Circular Lac de la Léchère and Croix du Grand Praz, starting from Longchamp 1650

Park in the large car park at Place de la Madeleine in Longchamp-1650. The starting point is opposite the pharmacy.

(S/E) Take the path towards the treetop adventure park. Turn right towards the lake. Further down, a wooden bridge spans the first stream. Continue to the road.

(1) Turn left onto it. Continue until you reach the Y-junction, before the hamlet of Le Replat.

(2) Turn right to leave the road and begin a grassy climb. You’ll reach another junction, on the edge of a wood.

(3) Turn left towards the lake. Follow this forest path through the Forêt du Praz. You will reach the Crête de Braman.

(4) Continue straight ahead along a wider path, crossing a few small streams. You will reach the Pas du Croué junction.

(5) Continue straight ahead along the track to reach a crossroads marked by a sign for Près de la Pierre.

(6) Take the descent to reach the lake and the Grande Léchère refuge.

(7) Retrace your steps to return to the previous junction.

(6) This time, turn left and head uphill. Follow this grassy path, alternating between meadow and forest, to reach the Grand Praz in a large clearing. Continue on to reach the Croix du Grand Praz junction

(8) Turn left to reach the summit of the Croix du Grand Praz, a mound of rocks.

(9) Return to the previous junction.

(8) Turn left and follow the pretty path uphill, passing below the Croix. Follow a circular route to reach the Malataverne junction.

(10) Take the wide, unshaded path opposite. Look out over the valley with a stream below. Enjoy the chance to cool off in the several streams and waterfalls along this stretch. You will then reach the Mère de l'Eau crossroads, the highest point of the hike.

(11) Start the descent down the grassy, damp slope to the right, arriving at a crossroads near the Ruisseau de Colombes.

(12) Turn right and follow the right bank of the stream. Then cross it at a place called Les Pugnes. You’ll reach the end of the road in the Perelles district, at the Téquitoi car park.

(13) Turn right onto the path to reach the crossroads at the edge of the forest, which you passed on the way out.

(3) Retrace your steps along the route you took on the way there to return to the car park at Place de la Madeleine (S/E).

(7) Water point at the Lac de la Grande Léchère refuge. Food and drink available at the refuge (no credit cards accepted).
There are plenty of streams for our four-legged friends to drink from and cool off in.
Be aware, however, that you may encounter herds.
Between (11) and (12) In this grazing area, the presence of herds and therefore mountain dogs is likely.
Between (12) and (13) This section lies within the Kingdom of the Black Grouse, known as Téquitoi, featuring a fun and educational route on the subject.
Between (2) and (1) A small car park on the right-hand side is located a few dozen metres after (2). Take this to descend to the lower level and follow the path leading to a beautiful waterfall. Continue the descent. Once you have crossed the wooden bridge, the path begins to climb again.

Between (6) and (7), take the opportunity to enjoy the view of the lake on this stretch. The view is beautiful, with the lake nestled amongst the trees and the mountain ranges in the background.