Arvouin lake

A stunning hike, accessible from May and just a stone’s throw from Switzerland. What more could you ask for?
The hike to Lac d’Arvouin (1,663 m) is perfect for kicking off the hiking season or enjoying a family-friendly outing. The trail isn’t very long, but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. And for those looking for a more challenging option, it’s possible to extend the route by heading towards several nearby trails, such as Col d’Arvouin or Col de Vernaz.
Access and starting point
You can reach the starting point:
by car: by parking directly at Sevan Devant
The route
We started the hike from the Sevan Devant parking area, taking the path on the left. The trail begins by crossing a meadow with a stunning view of the Dents du Midi. If you go in June, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a few cows peacefully lounging along the way.
After about 20 minutes of easy walking, the lake already comes into view. It’s a lovely spot to take a break or enjoy a picnic. I recommend continuing the climb for another ten minutes or so up to the Chalets d’Arvouin (1,720 m), which offer a panoramic view of the lake below.
From the chalets, you have two options: Col de Vernaz (1,815 m) or Col d’Arvouin (1,864 m), which is the one I chose. The trail is well marked and not technically difficult, but it does get steeper in places, making it ideal if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the col, located right on the French-Swiss border. From there, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of Le Linleu and the surrounding Swiss mountains. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a few ibexes.
For the return, we simply turned around and followed the same path back.



Trail info
- Arvouin lake
- Sevan Devant
- 40 minutes (round trip)
- 3.4 km
- +150m
- Easy
- May to October