Lac Bénit

About Lac Bénit

The Lac Bénit is a small 4.1-hectare glacial lake, up to 8.7 m deep, at 1,452 m in the commune of Mont-Saxonnex, at the foot of the limestone cliffs of the Bargy massif. The site is listed under Natura 2000 and is covered by a permanent municipal order that strictly regulates all activities.

Swimming, boating, camping, ground fires, motor vehicles and drone overflight are prohibited. Access to the Lac Bénit is on foot only, from the Bété or Morsulaz car parks. A seasonal refreshment bar operates in summer. Since 6 January 2026, a municipal order has closed the Bété trail; only the climb from Morsulaz remains usable.

What you can do there

Climb up from Morsulaz

Steeper than the Bété route, around 1 h 15 up. A significant average gradient through the pastures under the ski lift.

Observe the Natura 2000 wildlife

The lake is home to the alpine newt, common frog, toad and salamander. Species and plants protected: stay on the paths, pick nothing.

Picnic on site

A picnic area is present by the lake, according to the Tourist Office. Carry out your waste; no facilities outside the seasonal bar.

Take a break at the bar

Alpine refreshment bar open from Pentecost to late September. Precise opening hours not published on an official source; hours vary with weather and attendance.

See the 'eyes of the Bargy'

Two characteristic circular cavities in the Petit Bargy cliff, visible from the trail and the lakeside.

Bivouac under the rules

Bivouac allowed only between 7 pm and 9 am, no ground fires (stove permitted). Bivouac around the lake itself is prohibited.

Practical info

Address

Route de Morsullaz, 74130 Mont-Saxonnex

Coordinates

46.0287° N, 6.5051° E

Elevation

1,452 m (lake)

Size

4.1 ha · maximum depth 8.7 m

Opening hours

Site open year-round. Bété trail closed by municipal order since 06/01/2026. Access via Morsulaz.

Price

Free

Parking

Bété and Morsulaz car parks (free). No motor vehicles beyond.

Animals

Dogs allowed, on leash. Dog swimming prohibited.

Accessibility

Not suitable for wheelchair or stroller: mountain path with significant gradient

Swimming

Prohibited (municipal order, Natura 2000 zone)

Bivouac

7 pm – 9 am only, no ground fires, prohibited around the lake

Drones

Overflight prohibited by municipal order

How to get there

By car

From Cluses, follow the RD4 then the RD286 towards Mont-Saxonnex. In the village, head up towards Morsulaz. The Morsulaz car park is at the foot of the ski lift. The Bété car park is about 1 km before Morsulaz, at the signposted sharp bend marked 'Lac Bénit'. Bété trail closed since 06/01/2026: access via Morsulaz only.

When to visit

The site is reachable on foot year-round, but here are the useful seasons:

June – September: bar open, lake clear, active alpine pastures. Herds and wildlife: stay on paths, dogs on leash.
Pentecost – late September: bar open depending on season.
October – May: snowy or muddy trail depending on weather, bar closed. Avalanche awareness in winter.

Where to eat, drink, stay nearby

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Photos of Lac Bénit

Lac Bénit (Mont Saxonnex) - panoramio.jpg

📷 CEDRIC BRUN (Capture… · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

LAC BENIT (Mont Saxonnex) - panoramio (1).jpg

📷 CEDRIC BRUN (Capture… · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

📷 Mathis Brancquart · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

LAC BENIT (Mont Saxonnex) - panoramio.jpg

📷 CEDRIC BRUN (Capture… · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the Lac Bénit?

No. Swimming is prohibited in the Lac Bénit by a permanent municipal order from the communes of Mont-Saxonnex and Marnaz, along with all water activities (boating, diving, ice skating). The site is listed under Natura 2000.

Is the Lac Bénit accessible right now?

The Lac Bénit site is still reachable on foot, but since 6 January 2026 a municipal order has closed the Bété trail. Only the climb from the Morsulaz car park is usable. Check the commune website before setting out.

Can I bring my dog to the Lac Bénit?

Yes, dogs are allowed at the Lac Bénit on a leash. Dog swimming is prohibited, as for humans, to protect the lake's fauna.

Is there parking at the Lac Bénit?

Yes. Two free car parks allow walking access to the Lac Bénit: the Bété car park and the Morsulaz car park, both in Mont-Saxonnex. Motor traffic beyond these points is prohibited.

Is the hike to the Lac Bénit suitable for children?

The climb to the Lac Bénit from Morsulaz is short but steep (significant average gradient). The route remains accessible to families used to mountain walking. The gentler Bété trail is currently closed by municipal order.

Is there a refreshment bar at the Lac Bénit?

Yes. An alpine refreshment bar operates by the Lac Bénit, open from Pentecost to late September according to the Tourist Office. Precise hours are not published on an official source.

Is bivouac allowed at the Lac Bénit?

Bivouac is allowed only between 7 pm and 9 am, with no ground fire (stove permitted). Bivouac around the Lac Bénit itself is prohibited, under the municipal order.

Are drones allowed at the Lac Bénit?

No. Drone overflight of the Lac Bénit site is prohibited by municipal order.

How big is the Lac Bénit?

The Lac Bénit covers 4.1 hectares with a maximum depth of 8.7 metres, at 1,452 m elevation. Its catchment area is 90.6 hectares.

Sources

Cross-checked across multiple sources at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before a specific visit.

Published 23 avril 2026 · Last updated 23 avril 2026 · Report outdated info