Lac Bénit
Lake Bénit, at an altitude of 1477m, lies nestled at the foot of the Bargy mountain range and its distinctive peaks. Located in a Natura 2000 area, this glacial lake is home to a rich array of endemic wildlife: alpine newt, common frog, toad, salamander…
It is also the subject of a legend that gave it its name. It's the perfect spot for a refreshing break under the fir trees. The refreshment stand is open from Pentecost until the end of September.
To ensure the long-term survival of the habitats and species, which are highly sensitive to disturbance and most of which are protected, and also to respect the work of the alpine herder, it is our responsibility to be mindful of our practices and behavior. Therefore, we ask you to:
– 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 are protected;
– Not to 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 bivouacking, which is only permitted between 19 p.m. and 9 a.m., without fires on the ground (use of a camping stove is permitted). Bivouacking is not allowed around the lake.
WARNING – The Lac Bénit site is subject to a municipal order from the towns of Mont-Saxonnex and Marnaz, which prohibits:
– All types of water activities (swimming, diving, sailing, ice skating, etc.);
– Camping and ground fires;
– Motor vehicle traffic;
– The overflight of the site by drones;
– Noises and disturbances likely to disrupt the peace and quiet of the premises.
Any violation of this order may result in prosecution, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Preserve the sensitive natural area of Lake Bénit:
Swimming and camping are 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 pick flowers and other plants, certain species are protected
– Do not leave waste on site
Lake Bénit lies on the northern slope of the Bargy massif and straddles two municipalities within the Cluses Arve et Montagnes Community of Municipalities (2CCAM): Mont-Saxonnex and Marnaz. Covering an area of 4 hectares and reaching a maximum depth of 8 meters, it was formed following a glacial retreat more than 10,000 years ago. The site presents a mosaic of habitats conducive to exceptional flora and fauna: the lake and its aquatic plants, meadows, spruce forests, scree slopes, and cliffs.
Due to its remarkable natural heritage and unique landscape setting, Lake Bénit is included within the Natura 2000 site of the Bargy massif, designated to protect a number of habitats and species representative of European biodiversity.
All the typical fauna of the mountain environment can be observed there: ibex, chamois, marmots… The site is also overflown by the Bearded Vulture, a large vulture reintroduced into the Bargy massif at the end of the 1980s. The lake and its surroundings are the refuge of many species: newts, toads and frogs, dragonflies and other insects, fish.
The Lac Bénit site is characterized by high visitor numbers and presents conflicting uses, particularly related to the work carried out by the alpine herder on the pastures grazed by cattle herds that maintain the site. If this visitor traffic is not managed and respected, it causes significant disruption to both the alpine pasture and the site's biodiversity. Local authorities and various stakeholders are working to resolve these problems, notably through the implementation of actions defined in the site's management plan.
Certifications & Labels
- Natura 2000
Location details
Access via the Bété car park, 1 hour walk.
- Lake or body of water within 300 m
- Ski station
- In the mountains
Visit
Customers
Language(s) of the visit
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
Group visit services
- Unguided group tours permanently
Opening
| Opening hours from January 01st to December 31st, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open |
| Tuesday | Open |
| Wednesday | Open |
| Thursday | Open |
| Friday | Open |
| Saturday | Open |
| Sunday | Open |
