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2-day hiking trip to the Jovet lakes with overnight stay in a refuge

in Les Contamines-Montjoie
16.8 km
Round-trip
Walking/pedestrian
Hard

  • A small itinerary of 2 days of average level, with a relatively easy access. It offers diversified landscapes (forest passage, mountain pastures) with a final close to the glacial summits.

  • Departing from Notre Dame de la Gorge, you first walk along the water's edge, accompanied by the Bon Nant in the hollow of the Val Montjoie to the Refuge du Nant Borrant.

    You follow the itinerary of the GR5 long-distance hiking trails and the legendary Tour du Mont-Blanc.

    Following the Voie Romaine, you'll gradually plunge into the heart of the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Contamines, France's highest nature reserve.

    Shortly after passing the Refuge de Balme, the Chalets Jovets,...
    Departing from Notre Dame de la Gorge, you first walk along the water's edge, accompanied by the Bon Nant in the hollow of the Val Montjoie to the Refuge du Nant Borrant.

    You follow the itinerary of the GR5 long-distance hiking trails and the legendary Tour du Mont-Blanc.

    Following the Voie Romaine, you'll gradually plunge into the heart of the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Contamines, France's highest nature reserve.

    Shortly after passing the Refuge de Balme, the Chalets Jovets, surrounded by a moorland of rhododendrons, myrtillers and junipers, are the gateway to the lakes.

    At the first lake, then at the second (smaller) one, admire the 3,196 m-high Mont Tondu in front of you, and behind you, the valley leading to the Col du Bonhomme.

    Then descend to the Refuge de Balme for a convivial meal and a well-deserved night's rest.

    The next day, you'll take the same path back to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Don't hesitate to visit the baroque chapel on the way, and return to the parking lot via the highly instructive botanical trail.

    Swimming in the Jovet lakes is strictly forbidden! A high-altitude lake has a very fragile ecosystem that must not be disturbed.
  • Access (by car): Join Les Contamines-Montjoie. Continue towards Notre Dame de la Gorge. Once there, before the "dead end" sign, park in the parking lot on the left.
  • Plain text period
    From 15/06 to 15/09.

    Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Mountain view
    • In the mountains
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Not accessible in a wheelchair
  • Equipment
    • Car park
  • Services
    • Animals accepted
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash in the Contamines National Nature Reserve, and also because of the presence of herds and patous.
    • Restaurant
Useful address