Lac Bénit

Lac Bénit is a small glacial lake tucked beneath the Bargy range, within the municipality of Mont-Saxonnex in the Haute-Savoie department. It covers roughly 4.1 hectares and sits at an altitude of around 1,450 metres, making it one of those mountain lakes that combine an easy approach with genuinely dramatic scenery.

Where is the lake located?

Lac Bénit lies in the Bornes massif, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right below the steep cliffs of the Bargy. The surroundings are classic alpine terrain - open pastures and grazing land give way to rocky ridgelines, and the basin holding the lake was carved out by an ancient glacier. The nearest base for visiting is Mont-Saxonnex, a village perched on the slopes above the Arve valley.

Why is it called the "blessed lake"?

The name Lac Bénit ("blessed lake") comes from a local legend. The story goes that long ago the lake overflowed and flooded a village lying below it. A bishop is said to have climbed up to the pastures, blessed the lake, and asked that the people of the valley be spared - throwing his episcopal ring into the water as a token of the request. Local belief holds that the ring still rests at the bottom of the lake to this day. Another tale circulating in the area concerns the Estampôyu, a huge, hairy creature said to live in two glacial hollows visible on the mountainside, guarding a princess of the Bargy it had supposedly abducted.

What is the hike to the lake like?

Lac Bénit is one of the more popular hiking destinations in this part of Haute-Savoie, largely because the walk suits a wide range of fitness levels. The full loop to the lake and back covers about 7.8 kilometres with roughly 480 metres of elevation gain, taking an average walker around three hours. Shorter approaches also exist, reaching the lake in as little as an hour and a half, which makes the outing manageable for families with children. The trail crosses pastureland and patches of forest before opening onto a view of the lake framed by the cliffs of the Bargy.

What will you find once you get there?

During the summer season, a small refreshment stand operates by the shore, giving hikers somewhere to rest after the climb. The lake itself, ringed by steep rock faces and mountain pasture, makes for a scenic spot to picnic or take a longer break partway through a walk in the Bornes massif. It also serves as a natural starting point for more demanding routes heading further up toward the Bargy ridge, for those looking for a tougher climb.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring, summer and early autumn are the most suitable seasons for the hike, once the trail is clear of snow and the refreshment stand at the lake is open. In early summer the pastures around the lake turn a vivid green as the last snow melts, adding to the appeal of the walk.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Lac Bénit? The lake covers an area of roughly 4.1 hectares.

At what altitude does the lake sit? Lac Bénit lies at around 1,450 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Bargy range.

Where does the lake's name come from? According to legend, a bishop blessed the lake and threw in his ring after it flooded a nearby village, asking that the valley's inhabitants be spared.

How long does the hike to the lake take? The full loop takes about three hours, though shorter routes reach the lake in around ninety minutes.

Is there anywhere to eat near the lake? Yes, a small refreshment stand operates there during the summer season.