La Chapelle-d’Abondance is a fine hiking base in the valley. Above the village rise the Cornettes de Bise, one of the finest summits of the Chablais, and a whole network of trails towards the pastures, the lakes and the border passes. Between Abondance-cattle pastures, mountain farms and Franco-Swiss panoramas, it’s authentic, varied mountain country.
Where to walk
The sector’s great goal is the Cornettes de Bise massif (2,432 m) and its high-altitude lakes (Lac de Darbon, Lac de Fontaine), reached by fine day hikes. Lower down, family walks cross the pastures and hamlets, meeting the herds. The trails also climb towards the passes that cross into Switzerland, and the Crêt-Béni sector (summer-open lifts) shortens some approaches. Farms and pasture chalets punctuate the routes.
Booking
The trails are free to access. For a guided outing — wildlife (ibex, chamois), plants, reading the landscape — call on the valley’s mountain leaders. Respect the herds and the guard dogs on the pastures.
Good to know
The Cornettes de Bise. The emblematic summit and its lakes: a long day hike, for fit walkers.
Season. June to September, once the snow has melted higher up.
The border. Several routes cross into Switzerland: bring ID.
Wildlife. Ibex and chamois frequent the heights: discretion and binoculars rewarded.
Also worth seeing in La Chapelle-d’Abondance
In winter it’s skiing; also worth discovering, the village and its food. Back to the destination: La Chapelle-d’Abondance.