Best lakes around Ayse are found in the Haute-Savoie department of France, a region known for its mountainous terrain and the Arve Valley. While the commune of Ayse itself does not contain large natural lakes, the surrounding area offers various water bodies. This geographical location provides access to alpine and mountain lakes within a reasonable distance. The natural features around Ayse, France, include rivers and peaks like the Môle mountain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Intersection Point: La Gouille aux Morts (Pond of the Dead) Altitude 650m Gouille aux Morts: What an ugly name for this charming little pond. Beavers, mallards, herons, and especially frogs take shelter in its tall grass and breed there. The place is calm and peaceful, far from the road to the Vallée Verte (Green Valley), although you can still hear the sounds of traffic. Above it, the Molière à Vachat stream is mirrored in its waters. Its reflection blends with the water lilies scattered there, creating perfect harmony. A delight for the eye of the walker. It's impossible not to think of Monet's "Water Lilies." It is said that, long ago, two stonemasons working at the "Molière," located about fifty meters above, fell to their deaths there on a Sunday (yes, a Sunday...the Lord's Day). See: H. Savoie: Les Molières du Mont Vouan. Or perhaps the pond got its name because a peasant was swallowed up there with his cart...
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Very beautiful lake overlooked by the Bargy mountain range!
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Very popular spot in summer. If you have a little strength in your legs to spare, don't stop at the lake, go up to the Balafrasse pass which gives a breathtaking view of the first as well as the Aravis range and Mont Blanc.
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Wonderfully located in a protected valley, a wonderful hiking destination for a rest, in summer with a hut that is open all day, otherwise only on weekends or not at all.
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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 which the scree of the circus of the Col d'Encrenaz flows 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 leads to the valley of the Lac Bénit stream.
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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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Avoid July, August and especially do not bring your pets, wildlife is to be protected.
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While the commune of Ayse itself does not contain large natural lakes, the surrounding Haute-Savoie department offers various water bodies. Ayse is situated in the Arve Valley, characterized more by rivers and mountainous terrain than significant natural lakes within its immediate boundaries.
Visitors frequently enjoy Lessy lake, a peaceful alpine lake at 1,730 meters in the Aravis massif. Other favorites include Lake Roy, known for its clear water and views over the Giffre valley, and Lake Peyre, which offers stunning views of the Mont Blanc range after an ascent.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lessy lake is considered family-friendly, offering a superb alpine setting. Another option is La Gouille aux Morts, a charming and peaceful pond where beavers, mallards, and frogs can be observed, making it a delightful spot for children.
The region around Ayse offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Lac d'Ayze loop from Ayse' or 'Europe Bridge – Bridge in Bonneville loop from Ayse'. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes like the 'Petit Môle – Le Môle loop from Ayse'. Road cycling routes are also popular, with options like the 'Le Grand-Bornand – Col des Fleuries loop from Bonneville'. You can explore more routes on the respective guide pages for running, mountain hiking, and road cycling.
The lakes near Ayse are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. For instance, Lake Roy is nestled between green alpine meadows and limestone cliffs, offering wide views over the Giffre valley and the peaks of the Môle and Aravis. Lake Peyre provides breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range, while Lessy lake is a serene alpine lake at the foot of the Aiguille Verte.
Yes, Lac Bénit is rich in local legends. It is considered a founding place for the identity of the local population and was historically the subject of processions to protect villages from flooding. One legend tells of fairies bathing there, leading to the production of butter and tomme cheese, while another speaks of an episcopal ring thrown into the lake to prevent catastrophes.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activity. For hiking and enjoying the alpine scenery, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. Some high-altitude lakes, like Lake Peyre, are best avoided in July and August due to crowds, and it's advised not to bring pets to protect wildlife during these peak months.
While specific crowd levels can vary, La Gouille aux Morts is described as a calm and peaceful place, far from the main road, suggesting it might be less frequented than some of the more prominent alpine lakes. Its tranquil atmosphere and wildlife make it a charming, quieter spot.
Given the mountainous terrain and varying altitudes, it's advisable to wear appropriate hiking gear. This includes sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions, and waterproof outerwear. For higher altitude lakes, even in summer, temperatures can be cooler, so be prepared for all eventualities.
Many lakes in the region double as excellent viewpoints. Lessy lake, Lake Roy, and Lac Bénit are all categorized as viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and alpine landscapes.
While some mountain lakes might be suitable for a refreshing dip, specific information on designated wild swimming spots is not consistently available. Alpine lakes often have very cold water, even in summer. Always check local regulations and safety guidelines before attempting to swim in any natural body of water.
The difficulty varies. Some lakes, like Lessy lake, are described as 'quite easy to access'. However, others, such as Lake Roy and Lac Bénit, are categorized as 'intermediate', suggesting a moderate level of fitness is required. Lake Peyre requires an ascent from the Col de la Colombiere, indicating a more strenuous hike.


Still not found your perfect lake around Ayse? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.