24/07/2024
🇬🇧 Many many many questions over the last week regarding the rules around Lac de Montriond during the summer season. So, in an effort to clarify what you're allowed to do and where, I asked my friends at the Office de tourisme de la Vallée d'Aulps, who immediately asked the Mairie de Montriond for absolute clarification. Here we go, version française en commentaires:
(And honestly, I don't want this to sound like a long list of things you can't do at the lake, because everyone knows it's one of the most fun days you can have during the summer and local officials really do want everyone to enjoy their time in Montriond!)
PARKING: Only permitted in designated areas (made obvious with signage and avoiding the bus stops) and for a max of 12 hours. Camper vans are prohibited overnight, trailers or towed objects are also prohibited. Max vehicle height is restricted to 2m in the Beau rivage and Bout du lac parking.
TRAILS & PATHS: All trails around the lake are prohibited to motorised vehicles. Horses and bikes must use the forest road (that's the higher trail on the cliff side of the lake) rather than the lake-side footpath.
ANIMALS: Domestic animals should be kept on a lead and dangerous dogs are prohibited. A fine of €35 is imposed for not picking up animal waste. *Note, there's nothing in the rules regarding whether or not your dog can or can't swim in the lake.
FIRES & BBQS: Only permitted within the designated (clearly signposted) areas. If you use one of the provided BBQs you must clean it after use and remove your waste. Don't burn branches or wood from the forest. *Note, there's nothing in the rules regarding whether you can or can't your own BBQs, just where you can use them.
MUSIC: Music and amplified music devices are prohibited on the entire site.
LITTER: You must always use the bins provided and you should never leave cigarette waste at the lake.
CAMPING: Prohibited across the entire site.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Permitted only with municipal authorisation.
DRUNK PEOPLE: Prohibited.
DAMAGE: It is prohibited to damage plants, trees, etc. or furniture made available to the public.
SWIMMING: Swimming in the main lake is done at the swimmers’ own risk.
NAVIGATION ON THE LAKE: Navigation (the use of small, inflatable boats, SUPs, etc) on the lake is authorizsed in the navigation zone marked by buoys. Groups and professional associations must first request authorisation from the town hall.
Access to the lake is prohibited for all motorised vehicles. It is prohibited to build any structure, jump or dive on the lake. *Note, there's nothing to say you can't launch your giant inflatable unicorn from the beach / pebbled area if you wish.
FISHING: Authorised according to opening periods and only to holders of a fishing license. *Note, there's nothing in the rules to specify any areas reserved for fishing or places where you can't swim, but of course everyone should be respectful of each others lake time.
Phew, OK so if you have any outstanding questions about what is / is not permitted at Lac de Montriond, slap them in the comments section and I'll try and source some answers for you.
Pic: Hotel du lac