Imagine yourself, alone in the world, facing a celestial mirror perched over 2,000 meters high. The silence is almost complete, broken only by the wind’s breath and the steps of a few astonished hikers. The path winds between the rocks, climbs gently, then suddenly… the view clears, and a landscape of breathtaking beauty unfolds before you. This place doesn’t appear in the flashiest brochures, yet it could very well become your absolute favorite.
A setting on the border of a dream
It’s a site reached by sheer effort, but the reward is unforgettable. A high-altitude lake, crystal-clear, perfectly reflecting the sharp peaks of an iconic mountain range. In clear weather, the spectacle is unreal: you’d swear you could touch the clouds. In the background, the eternal snows form a sparkling crown that seems to watch over this natural gem. At dawn or dusk, the colors transform, enveloping the site in an almost supernatural golden light.
An accessible but refreshing hike
For the most hurried walkers, a chairlift allows quick altitude gain from the nearby resort, before taking a panoramic trail of about two hours. The more daring will prefer to start from the village or a lower pass, lengthening the walk but also the pleasure of the landscapes. Whatever the chosen route, one thing is certain: each turn reveals a new visual surprise, between torrents, moraines, lingering snowfields, and breathtaking panoramas.
A fascinating alpine fauna and precious high-altitude flora
The site is part of a protected natural reserve. Here, no dipping your feet in the water or straying from the trails: the fragility of the ecosystem demands respect. The ibex, often not shy, sometimes allow themselves to be observed from the rocks. Marmots whistle to signal your passage. This world suspended above the valleys must be approached with humility and awareness.
The lake area is a true sanctuary of biodiversity. Here, every step is a chance to encounter an emblematic species or a rare plant. Keep your eyes open, and above all, take the time to observe.
Flora side:
- Blue gentian: this typical alpine flower colors the meadows with intense patches.
- Alpine snowbell: among the first to break through the snow in spring, fragile and graceful.
- Rusty-leaved rhododendron: its bright pink flowers make it one of the most beautiful shrubs of the region.
- Edelweiss (rarer): discreet emblem of the mountain, to observe without picking.
- Snow moss and lichens: essential to the balance of high-altitude soils.
Fauna side:
- Ibex: often visible on the ridges, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
- Marmots: often heard before seen, they whistle to signal danger.
- Golden eagles: sometimes seen soaring above the cliffs.
- Yellow-billed choughs: these clever and social birds often accompany hikers.
- Alpine ptarmigan: discreet and camouflaged, it frequents rocky and snowy areas.
These species live in a fragile balance. To protect them, it is essential to stay on marked trails, keep your distance, and neither pick nor disturb anything.
A refuge as sentinel
In the immediate vicinity, a mountain refuge (open from June 7 to September 28, 2025) offers the chance to spend the night facing one of the most beautiful sunrises in the Alps. Simple but welcoming, it welcomes hikers with comforting dishes and a 180-degree view of the legendary peaks of the region.
Booking in advance is imperative, as spots are highly sought after. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from daily life and rediscover the luxury of simplicity.
The secret finally revealed…
This timeless place, this alpine sanctuary nestled in the heights, is none other than Lac Blanc, located in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges, facing the Mont-Blanc massif. A modest name for a spectacular site, which fully deserves its reputation as a rare gem of Haute-Savoie.
Here are some features that make Lac Blanc an exceptional site:
- Altitude: 2352 meters
- Area: about 10 hectares
- Maximum depth: 40 meters
- Water temperature: between 2°C and 15°C depending on the season
Three paths, one magical destination
Reaching this alpine jewel can be done via several trails, each offering a unique experience depending on your level and desires.
Via Tré-le-Champ: the vertical adventure
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Positive elevation gain: 992 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
From the Tré-le-Champ parking lot, the trail enters a dense forest before climbing in zigzags to the Aiguillette d’Argentière. Sections equipped with metal ladders add a touch of adrenaline, although secured. The route offers breathtaking views of the Chéserys Lakes and the Mont-Blanc massif. A final ascent over rocky blocks leads to the refuge and the lake.
Via the Col des Montets: the panoramic route
- Duration: about 3h
- Distance: 10.8 km
- Positive elevation gain: 960 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from the Aiguilles Rouges Reserve chalet, the trail climbs in zigzags through a hollow, offering views of the Argentière Glacier. The path then joins that from Tré-le-Champ near the Chéserys Lakes, allowing a more gradual approach to the lake.
Via La Flégère: the accessible option
- Duration: about 2h30
- Distance: 8 km
- Positive elevation gain: 613 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Taking the Flégère cable car from Les Praz de Chamonix, one quickly reaches the trailhead. The path, on a balcony, offers spectacular panoramas of the Mont-Blanc massif and crosses varied landscapes until the lake.
Whatever the chosen route, each leads to a place of stunning beauty, where nature reveals itself in all its splendor.
