What if this summer, the rare gem wasn’t the one everyone expected? Imagine a body of water bordered by steep cliffs, nestled in a preserved natural setting, far from the hustle and bustle of major tourist resorts. A place where the deep green of the forests meets the shimmering reflections of a glacial lake, where every step seems to bring you closer to a well-kept secret.
You are in the heart of the Alps, somewhere between the famous ski areas and the winding roads of the Aulps valley. And yet, nothing prepares you for what you are about to discover. Families gather there for a peaceful day, lovers for a picnic by the water, and hikers for a refreshing detour in a setting that sometimes evokes the vast Canadian wilderness.
A raw, almost unreal nature
The path suddenly widens, the freshness becomes more noticeable… and there, the scenery unfolds. An emerald green lake bordered by rocky walls, as if cut out of a Nordic dream. No road circles it, just a peaceful trail, accessible to all, and a silent, almost solemn atmosphere. Some days, a light fog rises above the surface, like a veil laid over a place too beautiful to be true.
The site is not only aesthetic. It is a true playground for lovers of gentle activities: stand-up paddle, pedal boats, canoeing… but also swimming in pure water, sometimes refreshingly cold, perfect for feeling fully alive. For the more contemplative, wooden tables under the trees invite you to a simple lunch, with a view of the lake’s mirror.
The story hidden beneath the waters
This haven of peace was not born yesterday. Legend has it that a massive landslide in the 12th century blocked the valley, giving birth to the lake. Some even say that a sleeping dragon rests in its depths, causing mysterious ripples when the heat becomes too intense. Fable or reality? In any case, the silence reigning there maintains the mystery.
Around, the flora is that of the high-altitude pastures: spotted orchids, blue gentians, hooked pines. And if you are lucky, you might spot a chamois or hear the whistle of a curious marmot. Children also love the play area designed for them, near a smaller pool dedicated to swimming.
And this place is…
Lac de Montriond. Nestled a few minutes from Morzine, this little gem remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. Yet it is one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Haute-Savoie, with its 1,076 meters of altitude and 32 hectares of pure tranquility. A sort of “miniature Canada,” as locals affectionately call it.
My personal experience
I went there one late August morning, on the advice of a friend living in the valley. Arriving early, I saw the first mists slowly dissipate above the water. I walked silently along the path, crossed a solitary fisherman, then sat by the water with a still steaming coffee. I did nothing spectacular. And yet, this day remains one of the most striking of my summer. Like a suspended moment, far from everything.
