Tour du Lac de Moiry
High circuit of the Lac de Moiry at the 2,500-metre level, with dramatic views of the dam, the lake, the wild Val de Moiry and its sparkling glacier.
-
Difficulty
medium
-
Length
13.7 km
-
Duration
4:45 h
- Show on map
This scenic circuit loops around the turquoise waters of the Lac de Moiry – not at the level of the lake, but a couple of hundred meters higher up, at an altitude of roughly 2,500 m. Hikers may encounter various different names for the trail including «Tour du Lac de Moiry 2500», «Tour du Lac 2500», «Haut Tour du Lac» and «Chemin 2500». At the far end of the lake, the trail drops down to cross the river La Gougra, which feeds the reservoir – and which is in turn fed by the Glacier de Moiry higher up the valley. The path snakes past the glacial lake of Lac de Châteaupré before scaling an impressive glacial moraine to return to the 2,500-metre level – this time on the western side of the valley. The start and finish point of the circuit is the crest of the Moiry dam. The reservoir it has created also collects water from neighbouring valleys via a network of tunnels before channeling it down to the Rhône valley, 1,722 vertical meters below. On the way the water passes through three hydroelectric power stations, which produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 120,000 homes. Close to the crest, the dam restaurant has a large sunny terrace looking out over the lake. Climbing enthusiasts can tackle the via ferrata that scales the cliffs just below the dam, revealing dramatic views of the lower valley and the arched curtain of concrete, 148 m high. Highlights Panoramic high trail through a dramatic alpine landscape sculpted by glaciers Moiry dam – guided visits, restaurant with sun terrace, via ferrata
