Lac de Lessy

Look for the via ferrata entrance beside the panel in the car park and walk through the gate and along the path going downhill. The path splits several times, but there’s only one bridge, which you need to cross.

Over the bridge, head to the signpost and follow the signs to Lac de Lessy, through another cattle gate. From here, signage is very poor and it’s easy to walk through fields of grazing cows and goats. The track is wide enough for a four-wheel drive, but look for large white rock where the track splits to a steeper path and take that track. As you continue, look for any wooden posts or rocks with a white and red horizontal stripe which indicate you’re following the correct route.

Walk over the loose rubble and carry on traversing several fields which might also contain grazing farm animals until you reach the signpost for the Bassins de Samance. Follow the direction for Lac de Lessy, looking out for mountain goats and large birds. You might also hear marmots.

About ten minutes after the signpost, you’ll see a small group of trees on a rocky mound. Look for a small path off to the right before the trees and take this path if you wish to do the steep incline of this hike (otherwise, follow the main path which will take you the longer, less steep way around). Once you’re on the steep track, you can follow it to the top of the ridge without crossing other tracks.

At the ridge, where you might see Mont Blanc and Lac Leman, continue over the other side and follow the track down and to the right until you reach the lake. There is a café/restaurant nearby, as well as the overnight refuge which is usually open from mid-April to mid-September. Continue to climb up the hill behind the refuge to look for more wildlife and to listen for the sounds of stags.

When you’re ready to hike out, follow the same path back to the top of the high ridge. Instead of taking the steep path down, follow the trail to the right, which leads towards Aguille Verte. The route splits into a high and a low track, which both join up again further along. After rocky sections and open grassy fields for about 40 minutes, a crossroad gives you the option for a ten-minute detour to the top of Aguille Verte for views of the region from a higher lookout. Turn right for the quick detour, or left to continue down the main path back, following any signposts for Chinaillon.

Keep an eye out for mountain goats on the rocky outcrops to the right before you join the path from the hike up. Continue along the same path until you’re back at the car park.