisme via Samance, then follow signs for "Chinaillon (Office de Tourisme)". You'll pass "Sur la Québlerie", "Samance (Table d'orientation)", "Samance", and "Le Chinaillon (Office de Tourisme Parking)": your starting point.
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds.