Lac de Montriond

Lac de Montriond is a mountain lake in the commune of Montriond, in the Haute-Savoie department of France, set within the Chablais massif at an elevation of 1,072 metres. Locals sometimes call it the "green lake" because of the striking emerald colour of its water. It ranks as the third-largest lake in the whole department and is one of the busiest summer stops in the Portes du Soleil area, right next to Morzine.

Where is the lake and how do you get there?

The lake sits within Montriond commune, only about a 10-minute drive from central Morzine. During the summer season, a free shuttle bus also runs from the centre of Montriond down to the lake, which is a handy way to avoid parking pressure at peak times. A free car park is available right at the lakeside. Its approximate coordinates are 46.2083°N, 6.7278°E.

How big is the lake, and where does the water come from?

Lac de Montriond covers roughly 32 to 33 hectares, with a maximum length of 1,320 metres and a maximum width of 253 metres. It belongs to the drainage basin of the Dranse river, specifically the branch known as the Dranse de Montriond. Steep, forested slopes covered in conifers rise around the shoreline, and combined with the vivid colour of the water, this gives the lake one of the most recognisable landscapes in the Chablais massif.

What is there to do at the lake in summer?

During the summer months, particularly July and August, a supervised swimming area with a beach operates on the western shore. At that time of year the lake works as a full outdoor leisure spot: visitors can paddle a canoe or kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding, take a pony ride, or play a round of mini-golf. There is a playground for children, and activities such as bubble football or laser biathlon can also be found near the water. This mix draws both families with young children and visitors simply looking for a scenic, relaxed afternoon by the water with mountain views on every side.

What is the Cascade d'Ardent, and is it worth the walk?

The best-known destination for a walk around the lake is the Cascade d'Ardent, a waterfall roughly 30 metres high that flows into the lake from the south. A footbridge crosses the waterfall itself, letting visitors get close to the falling water. The out-and-back walk to the falls is one of the most commonly recommended short hikes near Morzine, and it is manageable for most fitness levels.

Who is this destination best suited for?

Thanks to its gentle surroundings, supervised beach, and short distance from Morzine, Lac de Montriond works well as a day-trip destination for families with children, couples after a scenic short walk, and summer visitors to the Portes du Soleil area — a region better known for its winter ski slopes than for its lakes.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de Montriond? The water surface sits at an elevation of 1,072 metres.

How large is the lake? It covers around 32 to 33 hectares, with a maximum length of 1,320 metres and a maximum width of 253 metres, making it the third-largest lake in the Haute-Savoie department.

Can you swim in the lake? Yes. A supervised swimming area with a beach operates on the western shore in summer, mainly during July and August.

How do you get to the lake from Morzine? It is about a 10-minute drive; in summer, a free shuttle bus also connects central Montriond to the lake.

What is the main sight nearby? The Cascade d'Ardent, a roughly 30-metre waterfall flowing into the lake, crossed by a footbridge that offers a close-up view of the falls.