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Darbon loop

Name: Darbon loop
Address: Lac de Fontaine, Vacheresse, 74360, FRANCE
Location: Address

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Vacheresse

11.3 km

5h 5min

Hard

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... Read more
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.

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.

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Departure

Vacheresse
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.
Plain text 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.
Environment
- Lakeside or by stretch of water
- Close to GR footpath
- Mountain view
- Lake view
Documentation
GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)

Services

Accessibility
- Not accessible in a wheelchair
Equipment
- Parking nearby
- Car park
Services
- Pets welcome
  • 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, it is important to let them do so and not try to force your way through. When approaching the herd: - Give the herd a wide berth, without putting yourself in danger. - Walk slowly and dismount from your bicycle. - Stay together as a group. Speak clearly, without shouting, to make your presence known. If you encounter the herd: - Stop: the dogs will come to sniff you to identify you. - Do not force your way through. - Do not run away or turn your back on the dogs. - Do not stare them in the eyes. - Do not pet the dogs. - Do not feed the dogs. - You can hold an object (bag, bicycle, jacket) to put some space between you and the dogs. However, do not use this object to push the dogs away. - Avoid sudden movements and do not threaten them. Once the dogs calm down or move away, continue on your way, walking and keeping your distance. Pet dogs and hunting dogs: For your safety and theirs, pet dogs and hunting dogs are strongly discouraged near flocks. In any case, always keep your dog on a lead. In the event of a conflict, - let go of the lead, - do not intervene - do not pick up your dog.