Lac de Montriond offers a tangible introduction to the area’s geological history: a large landslide from the Nantaux area, which occurred before 1550, created the lake. As a geosite in the UNESCO Global Geopark Chablais, it is also a distinctive natural attraction for a stay in Montriond.

Lake, waterfall and landscape

There is a designated bathing area at Lac de Montriond. Swimming is seasonal. If swimming is important to your trip, check the current dates in advance and plan accordingly.

Cascade d’Ardent lies above Lac de Montriond, halfway between the lake and Les Lindarets. A viewing platform offers a view of the waterfall from above. This brings together different perspectives on the landscape at the lake and the Cascade: the lake’s geological origins and an elevated view of the waterfall.

Hikes with different destinations

The route from Lac de Montriond to Ardent starts at the end of the lake and leads through the forest to the hamlet of Les Albertans. Another hiking route from Lac de Montriond to Cascade d’Ardent is designated as a connecting trail. Conditions on this route depend on the weather and seasonal access. If it is an option during your stay, check conditions in advance.

For a guided hike, Rando-Montriond runs tours on Mondays with an official hiking guide. Check the current program with the local association if you are planning this option. This lets you weigh up a self-planned hike against a tour with an official guide, without treating the two options as a single route.

Winter activities and seasonal connections

At the Ski de fond à Montriond site, you can ski for free on groomed and marked cross-country trails; there are three circular routes. The red loop is 1.2 km long, with 50 m of ascent and 50 m of descent. It can also be started from the Bout du Lac car park. The trails are a seasonal winter activity: availability depends on snow conditions and the published operating period.

The Mbis line connects the school in Morzine with the Ardent gondola, passing through the hamlets of Montriond. This connection is also seasonal. If you plan to use it, check the current service and timetable. The choice between cross-country skiing, hiking and taking the line therefore depends on different information: for the trails, snow conditions and operating period; for the line, the timetable; and for the hiking route to the Cascade, the weather and seasonal access.

Culture in Montriond

Specific examples of cultural heritage also form part of the local landscape. The Église de la Visitation-de-Marie in Montriond houses a Stations of the Cross, protected as a movable cultural object. The Église de Montriond also houses a statue of the Virgin and Child. These two cultural features complement the themes of the lake, waterfall and hiking with sacred art.

Travel dates as a guide to finding accommodation

Swimming, cross-country skiing and the Mbis line are seasonal; for cross-country skiing, snow conditions also matter. If one of these activities will shape your trip, check its conditions against your travel dates before choosing accommodation. That way, you can tailor your hotel search to what you actually want to do during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Annemasse, Cuvat, Samoens, Praz-Sur-Arly, Le Biot, Éloise, Ville-En-Sallaz, Ambilly

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.