The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Lac de Champex

There are 18 family-friendly hiking trails around Lac de Champex, offering a variety of experiences suitable for different ages and abilities. Most of these are moderate, with a few easier and more challenging options.

The region boasts stunning alpine scenery, including the picturesque Lac de Champex itself, dense forests, and high-altitude valleys like the Val d'Arpette. You'll also find historical irrigation channels known as "bisses," which offer relatively flat and easy walking paths, often passing by small waterfalls and marshlands with unique flora.

Yes, there are several pleasant circular routes. A great option is the Lake Champex – Champex-Lac Lake loop from Orsières, which is a moderate 6.2 km trail that takes around 1 hour 55 minutes. It offers beautiful lakeside views without being too strenuous.

Beyond the trails, families can explore the "Flore-Alpe" Alpine Botanical Garden, home to over 4,000 plant species. For a historical adventure, the Fort d'Artillerie de Champex-Lac, a hidden underground fortress from WWII, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The trails around Lac de Champex are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from nearly 500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning alpine views, the tranquility of the lake, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable family outings.

Yes, the historical "bisses" trails, such as the Bisse de Champex-Lac (also known as Bisse du Val d'Arpette), often feature sections near waterfalls. These paths are known for their picturesque scenery and are particularly delightful during blueberry season.

Lac de Champex is accessible by public transport. You can take a train to Orsières and then a bus directly to Champex-Lac. Many of the trails, including the Champex-Lac Lake – Lake Champex loop from Champex-Lac, start directly from the village, making them convenient for public transport users.

For families seeking a greater challenge, the Tour du Mont Blanc Trailhead – Relais d'Arpette loop from Champex-Lac is a difficult 10 km route with significant elevation gain, taking over 3 hours 50 minutes. It offers a more adventurous experience through the alpine landscape.

The best time for family hiking is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is milder, trails are clear of snow, and the alpine flora is in full bloom. Summer offers warmer temperatures suitable for lakeside activities like swimming and boating.

Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in the Lac de Champex region, but it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the pristine environment for everyone.

Many trails in the region provide stunning views. For truly impressive panoramas, consider routes that lead towards higher elevations or viewpoints. The area around Col de la Breya, accessible by chairlift, also offers spectacular vistas of the Valais Alps, which can be incorporated into a hike.