Access: from Annemasse (Geneva), take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix. Take exit 15, Vallée Verte, then follow signs for Taninges. Drive up to Les Gets and continue to Montriond. Then head towards Lac de Montriond and park in the first car park on the right at the start of the lake.
Route: from the car park, take the path on the right. Follow the lake to the end.
(1) Then follow the signs for "Cascade d'Ardent par la forêt" on the right, then turn left. You will walk on flat ground through a forest offering a breathtaking palette of shades of green with a variety of tree species and moss-covered boulders that harmoniously complete this superb setting. Pass "Les Echertons" and continue on, marvelling at the beauty of the surroundings.
(2) Once you reach "Les Albertans", continue straight ahead towards the waterfall. The path becomes slightly steep and you will soon reach the footbridge over the Ardent stream (3), which offers a beautiful view of the waterfall. It is worth walking a little way up the stream along its left bank to appreciate the beauty of the site (numerous small waterfalls).
Head back down to Les Albertans (2); turn right and enter this charming hamlet.
(4) Turn immediately left to return to the end of the lake. The return journey is along the right bank of the lake. The view of the cliffs of "L'Envers du lac" and "Les Combes" is impressive; there is a beautiful view of the Cascade du Nant de la Lapiaz waterfall. The mountains are reflected in the emerald green waters of the lake, the colour varying depending on the light. From the end of the lake, you can see the Roc d'Enfer, which is also reflected in the lake.