Lake Bénit, at an altitude of 1477m, nestles at the foot of the chain and the eyes of Bargy. Located in the Natura 2000 zone, the lake of glacial origin is home to rich endemic fauna: alpine newt, common frog, toad, salamander...
It is also the subject of a legend which gave it its name. It's the ideal place for a refreshing break under the trees. The refreshment bar is open from Pentecost to the end of September.
In order to guarantee the sustainability of environments and species, which are very sensitive to disturbance and most of which are protected, but also in order to respect the work of the alpine pastor, it is our responsibility to be attentive to our practices and our behavior . Also, you are asked:
- Not to drive a motor vehicle (except those entitled to it), this is prohibited by the Environmental Code, in particular to avoid any type of disturbance;
- To stay on the marked paths, so as not to damage the surrounding land and the forage resource;
- Not to disturb herds and wild animals, to avoid any incidents and harmful stress;
- Keep your dog on a leash, to avoid any incident with another animal or user;
- Do not pick the plants, most of them are protected;
- Do not swim (nor your dog), this is prohibited, in particular to preserve the habitat of aquatic species;
- To be discreet and leave as few traces as possible of your passage, to avoid any disturbance;
- To apply the rules of bivouac, which is only possible between 19 p.m. and 9 a.m., without a fire on the ground (possible use of a stove).
ATTENTION - The Lac Bénit site is subject to a municipal decree of the municipalities of Mont-Saxonnex and Marnaz, which prohibits:
- Any type of aquatic activity (swimming, diving, sailing, ice skating, etc.);
- Camping and ground fires;
- Circulation by motor vehicle;
- Overflight of the site by drones;
- Noises and disturbances likely to disturb the peace and quiet of the premises.
Any violation of this decree exposes you to prosecution, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.
Additional Information :
Preserve the sensitive natural area of Lake Bénit: - Swimming and camping prohibited - Motor vehicles prohibited - Do not disturb herds and wild animals, remain discreet, on the paths, at a distance from animals and keep your dog on a leash - Do not do not pick flowers and other plants, certain species are protected - Do not leave waste on site
History, culture and heritage
Lac Bénit is located on the north face of the Bargy massif and straddles two municipalities of the Community of Municipalities Cluses Arve and Mountains (2CCAM): the municipality of Mont-Saxonnex and the municipality of Marnaz. With an area of 4 hectares and a maximum depth of 8 meters, it was formed following glacial retreat more than 10 years ago. The site presents a mosaic of environments favorable to the presence of exceptional fauna and flora: the lake and its meadows, meadows, spruce forests, scree and cliffs. Due to its remarkable natural heritage and its unique landscape setting, Lac Bénit is included in the Natura 000 site of the Bargy massif, designated to protect a certain number of habitats and species representative of European biodiversity. It is also in the process of being labeled Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS), a label awarded by the Department for sites intended to be preserved and promoted to the general public. This ENS policy is carried out at the local level by the Community of Communes Cluses Arve et Montagnes (2000CCAM), which is responsible for the implementation of a management plan finalized in 2: this document consists of drawing up an inventory of the site and actions to be implemented to reconcile attendance and preservation. All the fauna typical of the mountain environment can be observed there: ibexes, chamois, marmots... The site is also flown over by the bearded vulture, a large vulture reintroduced into the Bargy massif at the end of the 2022s. The lake and its surroundings are the refuge of many species: newts, toads and frogs, dragonflies and other insects, fish. The site of Lac Bénit is marked by high attendance and presents conflicts of use, particularly in connection with the work carried out by the alpine pastor on the land grazed by cattle herds which maintain the site. Attendance, if it is not channeled and respectful, induces significant disturbances both for the mountain pasture but also for the biodiversity of the site. The communities and the various local players are working to resolve the problems encountered, in particular by implementing the actions defined in the site management plan.
Route
Access via the Bété car park, 1 hour walk. From July 13 to August 28 on Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays, access via the Morsullaz chairlift (10 min walk).
In detail
- 46.028733
- 6.505108
- Access via the Bété car park, 1 hour walk. From July 13 to August 28 on Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays, access via the Morsullaz chairlift (10 min walk).
Opening
All year.
Services
Preserve the sensitive natural area of Lake Bénit: - Swimming and camping prohibited - Motor vehicles prohibited - Do not disturb herds and wild animals, remain discreet, on the paths, at a distance from animals and keep your dog on a leash - Do not do not pick flowers and other plants, certain species are protected - Do not leave waste on site
Equipments
- Picnic area.
- Bar
Services
- Catering
- Fast food
