This moderate hike invites you to discover the mountain pastures on the southern slopes of Mont de Grange.
Lac des Plagnes and the Cubourré site are part of the Chablais Unesco Geopark. From glaciers to bulging peat bogs, the trail around the lake takes you through landscapes that have evolved over the past 20,000 years.
You'll then cross the Montagne de Lens, where the word "Montagne" refers to the mountain pastures where pastoral activities are practiced. You can take advantage of the "chèvre" (a wooden fountain carved out of a tree trunk) to refresh yourself.
You will then reach the chalets de Lenlevay, the highest point (1733 m), with an exceptional panorama of the Swiss peaks and the Chablais, via a short section of the GR5. The path crosses alpine meadows and rhododendron heaths, the natural habitat of capercaillies.
The descent takes you past traditional mountain chalets and small chapels and oratories.
Time to climb: 2h20
Descent time: 2h
Shorter variant: 2h45 (return to the lake from the Lens chalets)
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1/ Reach the edge of the lake and follow the signs for "Chalets de Lens". Join Cubourré. 2/ Follow the trail up the combe d'Ardens. 3/ Then take the trail up to the "refuge des Tindérêts". 4/ Take the path above the refuge through a copse of green alders. 5/ After crossing the large schist corridor, join the "Aup Couti". This last passage can be tricky for those with no previous experience in the mountains. 6/ Take the trail to the left to reach the "alpage de Lens". After 200 m, you'll come to the "Montagne de Lens". 7/ Continue down the path to the "Chalets de Lens". At the crossroads, you can shorten the circuit by returning to the Plagnes parking lot in 45 minutes (alternative). 8/ Head towards "Lenlevay". After a long but easy climb, you reach Les Covagnes, on the GR5. 9/ Turn left towards Lenlevay, just before the chalets, take the "Chalets du Jouly Haut puis Bas" trail on the left. 10/ Continue along this path as far as the "Les Trables" oratory, then take the left-hand trail down through the grass, which joins an old path through the forest. 11/ Turn left towards "Tetagottay", then right down to the edge of the meadow. Lac des Plagnes can be seen at the bottom of the valley, and you're almost there.
Ouverture
From 01/05 to 30/11.
Accessible except during snow and depending on weather conditions.
Please check with the Tourist Office for the latest information on access conditions. This route is usually suitable for strong walkers during spring, summer, and autumn, except in adverse weather.
Tarifs
Free access.
Contact et accès
Lac des Plagnes
74360 Abondance
Haute-Savoie (74)
