The big loop trail of Lac d'Anterne and Lac de Pormenaz
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The big loop trail of Lac d'Anterne and Lac de Pormenaz
Passy

The big loop trail of Lac d'Anterne and Lac de Pormenaz

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Cliffs and lakes with breathtaking views on the Mont-Blanc
At the foot of Rochers des Fiz, you will discover the lakes of Anterne and Pormenaz.
All along your journey, the Passy nature reserve offers a magnificent view of Mont-Blanc and the peaks surrounding it.

21 points of interest

  • View on Le Dérochoir

    Le Dérochoir is the result of successive landslides. The first known and documented dates back to 1471. The second and last, at least for the moment, occurred in 1751. At the foot of the cliff stands a huge landslide cone which forms an unstable slope.
    These various landslides created a passage making it possible to cross the Fiz ridge.
  • Peak

    The mont Blanc before mountaineering

    Many mountaineers dream of climbing mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. But it has not always been that popular. In the past, the inhabitants of mountain villages were scared of the mountains environment which led to numerous superstitions, as you can tell from the names given to the summits (“Mont Maudit”, meaning Damned mountain, Aiguilles du Diable, meaning Devil peaks, etc.). Only shepherds, chamois hunters and crystal miners (mining rock crystals) frequented these hostile environments. The first ascents were made by daring "outsiders" who employed these mountain experts as guides.
  • Fauna

    The Golden Eagle

    Everything about this bird is exceptional! With a wingspan up to 2 meters, each couple controls a territory as big as 10 000 football pitches! Its X-ray eyes detect prey movements for over 1 kilometer of distance. Its eyes are like magnifying glasses that magnify 6 to 8 times what its perceives and it has a 240 degrees field of vision. In addition to colors, it is able to detect ultraviolet light, a major asset for this great hunter who can swoop down on its prey at a speed of 350 km/h. But no one is perfect: it misses 9 prey out of 10!
  • Fauna

    The Hazel Grouse

    It is the smallest and most discreet of the mountain Galliformes species.
    It is much less known than the Black Grouse or the Rock Ptarmigan because it lives exclusively in the forest!
    But it is as important as the others from a biological and scientific point of view: it is an indicator species of environmental changes. Its specific demands in terms of vegetation and diversity of tree species ask for an adapted forest management. Bad preservation management of this habitats is one of the main causes of regression of the species.
  • Flora

    The Mountain Ash

    It is a small tree growing in forest edges. Its fruits are red orange berries loved by thrushes and blackbirds.
    The fruits can be used to make to make brandy, jelly or jam. But be aware that they are toxic at maturity, so you have to pick them earlier!
    In the nature reserve, the Mountain Ash is part of a participatory science program intended to measure the impact of climate change on the ecosystems of the mountain.
  • Fauna

    The whistled language of groundhogs

    Groundhog is the favorite meal of the Golden Eagle and an important item in a fox diet.
    Always vigilant, standing up, it surveys its environment to avoid to be caught. Thanks to a very wide field of vision, and excellent hearing and smell abilities, nothing goes unnoticed. In case of alert, it warns the others with an alarm call: very high-pitched and brief for a danger coming from the sky, whistled and repeated for a danger on the ground. And that danger may be you!
  • The alpine cabin

    The alpine cabine is a small building which, gattered with others, forms a small hamlet. These constructions were originally intended for the organization of agricultural life in the mountains. These cabins were used in the summer to shelter the shepherds and their family. They were also used for milking and the production of cheese and other dairy products.
  • Livestock guardian dogs

    These are livestock guardian dogs, their presence is allowed in nature reserves. They defend sheep and ewes from larger predator attacks, such as wolfs. Often large sized dogs, qualified as "molossoid", they spend their lives protecting herds to which they are very attached.

    When approaching the herd, it’s very important to observe carefully the dog’s behavior and to take it in account while respecting the following instructions:
    - Stay away from the herd (bypass it if possible) - Announce your presence by speaking out loud to avoid surprising the herd and dogs
    - Keep calm and avoid sudden movements, keep walking without running. Talk gently to the dogs so that they get used to your presence and accept it.
    - Avoid looking straight into the dog’s eyes and hold an object between you and the dog.
  • Fauna

    The wolf

    The wolf made his return in France, on its own, since the 90’s. Coming from Italy, the species first colonized the southern Alps, then the whole alpine region.

    Since the summer of 2019, there is evidence of its presence in some of the nature reserves of Haute-Savoie, which explains the presence of livestock guardian dogs watching over several herds.

    Indeed, the wolf is carnivorous. It feeds mainly on wild animals such as Chamois or Roe Deer. But it can also consume ewes or sheep, especially from unprotected herds.

    So in order not to interfere with the work of the dogs, please follow the instructions!
  • Flora

    The Great yellow Gentian

    This large perennial plant, more than 1m high, is found in meadows, moors or forest clearings of the mountain and subalpine levels.
    Used in phytotherapy, it should not be confused with the highly toxic False Helleborine – also called White Hellebore-, next to which it grows and which looks very similar!
    Only the flowers are not alike, those of the Gentian are yellow. When not flowering, you can use the leaves to distinguish both species: Gentian is opposite-leaved, while the leaves of the False helleborine borne along the stem alternately (alternate-leaved plant).
  • Fauna

    The Alpine Choug

    This corvid bird, a familiar species of mountain environments, lives mainly in noisy flocks, including sometimes an impressive number of individuals, especially in winter, when snowfall at high altitude forces it to come down to the valley to feed! It is often mistakenly called "Jackdaw", a completely different species of corvid living rather in the plains!
    The Chough can be recognized by its black plumage, its lemon yellow beak and its red legs. It’s a fan of aerobatics and there is no doubt that their group movements will amaze you!
  • A Swiss hydroplane on the lake of Anterne

    In August 1920, a hydroplane left Lausanne, on the shores of Geneva lake, to fly over the Alps. The aircraft, which had just been overhauled, had engine trouble above the Chamonix valley. The pilot noticed the lake of Anterne and estimated that he could land there, which he succeeded. The lake being too small, the plane, even repaired, could not take off again. The engine was removed, and taken down to the valley, and the abandoned hydroplane gradually disintegrated.
  • Lake

    The "laouchets" of Pormenaz

    These small, shallow bodies of water are mistakenly called lakes.
    Locally they are called "laouchets", which means "small bodies of water". Shallow, these bodies of water are home to a rare and protected species, the Sparganium or Narrowleaf Bur-reed, as well as to significant biodiversity. Eventually, these “laouchets” will fill in and become peat bogs.
  • Flora

    The Narrowleaf Bur-reed

    What you see on the surface of Laouchet is not an algae but a flowering plant with long narrow leaves, like ribbons with changing reflections, that float on the water. The Narrowleaf Bur-reed grows in calm, cold and shallow waters of mountain lakes and ponds. It has, below the surface, stems filled with nutritive reserves called rhizomes. With the natural filling process of Laouchet, the Narrowleaf Bur-reed spreads, intensifying the process by the accumulation of its wilted stems and leaves each winter.
  • The mines of Pormenaz

    The mountain of Pormenaz is hosting several mines which were exploited from Gallo-Roman times until the 12th century. Argentiferous lead, auriferous and copper pyrites and antimony were extracted from these mines. It was mainly lead and silver that were sought after. About 125 kg of lead and 1 kg of silver were extracted from one ton of ore.
  • Fauna

    Odonates

    Odonates, more commonly known as dragonflies, are insects.
    There are two stages in their lifecycle: a "larva" (or nymph) stage which is aquatic followed by a terrestrial stage, when the adults are grown to adults.
    Dragonflies are predators: they are carnivores that feed on different types of prey depending on their stage. They eat other insects as well.
    Their distribution is strongly linked to climate conditions and any change has a strong impact on their presence. Destruction of their wetland habitats is one of the main threats to dragonflies.
  • Fauna

    The common Toad

    Kissing a toad transforming it into a charming prince is a myth! You must not touch this protected species, which is sensitive to diseases that humans could transmit.
    But you can look it in the eyes to observe its horizontal pupil and its orange iris. You will also notice its parotid glands on the back of its head. They are used to secrete a venom, the "bufotoxin" intended to keep away any possible predator.
    The toads and frogs are not the same species; toads live mostly in the forest, out of the water, joining it only during the breeding season !
  • Fauna

    The Common Minnow and the Common Chub

    Minnows are very common in highly oxygenated waters. Its presence in high altitude lakes is due to trout fishing activities. Used as bait by fishermen, it colonized these mountain lakes.

    The Chub is a rather large fish, very widespread in France. It is an omnivore, which means that it eats everything. In many European countries, especially in the east, it is of highly culinary interest.
  • La Maison de la Réserve

    The exhibition an information office Maison de la Réserve naturelle de Passy is located in Plaine-Joux and welcomes you during the school holidays. The permanent exhibition about fauna, flora and landscapes will open the doors to the nature reserve. You may find answers to some of your questions here and can admire the wild species hidden in nature. If the Maison de la Réserve naturelle is closed, don’t worry, go up to the passageway. There is permanent free access to information about former (geological times) and present landscapes, the wonders of biodiversity and the great challenges of the mountains of the future (water, glaciers, global warming...).
  • Fauna

    Golden Eagle cainism

    In their nest perched against a rock wall, two chicks will soon emerge from their eggs. Only one will survive: the weakest one will be killed by the strongest! In biology, this behavior is called "cainism".
    This phenomenon is common for diurnal raptors, since it is part of the species survival strategy: selecting straight away the strongest in order to increase its chances of reaching adulthood. For the parents, it's indeed a great job to feed a voracious juvenile which, from 100g at birth, must reach 5kg by the time it starts flying!
  • Fauna

    The placid Ibex

    The Ibex is not very shy, especially compared to the Chamois sharing its territory.
    Unlike most other mountain species, it remains at altitude even when winter and snow arrive.
    It then reaches ridges and snow-cleared areas where it will more easily find grass to feed on. This search for food costs a lot of energy. So, if you see it, do not approach and let it leave quietly in order to avoid wasting its precious energy, especially in winter.

Description

From the parking lot of the station:
  1. Behind the restaurant "Lou Pacheran", take the track towards Col et Lac d'Anterne. Beacon 102.
  2. Continue straight ahead towards Col et Lac d'Anterne. Beacon 16.
  3. Turn right towards Col et Lac d'Anterne. Beacon 121.
  4. At the basin either stay left on the track or take the path straight ahead (pedestrian shortcut). Caution, aerial track. Beacon 134.
  5. Leave the track and take the path on the left towards Col et Lac d'Anterne.
  6. At Col d'Anterne go down towards the Lac d'Anterne. Beacon 100.
  7. Head back to Col d'Anterne.
  8. Turn left towards Moëde-Anterne refuge.
  9. At the Moëde-Anterne refuge, go straight ahead towards Lac de Pormenaz. Beacon 124.
  10. Direction Lake Pormenaz. Beacon 125.
  11. Turn left towards Lac de Pormenaz. Beacon 99.
  12. Return to the Moëde-Anterne refuge.
  13. Turn left towards Chalets du Souay - Plaine-Joux. Beacon 99.
  14. Go down to Chalets du Souay - Plaine Joux. Beacon 98.
  15. Turn left to Lac Vert Plaine-Joux. Beacon 97.
  • Departure : Maison de la Réserve naturelle de Passy
  • Arrival : Maison de la Réserve naturelle de Passy
  • Towns crossed : Passy and Servoz

Altimetric profile


Sensitive areas

Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.
Impacted practices:
Aerial, , Land, Vertical
Contact:
Asters - Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Haute Savoie
contact@cen-haute-savoie.org

Recommandations

This itinerary runs through a nature reserve, please consult the regulations.

Information desks

Plaine-Joux, 74190 PASSY

http://cen-haute-savoie.org

contact@cen-haute-savoie.org

04 50 90 23 07


Transport

Bus SAT Mont-Blanc L85

Access and parking

Access the Passy Plaine Joux resort by road D4.
Parking located at the entrance of the station.

The station is also served by bus line L85 (SAT Mont-Blanc).

Parking :

Plaine Joux station

Report a problem or an error

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