Best lakes around Passy, a commune in the French Alps, offers access to a diverse range of aquatic environments. The region is characterized by its mountainous landscape, providing a backdrop to both natural alpine lakes and man-made reservoirs. Lac de Passy, the largest lake in the Pays du Mont-Blanc, serves as a central leisure hub. The area provides various opportunities for outdoor activities centered around its numerous lakes.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Popular around Passy
The first of the Cheserys lakes, a shame that transit through the other small ones was prohibited.
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Modest, compared to the rest, but also extraordinary, because of the frame.
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I loved this lake! and even more so to go around it (with some complicated steps) and see it full of fish.
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Despite its part in supplying the region's hydroelectric power, Lac d'Émosson is a beautiful and striking mountain lake, offering fantastic views and relatively easy access. From the dam you will have an incredible view of the Aiguille Verte, a mountain that seems to look different from every perspective. The surrounding area of the dam is a hotspot for dinosaur footprints, so be sure to look for them! I'm sure if you're lucky you might even find a few dinosaurs still walking around there.
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Lac d'Emosson is the second largest reservoir in Switzerland after Lac des Dix (Grande Dixence). The 180m high arch dam holds a secret that is revealed every spring when the water level is low. There is a dam in the reservoir from the 1920s: the SBB Barberine dam. To get to Lac d'Emosson, you can either drive up by car or bus, or you can take a combination of three cable cars from the valley of "Le Châtelard" to the dam. Pure adventure 👌🏻 For the daring, there is a spectacular zip line or a dizzying climbing wall right next to the dam. Another attraction is the well-preserved footprints of 250-million-year-old archosaurs above Lac du Vieux Emosson, which is about a 2.5-hour walk from Lac d'Emosson.
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Always a pleasure to visit France as a hiking country
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A great little lake, which nestles picturesquely in the forest.
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For a wide range of family activities, Lac de Passy is an excellent choice. It's known as a 'Base de Loisirs' with a man-made sandy beach, shallow waters suitable for children, and an inflatable Aquapark during summer. On land, you can find mini-golf, karting, and tree climbing. Another option is Green Lake, which is also categorized as family-friendly and offers a picturesque setting in the forest.
Several lakes in the region provide breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Lac Blanc is renowned for its classic and iconic Mont Blanc panorama, especially beautiful in the early morning or late evening. The Lacs des Chéserys also offer an incredible panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif from the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Additionally, Green Lake is known for reflecting Mont Blanc in its green-hued waters, creating a stunning visual.
Yes, Lac d'Émosson is a significant hydroelectric reservoir located along the Swiss border. It offers fantastic views of the Mont Blanc massif from its 180-meter-high arch dam. The area is also famous for unique geological attractions, including dinosaur footprints near the dam.
The lakes around Passy are a great base for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including challenging mountain hikes like the '3-rope bridge loop from Passy' or the 'Lac Vert – Lac de Pormenaz loop'. For more details on hiking, visit the Mountain Hikes around Passy guide. Road cycling and mountain biking are also popular, with routes like 'The Blue Door – Plaine Joux loop' for road cyclists and the 'Pormenaz Loop Trail' for MTB enthusiasts. Explore these options in the Road Cycling Routes around Passy guide and the MTB Trails around Passy guide.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for water sports and leisure at Lac de Passy, with supervised swimming and the Aquapark. For hiking and optimal light for photography at lakes like Lac Blanc, early morning or late afternoon are recommended. Autumn brings beautiful golden colors to the landscape, offering a different scenic experience. Even in winter, lakes like Green Lake are described as fantastic when frozen and covered in snow.
Yes, Lac de Passy features a long, flat footpath that encircles the lake, making it popular for strolling, jogging, and cycling in all seasons. This accessible path is suitable for various abilities and offers continuous views of Mont Blanc.
Lac de Passy, as a 'Base de Loisirs', offers a range of amenities, especially during the summer. These include a supervised sandy beach, an inflatable Aquapark, mini-golf, karting, tree climbing, elasto-trampolines, and electric boat rentals. Food and refreshments are also available on-site during the summer months.
Yes, Lac d'Émosson is accessible by car, bus, or even a narrow-gauge railway, providing various options for visitors to reach this impressive mountain lake and its dam.
Lac de la Flégère is an enchanting alpine lake where the Mont-Blanc massif is reflected in its crystal-clear waters, creating a postcard-like landscape. It's often described as a hidden treasure, offering a sense of remoteness and tranquility, especially compared to more crowded spots. It's a popular stop along the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trail.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the incredible panoramas, especially the views of the Mont-Blanc massif reflected in the waters. The variety of experiences, from active leisure at Lac de Passy to the serene, picturesque settings of lakes like Green Lake, is highly valued. Many also appreciate the tranquility found at some of the less crowded alpine lakes, such as the Lacs des Chéserys.
While many lakes are primarily summer destinations, some, like Green Lake, are described as 'simply fantastic' even in winter when frozen over and covered in deep snow. However, accessibility and available activities may be limited, and proper winter gear is essential for safety.


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