Alert
Alerts
Walking route: Darbon loop from Lake Fontaine
IGN cards
Description
A lovely loop that takes you to Lac de Darbon and crosses its mountain pastures, with many pretty viewpoints!
A challenging day hike to discover Lac de Darbon and the surrounding mountains.
From Lac de Fontaine, you'll reach the Bise mountain pasture on a forest trail.
The Bise mountain pasture is a Unesco Geopark. Its landscapes offer a real journey through time, from the history of the formation of the Alps to the history of the people who have inhabited this mountain environment with their herds.
You'll then climb to the Col de Floray (1925 m), from where you'll overlook Lac de Darbon and the Alpage de Bise.
You'll then descend to Lac de Darbon, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip! A picnic is welcome.
You may even spot ibex, which are plentiful in this area.
You'll then climb up to the Darbon mountain pastures and reach the chalets.
The return to Lac de Fontaine is via a fairly steep path through the Bouaz mountain pastures.
This hike can be started from the Bise mountain pasture.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/06/2026 to 15/10/2026
Additional information
Open period
From 01/06 to 15/10 daily.
Check with tourist offices in advance to find out the current access conditions.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Sustainable tourism
Lac de Darbon is a very fragile natural environment. To avoid damaging the ecosystem and respect the tranquillity of the area, please do not swim in it or let your dogs swim in it.
To respect agricultural practices, natural areas and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them.
Keep and sort your garbage, stay on the paths and close the fences.
Swimming in Lac de Darbon is strictly prohibited, including for pets.
Within a 200-meter perimeter around Lac de Darbon:
- Dogs must be kept on a leash (this zone adjoins the Cornettes de Bise nature reserve).
- Wild camping, bivouacs and campfires are prohibited day and night.
Any infringement of this decree will be recorded in an official report.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme Leman Mountains Explore - 24/11/2025
leman-mountains-explore.com
Report a problem
Environments
Lakeside or by stretch of water
Close to GR footpath
Mountain view
Lake view
Contact
Phone : 04 50 73 51 41
Email : lachapelledabondance@ot-peva.com
Website : https://leman-mountains-explore.com
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
Location complements
In the Abondance valley, at Vacheresse, take the direction of Bise.
Large car park on arrival at the Bise mountain pasture.
No public transport service.
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Hiking maps and guidebooks are available for purchase at tourist offices throughout the Evian and Abondance Valley region.
Map references :
- Map guide to 65 walks and hikes in the Evian region and Abondance valley
- Map of walking routes in the Portes du Soleil area in France and Switzerland
- IGN TOP 25 No. 3528 ET Morzine Chablais Massif Portes du Soleil
Reception complements
Whatever your hike, remember to take good walking shoes, and in your backpack, cereal bars, sufficient water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, as well as clothes adapted to your outing depending on the season and the weather forecast.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
0/ Start: Lac de Fontaine parking lot
1/ Take the forest path to the left of the lake, towards "Chalets de Bise".
2/ At the Bise mountain pasture, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray" and "Col de Bise".
3/ At the next intersection, take the path on the left towards "Col de Floray".
4/ At Col de Floray, descend to Lac de Darbon.
5/ At the lake, follow the path towards "Darbon".
6/ At the Darbon chalets, take the path down to the left towards "Bouaz Dessous", "Bouaz Dessus" and "Lac de Fontaine".
7/ Take this path downhill to Lac de Fontaine.
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of livestock and wildlife.
Livestock guard dogs are present in this area, so it is recommended that you adapt your behaviour to minimise disturbance to the livestock and avoid triggering the dogs (barking, approaching, etc.). If the dogs approach,
