Lac de la Remuaz

Lac de la Remuaz is a small mountain lake in the Aiguilles Rouges massif, within the commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in Haute-Savoie, and inside the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Sitting at roughly 2,100–2,160 metres, it rests in a grassy hollow at the foot of the Aiguille d'Encrenaz, tucked away from the busy balcony trail that leads to the far more famous Lac Blanc.

How do you get to Lac de la Remuaz?

The usual starting point is the Col des Montets (1,461 m), a pass on the road linking Argentière and Vallorcine. From there, a well-marked balcony trail climbs across the flank of the Aiguilles Rouges toward Lac Blanc. To reach Lac de la Remuaz, hikers leave this main path and turn onto a faint, unmarked traverse that branches off near 2,030 m, by two distinctive boulders on a second plateau. From that point it's a further short climb to the sloping plateau of La Remuaz, where the lake sits.

How long does the hike take, and how hard is it?

Counted from Col des Montets, the round trip typically takes around 3.5 hours and involves roughly 700 metres of elevation gain. The route is rated moderate: no climbing equipment is needed, but the unmarked section beyond the main trail is faint underfoot and calls for some route-finding confidence.

Why detour off the main trail?

Lac Blanc, reached via the same balcony path, is one of the most visited hiking destinations around Chamonix and gets crowded in season. Lac de la Remuaz sits out of sight in its own side hollow, which keeps it markedly quieter — it draws hikers looking for solitude away from what regulars sometimes call the "highway" toward Lac Blanc. Fitter, well-prepared walkers sometimes continue past the lake toward the Col de l'Encrenaz (2,579 m) for a higher traverse of the ridge.

What rules apply here?

The lake lies inside the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, where strict conservation rules apply: picking plants is forbidden, and dogs are not allowed under any circumstances, even on a leash. Anyone planning a visit should factor this in before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de la Remuaz? The lake sits at approximately 2,100–2,160 metres, on a plateau below the Aiguille d'Encrenaz.

Where does the hike start? Most hikers begin at Col des Montets (1,461 m), on the road between Argentière and Vallorcine.

Is the trail signposted the whole way? The main balcony trail toward Lac Blanc is well marked, but the turn-off to Lac de la Remuaz is a faint path starting near two boulders at about 2,030 m — it requires careful navigation.

Can I bring a dog? No. The area lies within the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, where dogs are banned even on a leash.

How long does the full outing take? From Col des Montets, allow about 3.5 hours for roughly 700 metres of elevation gain.