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Free access · Year-round
Lac des Confins
Small 3-hectare glacial lake nestled at the foot of the Aravis range, starting point for summer hikes and 65 km cross-country skiing domain in winter.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Mountain glacial lake
Access
Free · No fee
Duration
45 min (lake loop) · 2 h–half day (hikes from the lake)
Best season
May – October (hikes) · December – March (cross-country skiing)
Parking
Free (Bossonnet parking)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (trail not accessible by stroller)
Town
La Clusaz
What is Lac des Confins
Lac des Confins is a glacial alpine lake located at 1,358 meters in the municipality of La Clusaz, at the foot of the Aravis range. Formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age, this 3-hectare body of water reaches a depth of 6 meters. Accessible by road from the village of La Clusaz (5 km), it lies on an open alpine plateau between Mont Danay and the Aravis combes.
The lake is the starting point for an easy 2.7 km circular trail (45 minutes to 1 hour) that loops around the water in a picturesque setting: verdant alpine meadows, traditional old chalets, clear views of the Aravis massif. Swimming is forbidden. The Confins area also serves as a departure point for hikes toward Tête du Danay, Col des Confins, or the Bellachat and Tardevant combes. In winter, the plateau transforms into a cross-country skiing area with 65 km of groomed trails, one of the sunniest in Haute-Savoie.
Each end of ski season, the lake hosts the Défi-Foly, a fun competition where participants race down a snowy slope and attempt to slide as far as possible on the lake, often in costume. The Confins hamlet brings together several farms, a small chapel, and several chalets with restaurants. The whole site forms a preserved natural area, classified within the Aravis range nature reserve.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Les Confins, 74220 La Clusaz View on map
Coordinates
45.91583° N — 6.47611° E View on map
Altitude
1,358 m
Opening
Free access year-round. Trails passable from May to October depending on snow. Cross-country skiing area open in winter (December to March depending on conditions).
Fee
Free
Parking
Free (Bossonnet parking, near the lake)
Animals
Dogs accepted on leash
Accessibility
Trail not accessible by stroller (uneven terrain). Suitable for walking children.
Access time
5 km from the center of La Clusaz (10 min by car)
Swimming
Forbidden
Contact
La Clusaz Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 32 65 00 — infos@laclusaz.com
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (30 km, ~40 min), take the D909 via Thônes then direction La Clusaz. Cross the village of La Clusaz and follow the sign for « Les Confins » for 5 km on the uphill road. Free Bossonnet parking upon arrival at the lake.
Open in MapsBy bike
Access possible by bike or MTB from La Clusaz (5 km uphill, 300 m elevation gain). Marked MTB trails around the lake.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Lac des Confins can be visited year-round with two distinct faces. From May to October, it is hiking season: the lake is ice-free, alpine meadows are lush, alpine flowers are present (gentians, edelweiss), and days are long. July-August are the busiest months; prefer June or September for a quieter visit. The trail around the lake may be shaded in places but remains sun-exposed for much of it (bring a hat). Autumn (September-October) offers golden colors and reduced crowds, though first snows can arrive by late October. In winter (December-March), the lake freezes, alpine meadows are snowy, and the area becomes a popular cross-country skiing domain. The Défi-Foly (competition on the frozen lake) takes place in late March or early April. Spring (April-early May) is a transition period: residual snow, muddy trails, but the lake begins to thaw and the mountain awakens.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Lac des Confins free?
Yes. Access to Lac des Confins is free year-round, as is the Bossonnet parking located near the lake.
Can you swim in Lac des Confins?
No, swimming is forbidden in Lac des Confins. The lake is a protected natural alpine site (1,358 m), and the water is cold even in summer.
How long does it take to walk around Lac des Confins?
The complete loop around Lac des Confins takes 45 minutes to 1 hour of easy walking (2.7 km). The trail is flat and well-marked, suitable for families.
Are dogs allowed at Lac des Confins?
Yes. Dogs are allowed at Lac des Confins and on surrounding trails, but must be kept on leash (due to livestock and wildlife).
Is the trail around Lac des Confins accessible by stroller?
No. The trail around Lac des Confins is not accessible by stroller. The terrain is uneven with roots and stones, but it is suitable for children aged 3-4 and older who can walk.
Can you cross-country ski at Lac des Confins?
Yes. In winter, the Confins plateau becomes a cross-country skiing area with 65 km of groomed trails (classic and skate). The cross-country skiing area operates from December to March depending on snow conditions.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
