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Free access · Year-round
Lac Vert
Glacial lake with emerald waters surrounded by spruce trees, facing the Mont-Blanc massif, accessible in 30 minutes of walking from Plaine-Joux.
Mangatome · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Natural glacial lake
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
30 min walk from car park
Best season
April – October
Parking
Free (Plaine-Joux car park)
Dogs
Accepted on lead
Stroller
Not suitable (forest trail)
Town
Passy
What is Lac Vert
Lac Vert is a natural glacial lake in Haute-Savoie located at 1,200 metres altitude in the municipality of Passy, in the heart of a coniferous forest. It covers approximately ten hectares and owes its name to the characteristic emerald colour of its waters, caused by subaquatic vegetation and the presence of cyanobacteria. A natural heritage site classified on 14 June 1909, it offers a remarkable panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Fiz mountain range.
According to the National Forestry Office, the lake was formed following the Dérochoir rock fall in the 15th century and contains five rocks protruding from its surface. A trail circles the lake overlooking it, accessible in about fifteen minutes in summer. Access is from the Plaine-Joux car park (1,350 m) via an easy forest trail of approximately 30 minutes' walk. In summer, free shuttles run between Plaine-Joux and the lake to reduce vehicle pressure on the site.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Plaine-Joux, 74190 Passy View on map
Coordinates
45,9217° N — 6,7047° E View on map
Altitude
1,200 m
Opening times
Year-round, daily (weather dependent)
Admission
Free
Parking
Free (Plaine-Joux car park). Free shuttles from 14 June to 14 September 2025 (every 15–20 min). Barrier between Plaine-Joux and Lac Vert car park: code available for people with reduced mobility at the tourist office with proof.
Animals
Accepted on lead
Accessibility
Forest trail not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Barrier code available for people with reduced mobility (direct Lac Vert parking) outside shuttle period.
Access time
30 min walk from Plaine-Joux car park. Lake circuit: 15 min.
Contact
Passy Mont-Blanc Tourist Office: 04 50 58 80 52
Swimming
Prohibited (protection of fragile ecosystem)
When to visit
When to visit
Lac Vert is accessible year-round. Spring (April–May) and summer (June–September) are the best seasons to admire the emerald colour of the water and forest flowering. In summer, the site is very busy; prefer weekday mornings for more tranquillity. Free shuttles run from 14 June to 14 September 2025. In autumn (October), foliage turns to brilliant colours and visitor numbers drop. In winter (December–March), the lake is often frozen and snow-covered; the trail remains accessible by snowshoe from Plaine-Joux (ski station open). The light on Mont-Blanc is particularly beautiful in late afternoon year-round.
Nearby
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is admission to Lac Vert charged?
No. Admission to Lac Vert is free year-round. The Plaine-Joux car park is also free. In summer, free shuttles operate between the car park and Lac Vert.
How do I get to Lac Vert from Plaine-Joux?
From Plaine-Joux car park, allow about 30 minutes' easy forest walk on marked trail. From 14 June to 14 September 2025, free shuttles run every 15–20 minutes between Plaine-Joux and Lac Vert.
Can I swim in Lac Vert?
No. Swimming and water activities are prohibited at Lac Vert to preserve the lake's fragile ecosystem and aquatic vegetation.
What is the best season to visit Lac Vert?
Lac Vert is beautiful from April to October, with optimal emerald colour in summer. Spring and autumn offer fewer visitors. In winter, the frozen lake and snow-covered forest create a magical landscape accessible by snowshoe.
Are dogs allowed at Lac Vert?
Yes. Dogs are accepted at Lac Vert and on trails leading to the lake, provided they are kept on lead.
Is Lac Vert accessible with a pushchair?
No. The access trail to Lac Vert from Plaine-Joux crosses the forest with roots and steep terrain, unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. People with reduced mobility can obtain a barrier code for direct access to the Lac Vert car park (with proof at the tourist office).
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.haute-savoie-tourisme.org
- www.passy-mont-blanc.com
- en.wikipedia.org
- www.ville-passy-mont-blanc.fr
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
