Lac des Mines d'Or

Lac des Mines d'Or is a small lake in the Giffre valley, straddling the boundary between the communes of Samoëns and Morzine in Haute-Savoie. Sitting at 1,390 metres above sea level, it serves as a starting point for hikes heading toward the Swiss border.

Where exactly is the lake?

Lac des Mines d'Or lies right on the line between two communes, Samoëns and Morzine, which makes it a shared reference point for visitors moving between the two villages. Road access follows the Dranse de la Manche stream, and the lakeside has parking as well as a few restaurants. The surrounding landscape mixes mountain pastures, coniferous forest, and passes leading toward Switzerland.

Why is it called "Mines d'Or" (Gold Mines)?

The name recalls gold prospecting carried out in this part of the valley during the 19th century. The searches never developed into lasting mining activity, but the place name has stuck, and it is the only trace those attempts left on the landscape today.

Is the lake natural?

No — Lac des Mines d'Or is an artificial lake. It was created in 1981 on the initiative of the commune of Morzine, during road works that dammed an old wetland area. The basin was lined with a geomembrane to retain water from the surrounding streams, and the dike was reinforced in 2004 to stop water loss. The banks were planted with vegetation so the lake would blend into its surroundings. It measures about 150 metres in length, with a maximum depth of 5 metres.

What can visitors do at the lake?

Swimming is not allowed, but the lake attracts anglers — trout live in its waters — as well as hikers. The GR5 long-distance trail passes nearby, and from the lake it's possible to set off toward the Col de Coux, passing the Rouleau de Bostan rock formation and the Fréterolle pastures on the way to the pass on the Swiss border, near Champéry. Routes in the area range from an easy walk around the lake itself to longer mountain hikes.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac des Mines d'Or? No, swimming is prohibited. The lake is mainly used for fishing and hiking.

How do you get to the lake? By road along the Dranse de la Manche stream; there is parking on site along with a few places to eat.

Is the lake natural? No, it is artificial, built in 1981 and lined with a geomembrane during road construction works.

What trails start from the lake? The GR5 trail passes close by, and a route continues from the lake toward the Col de Coux, via the Rouleau de Bostan and the Fréterolle pastures, toward the Swiss border.

Where does the name come from? From 19th-century gold prospecting carried out in this part of the Giffre valley.