Lac du Mont Charvin

Route Description for Lac du Mont Charvin

The first hour of this hike features a choice of two very different tracks which meet at the Aulp de Marlens refuge further up. The wide, gravel track is slightly longer and out in the open, making it a better option for a relaxed return with tired legs. The alternative is a narrower track through an airy forest, providing dappled shade for the initial climb before the trees give way to an open field where the track leads to the refuge. For this hike, you’ll take the forest path.

From the car park, look for the wide gravel track on the left. A little to the right of the track, look for the narrower track on the raised ground — the start of the forest track. Take this path through the forest, then when the forest clears to a field, follow the signpost for the track up through the field to the L’aulp de Marlens refuge. At the refuge, veer right onto the wide track towards the higher peaks.

About 50 m from the refuge, there’s a choice of trials. This part of the hike is not well signposted, so keep your eyes out for the split. Go to the right, through the cattle gate, and stay on the path to the right of the fence.

Follow the same track through green fields and over rocky sections, remembering to savour the view back down the valley every now and again. Sheep, goats and cows are frequently left to graze in these pastures, with their telltale bells giving away their location well before they’re close enough to see.

A tough climb to a sharp crest to the Col des Porthets marks the end of the steepest section. Take a moment here to enjoy the views into both valleys. Although Lac du Mont Charvin is not yet in view, it’s only about another 20 minutes away.

Continue along the track, which crosses the crest and descends into the valley below. In this valley, listen for the shrill squeals of near and distant marmots: they’re harder to see than they are to hear!

The track soon becomes covered in loose rocks, then solid rock, then back to dirt as you veer to the right and up the short incline to the crest before the lake.

If you wish to see Mont Blanc, continue along the track that traverses the lake from a distance in an anti-clockwise direction, which leads to the next crest. Otherwise, take your time at the lake until you’re ready for the long descent to the car park.

Take the same rugged path back to the refuge, then choose whether to take the same forest path to get back to the car park or the wider gravel track. If you choose gravel, walk between the refuge buildings to the track which loops behind the refuge and down the hill.

Follow the gravel track and listen for any cars that might pass. When there’s a fork in the track, stay right, then carry on to the car park.

Insider Hints for Lac du Mont Charvin

• If you don’t already use poles while walking, try them on this hike: the steep sections are tough on muscles and joints during both the ascent and the descent.
• The hike is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
• Without public toilets or water along the track, make sure you are well prepared before you leave. But note that there is a bar/restaurant/refuge about an hour into the walk, then nothing else.
• Rocky outcrops around the lake make great seating for a picnic.