Lac d'Émosson
A dam lake at 1,930 metres on the Swiss side of the border, where the turquoise water, the dam and Mont Blanc come together in one view. Dinosaur footprints are preserved on the rocks by the lake.
Lac d'Émosson lies on the Swiss side of the France–Switzerland border, north of Chamonix. The massive arch dam was built in the 1970s, and the lake water is a brilliant blue, with Mont Blanc visible on clear days. You can drive up from Vallorcine, or combine a Swiss funicular, a small train and a small cable car to reach it. Near the lake are dinosaur footprint fossils about 240 million years old, reached by a roughly 2-hour hike (in summer). The dam restaurant serves meals. This is Switzerland, so the currency is the Swiss franc.
Opening hours
About June–Oct (road open seasonally)
Nearby sights
- Col de Balme (Le Tour)
- Argentière
- Lac Blanc
- La Flégère
- Les Grands Montets
- Lac Cornu
- Mer de Glace & Montenvers Railway
- Musée Alpin de Chamonix