When the leaves begin to dress in gold and purple, Haute-Savoie reveals an even more magical side of its landscapes. In this autumn season of 2025, the mountain lakes offer a striking color spectacle that few visitors have the chance to admire. Let me take you on a sensory journey discovering three aquatic jewels that transform with the arrival of the first frosts: Lac Vert, Lac de Vallon, and Lac des Confins.
Lac Vert: an emerald mirror framed by autumn flames
Nestled at 1,266 meters above sea level in the commune of Passy, Lac Vert lives up to its name in this season. Its crystal-clear waters with emerald reflections beautifully contrast with the golden larches and glowing beeches surrounding it. This small lake of 0.82 hectares becomes, from mid-October, a true living painting.
Approaching its shores on a misty morning, I was struck by the almost mystical silence reigning here. The morning mist rose gently from the water’s surface, creating an ethereal veil between the blazing trees. Mont Blanc, majestic, was perfectly reflected in this natural mirror, doubling its splendor.
Practical information to visit Lac Vert:
- Access: From Passy, follow signs for Plaine-Joux then Lac Vert
- Easy hike: 1 hour round trip walk from the parking lot
- Best period: Mid-October to early November for autumn colors
- Note: Swimming is prohibited, but fishing is allowed with a permit
“This lake has something magical,” confided a local photographer I met there. “In autumn, when the low morning light touches the trees, the water seems to ignite from within. It’s as if it absorbs all the surrounding colors to reflect them back even more intensely.”
Lac de Vallon: a wild setting with coppery hues
A few valleys away, Lac de Vallon reveals a completely different character. Located at 1,080 meters above sea level in the commune of Bellevaux, this 15-hectare natural dam lake is surrounded by a dense forest which, in autumn, dresses itself in an endless palette of reds, ochers, and copper.
Walking the trail that circles it (about 1.5 hours of walking), I was struck by the contrast between the deep blue waters and the warm-colored mountain slopes. Fallen leaves formed a golden carpet in places on the path, crunching under my steps in the silence of the mountain.
That day, a light wind rippled the lake’s surface, making the reflections of the trees dance like in a natural kaleidoscope. A hypnotizing spectacle that invites contemplation and photography.
Practical information to visit Lac de Vallon:
- Access: From Thonon-les-Bains, head towards Bellevaux then follow signs for “Lac de Vallon”
- Hiking: Easy 3 km circuit around the lake (1.5 hours)
- Services: Equipped picnic area and nearby restaurant
- Note: Swimming is not allowed, but the lake is popular with anglers
A local shepherd told me: “Autumn is the season when the lake offers us its most beautiful faces. Each day is different. Sometimes, when the sky is overcast, the water takes on an almost black hue that contrasts with the blazing trees. Other days, like today, it is a deep blue that dominates. The tourists have gone, and the mountain regains its calm. It’s the best time to come.”
Lac des Confins: alpine serenity at the gates of winter
To complete this lacustrine triptych, Lac des Confins offers a more alpine autumn experience. Located at 1,358 meters above sea level near La Clusaz, this small 5-hectare lake is surrounded by pastures which, in autumn, take golden hues under the low sun.
At the end of October 2024, I had the chance to witness an extraordinary sunrise there. The first rays illuminated the Aravis range, creating a striking contrast between the peaks already whitened by the first snows and the pastures in tawny shades. The lake, perfectly calm, mirrored this spectacle in its waters, offering perfect symmetry between sky and earth.
What makes this place particularly magical in autumn is this sensation of being on the border between two seasons: Indian summer in the valley and winter already settling on the peaks. The larches sprinkled across the slopes are then dressed in gold, the last burst of color before the pure white of winter.
Practical information to visit Lac des Confins:
- Access: From La Clusaz, follow the Confins road (5 km)
- Hiking: Easy walk around the lake (30 minutes)
- Equipment: Bring warm clothes, mornings can be chilly
- Note: Several mountain restaurants are open nearby until early November
“Many people know this lake in summer for hiking, or in winter for cross-country skiing, but autumn remains our little secret,” confided a local resident of La Clusaz. “The colors are incredible, and there is this very special light… soft and warm despite the crisp air. It’s my favorite season to come sit here and simply watch time go by.”
Tips for fully enjoying the lakes in autumn
To fully experience this autumnal adventure on the lakes of Haute-Savoie, here are some recommendations:
- Prefer weekday visits to avoid crowds, even though autumn is already a quieter season
- Set out early in the morning to enjoy the morning mist and low-angle light
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing; the weather can change quickly in the mountains
- Carry a thermos of hot drink to savor a contemplative break
- Don’t forget your camera to capture these fleeting colors
- Respect these fragile places by staying on marked trails and carrying out your trash
Autumn in Haute-Savoie offers an enchanted pause before the arrival of winter. These three lakes, each with its own character, perfectly embody the magic of this transitional season when nature offers us its most beautiful palettes before falling asleep under the snow.
As the last summer tourists have left and winter sports enthusiasts have not yet arrived, it is the ideal time to treat yourself to this contemplative getaway. The colors will only last a few weeks – until about mid-November – before winter covers everything in its white coat. A fleeting experience that is all the more precious.
