Hiking: Lac Vert from the Ardent cable car

This easy and accessible hike, with almost no elevation gain, offers an ideal route for a relaxing outing in the mountains.

From the shaded trail leading to Les Brochaux to the spectacular views from the Mossettes chairlift, the route alternates between cool forests and breathtaking views. As you descend towards Lac Vert, the majestic Dents du Midi mountains reveal themselves in all their splendour, inviting you to enjoy a sunny picnic by the water's edge. The rest of the walk is just as gentle, following a panoramic path facing the Roc d'Enfer, with the added bonus of peaceful cows dotting the alpine landscape.

Departure from the upper station of the Ardent gondola. The lower station, which has a parking lot, can be reached via the D228 from Montriond, passing the lake.

1/ At the top of the gondola, reach the sign Les Barmettes in front of the restaurant Les Alpages.

2/ Follow the path to the right towards Les Brochaux.

3/ Walk beneath the Léchère chairlift line and follow the river to Le Brochaux.

4/ Take the Mossettes chairlift.

5/At the top of the chairlift, turn left and join the track on the right to go round the Mossettes chairlift station (Swiss side). Follow the signs for Lac Vert via Les Portes de l'Hiver.

6/ At Les Portes de l'Hiver, turn left to the Lac Vert.

7/ Reach the Lac Vert and Refuge de Chésery.

8/ Turn left towards Col de Chésery, leaving the refuge on your right.

9/ At the Col de Chésery, continue follow the GR®5 (red and white markings) towards the Col de Bassachaux. N.B. Two parallel paths at the start lead to the same spot: take the one on the left, reserved for pedestrians (the one on the right is for mountain bikes).

10/ At the next junction, take the left-hand path down to Les Lindarets, still on the GR®5.

11/ At the junction with the downhill mountain bikes path leave the GR®5 to the right and go straight towards Plateau de la Lécherette and the Ardent Télécabine. Pass under the Chaux Fleurie chairlift line.

12/ Exit onto a carriage road and follow it to the left, towards Plateau de la Lécherette and the Ardent Télécabine (upper station).