Lac de Roy

Lac de Roy is a small glacial lake sitting at roughly 1,660 metres above sea level, tucked into the alpine pastures of the Praz de Lys Sommand area. It belongs to the commune of Taninges, in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, about 2 kilometres west of the Praz de Lys ski resort. It's the kind of spot that rewards very little effort with a view that would normally take a much harder climb to earn.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake lies on the open grazing pastures surrounding Praz de Lys, right where several mountain paths converge. The terrain around it is gentle and unobstructed, so the water comes into view well before you reach the shore.

How do you get there?

The most common approach starts in Praz de Lys and takes about half an hour one way. The path is wide with very little elevation gain, which makes it manageable for families with young children or anyone without much hiking experience. An alternative route begins in Sommand, following the road toward Col de la Ramaz — a pass at 1,619 metres — before descending toward the water.

What is there to see along the way?

Because the landscape is so open, the Mont Blanc massif is visible for much of the walk, which is one of the main reasons this short outing feels worthwhile. In summer, cows graze the meadows around the lake, and marmots are a frequent sight, especially in the morning or late afternoon when they're most active.

Can the walk be extended?

Lac de Roy sits at a crossroads of several trails, so hikers looking for more can continue on toward Pic de Marcelly, a peak reaching 1,999 metres. From the summit, the view opens into a full 360-degree panorama covering the valley and the surrounding ranges — a natural extension for anyone who finds the lake walk too short on its own.

When is the best time to visit?

The area around the lake is freely accessible from 1 May to 30 November. During the summer holiday season the trail can get busy, so it's worth timing a visit for the morning or later in the afternoon, when the crowds thin out.

Who is this spot suited for?

Given the short approach and minimal elevation gain, Lac de Roy works well as a family destination, but it also serves as an easy waypoint for longer treks through the Praz de Lys Sommand massif. There's little in the way of built infrastructure here — the appeal comes from the scenery, the quiet, and the view toward Mont Blanc rather than any tourist amenities.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de Roy? The lake sits at an altitude of around 1,660 metres.

How long does it take to reach the lake? About 30 minutes of gentle walking from Praz de Lys.

Is the trail difficult? No, the path is wide with minimal elevation gain, suitable for families with children.

Can the hike be extended? Yes, from the lake you can continue up to Pic de Marcelly (1,999 m) for a 360-degree panorama.

When is the lake area open to visitors? The site is freely accessible from 1 May to 30 November, though it gets crowded during summer midday hours.

What wildlife might you see nearby? Cows graze the surrounding pastures in summer, and marmots are commonly spotted in the meadows.