Treasures to discover in the heart of the Passy Nature Reserve in Haute-Savoie

Situated at an altitude of between 1300 and 2900 metres, facing the Mont Blanc massif, the Passy nature reserve dominates the Arve valley. It lies between the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve and the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, with which it forms a link. It is a superb landscape of minerals, pastures, pine forests, moorland and animal species typical of high mountain areas.

The reserve's fauna is characterised by a wide variety of species, including chamois, ibex, marmot, hazel grouse, rock ptarmigan and golden eagle. An important part of the Alpine pastoral tradition, it is also home to sheep and cows on its mountain pastures.

The Passy nature reserve also boasts an impressive flora, with five hundred and thirty species according to the latest inventory, including the Saint-Bruno Lily, which can be admired in the rocky areas.

Official Tourism website for Passy, Pays du Mont-Blanc: click here

Here's a nature reserve treasure that's a must-see. Located near the Passy Plaine-Joux site, Lac Vert is a magnificent sight in the heart of a spruce forest. This high mountain lake has been classified as a nature reserve since 14 June 1909. It offers a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.

The impressive transparency of its waters contributes to its renown. You can see an accumulation of trees and plants at the bottom of the lake. It is the combination of these plants and blue algae (cyanobacteria) that gives the lake its exceptional emerald green colour. In this enchanting setting, you'll be lucky enough to spot some remarkable dragonflies on the surface of the water, such as the emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora alpestris) and the rush æschne (Aeshna juncea).

Because car traffic was too heavy and too dangerous for the preservation of Lac Vert, the commune of Passy has set up a shuttle bus to transport visitors. Parking is now prohibited in the car park near the restaurant and on the road leading to Lac Vert, but you can also reach the lake on foot! A number of trails of varying difficulty in the Côteaux de Passy lead to the site. A great addition to your discovery of Lac Vert!

Another way to walk to Lac Vert is via the Passerelle du Nant Bordon. This Himalayan footbridge is located on the old road leading from the Plateau d'Assy to Lac Vert. There is a car park for visitors at the bottom of the Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce church (Place Tobé car park).

Finally, to round off your visit to this exceptional area, why not try the "Boucle du Lac Vert" footpath. This easy walk, ideal for families, takes you from Plaine-Joux to Lac Vert in both summer and winter.