Top 12 Lakes around Châtillon-Sur-Cluses
Best lakes around Châtillon-Sur-Cluses are found in the Haute-Savoie region, where this small village is nestled between the Giffre and Arve valleys. The area serves as a gateway to various natural landscapes and offers accessible options for enjoying the outdoors. The vicinity provides several appealing lakes for visitors seeking natural features and recreational activities.
Best lakes around Châtillon-Sur-Cluses
- The most popular lakes is Lake Vernays, a lake that is accessible by crossing the Chartreuse de Mélan park. This peaceful place is suitable for athletes, mountain bikers, or family outings.
- Another must-see spot is Joux Plane Lake, a family-friendly lake with facilities. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature with the family, offering a gentle mountain setting and equipped with a picnic area and parking.
- Visitors also love Lake Airon, a lake nestled in an alpine setting near Flaine. This small mountain lake, surrounded by green pastures and forests, offers a panorama of the surrounding peaks.
- Châtillon-Sur-Cluses is known for mountain lakes, recreational lakes, and fishing lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from tranquil spots for picnics to larger leisure bases with multiple activities.
- The lakes around Châtillon-Sur-Cluses are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Ladies' Lake
Highlight • Lake
These two lakes, connected by a waterfall, are located on the edge of Samoëns within a few minutes' walk of several of our Samoens properties. With a stunning backdrop of the Criou mountain hanging above them, the two lakes and surrounding landscape offer an impressive range of activities, including fishing, a golf driving range (on the water!), horse riding, a treetop adventure park, tennis and a playground, not to mention a large outdoor area for games, sunbathing and picnics. A wide, smooth gravel track borders these lakes, with plenty of forest hiking trails coming your way if you're feeling adventurous!
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Lake Vernays
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Lac Bénit
Highlight • Lake
In 1988, Father Arsène Bourgeaux, ethnographer, in a publication dedicated to the parish, indicated that the lake, “for the inhabitants of the Mont is considered as a sort of founding place where the identity of a population originates” 7.
The lake was the subject of processions by the populations of Marnaz and Mont-Saxonnex, on Saint Claude's Day, in order to protect the villages from flooding.
The lake benefited from developments in the early 1960s, notably with the raising of the lake level, which made it possible to double its surface area7. The inauguration took place on July 11, 19657. A mass was improvised by priest Claude Scherantz.
Lake Bénit is the subject of many legends. One of them relates that the fairies came to bathe there and were at the origin of the production of butter and tomme in the town.
A second legend says that an episcopal ring is found in the lake9. Following a deadly avalanche, the bishop of the diocese is said to have gone “in a grand procession” to bless the lake and to have thrown “his episcopal ring into the waves asking heaven that such a catastrophe never happens again”9. Another version says that the object was so heavy that it fell into the lake at the time of the blessing9. According to this legend, an avalanche emptied the lake and flooded Marnaz below4.
Finally Alphonse Favre (en) reports that “this lake is due to a collapse in which a fir forest disappeared. As for the time, it can only be established in a very doubtful manner, by the fact that an old man from the village of Brezon assured, around 1845, that this event had happened in his father's youth. »1
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Ladies' Lakes
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Joux Plane Lake
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More information: quaeldich.de/paesse/col-de-joux-plane
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Popular around Châtillon-Sur-Cluses
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Beautiful hidden lake on the outskirts of Taninges
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Lake Joux Plane, accessible by car, is the ideal place to enjoy nature with the family. Located between Samoëns and Morzine and open from June 26 to December 31 (subject to snow conditions), it will allow you to recharge your batteries in a gentle mountain setting. The natural area is equipped with a picnic area and parking. Also enjoy plenty of activities: fishing (purchase map on site), walks and hikes in the middle of the mountain pastures: marked routes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible in winter.
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Magnificent artificial lake in Samoens intended for fishing and swimming
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Sculpture that can be discovered along the Giffre as far as Morillon
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Lake Bénit is located at an altitude of 1,452 meters, on the northern slope (ubac) of the Bargy chain, in the Bornes1 massif. It is dominated to the south by the limestone wall of the Bargy chain from where the scree of the Col d'Encrenaz cirque spills out and delimits the south-west shore of the lake. The northwest bank corresponds to the slope of the old glacial basin while the east bank opens onto the valley of the Lac Bénit stream. In 1988, Father Arsène Bourgeaux, ethnographer, in a publication dedicated to the parish, indicated that the lake, “for the inhabitants of the Mont is considered as a sort of founding place where the identity of a population originates” 7. The lake was the subject of processions by the populations of Marnaz and Mont-Saxonnex, on Saint Claude's Day, in order to protect the villages from flooding. The lake benefited from developments in the early 1960s, notably with the raising of the lake level, which made it possible to double its surface area7. The inauguration took place on July 11, 19657. A mass was improvised by priest Claude Scherantz. Lake Bénit is the subject of many legends. One of them relates that the fairies came to bathe there and were at the origin of the production of butter and tomme in the town. A second legend says that an episcopal ring is found in the lake9. Following a deadly avalanche, the bishop of the diocese is said to have gone “in a grand procession” to bless the lake and to have thrown “his episcopal ring into the waves asking heaven that such a catastrophe never happens again”9. Another version says that the object was so heavy that it fell into the lake at the time of the blessing9. According to this legend, an avalanche emptied the lake and flooded Marnaz below4. Finally Alphonse Favre (en) reports that “this lake is due to a collapse in which a fir forest disappeared. As for the time, it can only be established in a very doubtful manner, by the fact that an old man from the village of Brezon assured, around 1845, that this event had happened in his father's youth. »1
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes are best for a family outing near Châtillon-sur-Cluses?
For a family-friendly experience, Ladies' Lake (Lac aux Dames) in Samoëns is an excellent choice, offering swimming, playgrounds, and an adventure park. Joux Plane Lake is also ideal, equipped with a picnic area and parking, perfect for enjoying nature with children. Additionally, Lake Vernays provides a peaceful setting suitable for family outings.
What kind of activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Châtillon-sur-Cluses?
The lakes offer a variety of activities. At Ladies' Lake, you can enjoy supervised swimming during summer, fishing, horse riding, a treetop adventure park, tennis, and playgrounds. Joux Plane Lake is great for fishing (with a permit) and gentle walks. For a more tranquil experience, Lake Vernays is perfect for peaceful walks and mountain biking.
Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer excellent hiking. Ladies' Lake has a smooth gravel path encircling it, plus numerous forest hiking trails nearby. Lake Airon is accessible by hiking trails and offers stunning alpine views. For more structured routes, you can explore options like the 'Lake Vernays – Lake Vernays loop from Taninges' or the 'Taninges Town Center – Lake Flérier loop from Taninges' which pass by other hiking trails in the area.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Châtillon-sur-Cluses?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lac de Flérier near Taninges is a 1st category fishing lake, notably stocked with trout, requiring a 1st category fishing permit. Ladies' Lake also offers fishing opportunities, as does Joux Plane Lake (purchase map on site).
What natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Ladies' Lake offers stunning views of the Criou mountain. Lake Airon, nestled in an alpine setting, provides an exceptional panorama of surrounding peaks. Lac Bénit is located on the northern slope of the Bargy chain, offering dramatic limestone wall views.
Are there any easy lake walks suitable for all abilities?
Yes, the tour around Ladies' Lake in Samoëns is a pleasant, smooth gravel path suitable for easy walks. Lac de Flérier also has easy walking routes through the surrounding villages. For more options, consider the 'Taninges Town Center – Lake Flérier loop from Taninges' which is an easy-grade hike.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Châtillon-sur-Cluses?
The summer months are ideal for enjoying activities like swimming and outdoor leisure at lakes such as Ladies' Lake, where supervision is provided. Joux Plane Lake is typically open from late June to December (subject to snow conditions), making it suitable for summer and autumn visits. Many hiking trails are best enjoyed from spring through autumn.
Are there any lakes with historical or legendary significance?
Yes, Lac Bénit is steeped in local legends and history. It's considered a founding place for the identity of the local population and was historically the subject of processions to protect villages from flooding. Legends include fairies bathing there and an episcopal ring being thrown into the lake to prevent catastrophes.
Where can I find a good spot for a picnic by a lake?
Many lakes offer excellent picnic opportunities. Ladies' Lake has large outdoor areas perfect for picnics. Joux Plane Lake is specifically equipped with a picnic area. Lac de Flérier also provides tranquil picnic spots. Lake Airon, with its stunning alpine backdrop, is also ideal for a contemplative outdoor meal.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes?
Beyond lake-specific activities, the region offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking trails, road cycling routes, and running trails. These include routes like the 'Col de la Ramaz' for cyclists or various loops for runners and hikers, providing diverse options for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Are there any lakes that are particularly scenic or offer great photo opportunities?
Absolutely. Ladies' Lake is known for its picturesque scenery with the Criou mountain as a backdrop. Lake Airon offers an exceptional panorama of surrounding peaks, with its calm water often reflecting the mountains, creating a postcard-perfect setting. Lake Vernays is also praised for its lovely views.
What facilities are available at the lakes?
Facilities vary by lake. Ladies' Lake is a comprehensive leisure base with playgrounds, an adventure park, tennis courts, and ample space for sunbathing. Joux Plane Lake provides a picnic area and parking. Lac de Flérier offers picnic areas for a peaceful day out.
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