Top 20 Lakes around Saint-Denis
Lakes around Saint-Denis, a commune in the Aosta Valley, Italy, offer diverse natural landscapes. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and alpine environments. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from easily accessible ponds to more remote alpine bodies of water. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst scenic views.
Best lakes around Saint-Denis
- The most popular lakes is Lago di Lod, a lake that is easily accessible and features public services and tables. It is a popular excursion destination, reachable on foot or via chairlift from Chamois.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Tzan, an alpine lake with clear waters. Visitors can walk around it, and it is accessible from Torgnon.
- Visitors also love Lake Ville, a beautiful lake with surrounding trails suitable for various visitors. It is notable for its accessibility, including parking and a wheelchair-friendly walkway.
- Saint-Denis is known for alpine lakes and accessible ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with facilities to more natural settings.
- The lakes around Saint-Denis are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 photos and over 270 upvotes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Chamois
Highlight • Settlement
It is included in the Consorzio delle Perle delle Alpi (Consortium of the Pearls of the Alps) for a peculiarity: it is the only village in Italy (on the mainland) without cars. Reaching it is indeed only possible on foot, by bicycle, or by cable car.
The historic mule track with 93 bends, known as "Les Seingles", was once the only connection to Chamois. One used to start from Buisson and only arrive after a few hours of hard walking.
Today, everything is easier, a practical path starts from the hamlet of Corgnolaz in La Magdeleine and after about an hour's easy walk, you reach your destination.
Upon arrival in Chamois, we find the beautiful little square with the church and the town hall, and from here the entire village unfolds with its hamlets. The first thing you perceive upon arrival is the absolute silence, the peace, and the tranquility of a small mountain village without cars and without traffic, which seems suspended in time.
From the square also departs one of the three lifts present in the village. From here, we can indeed take a chairlift to reach Lake Lod (Lago di Lod) in 5 minutes, at 2015 m. A beautiful small lake on whose shores an equipped picnic area has been created; in the surroundings, there are also some restaurants.
We can also reach Lake Lod on foot, from the village, via a path or the convenient dirt road, with a simple walk of about 30-40 minutes. The route is well marked and starts from the village.
From the lake, you can climb up to Punta Falinère and reach the Sanctuary of Clavalité (2530 m) by following path no. 3 and a fairly steep mule track.
Chamois is also a very beautiful destination in winter, when the ski slopes open and the village fills with skiers and snowshoe hikers.
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Lago di Lod
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Chamois–La Magdeleine Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Continue for about a kilometre, at the next bend you will find the entrance to path no. 107 which connects shortly afterwards with the farm road, or, if you prefer to access the farm road directly, continue along the road for a further hundred meters beyond the bend and walk along the dirt road on the left which leads to Chamois where you reach a mountain pasture and a little further on, located at the height of the bollard for unauthorized vehicles, a wooden fountain. The route continues parallel to the Ru Veuillen. Once you reach Alpe Capetou, go up for a short stretch, turn east and then continue on the flat. Once you reach the Sauveroux valley, go down and cross the stream and then continue into the woods. Once you arrive at the village of Suis, continue and reach the Trinity chapel on the right and immediately after, near the bridge, the old mill with the ancient oil mill. Cross the bridge over the Chamois stream and reach the hamlet of Corgnolaz.
This path is part of the route The great balcony of the Matterhorn where there is also a thematic walk suitable for children, outdoors, which has the theme of energy as its underlying theme: Energie in Gioco. A route along which seven playful installations have been placed which lead to discovering how energy is produced and consumed as well as making people reflect on Water, Fire, Earth and the Sun. Don't miss the double funicular which offers the possibility to "fly" for 20 meters and the volcano to climb.
Along the path, which can be walked in both directions, 20 panels have also been placed which illustrate, in a simple but exhaustive way, what energy is used for, how much is consumed, how it is produced and how it can be done in a sustainable from renewable sources and then focusing on its use and savings.
The car parks adjacent to the starting point of the path are paid, three blue columns are available for issuing tickets (coin or easypark app only)
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Lake Ville
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Tza de Fontaney Alp
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Tips from the Community
In the winter, Alpe Tza de Fontaney is the end point of a snowshoe trail that starts from the cross-country ski center. This well-marked trail is very popular, and is therefore usually well-groomed. The climb out of the forest to reach the mountain pasture can be quite challenging when faced with deep, soft snow.
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A beautiful lake with a drinking fountain nearby.
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La Tza de Fontaney, located at 2,300 meters above sea level in the heart of the Saint-Barthélemy valley, is an alpine pasture that enchants with its natural beauty and breathtaking view. Reachable via a pleasant path through larch forests and alpine pastures, this place offers a wide panorama that embraces Monte Rosa, Mont Emilius and the surrounding peaks. A mountain corner perfect for those seeking peace, pure air and an authentic experience immersed in the uncontaminated nature of the Aosta Valley.
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finding peace like this place elsewhere, if you go there during the week, is very difficult
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The Lago di Villa Nature Reserve was established in 1982 and extends over 25 hectares, at an altitude of between 810 and 980 meters, between the municipalities of Challand-Saint-Victor and Montjovet. An oasis of peace and tranquility where you can listen to the sounds of nature and observe the surrounding mountains. It is interesting to visit in every season, to admire the colors of the changing leaves, as well as the plant and animal species that populate it. Here are some technical data on the natural area: Environment: low mountain peaty lake basin, characterized by a clear contrast between the marshy environment of the lake and the surrounding arid environment. Fauna: the nature reserve represents the main regional reproductive station for the common toad. Among the reptiles there are the maraou lizard and the whip snake, while the fish fauna consists of cyprinids and eels. Flora: the lake waters are home to two very rare floating plants in the Aosta Valley, the white water lily (if you want to enjoy its bloom, the recommended months are June and July) and the amphibian polygon. The reed bed is mainly made up of common reed; the arboreal vegetation is made up of hygrophilous thickets near the banks and thickets of Scots pine and downy oak on the surrounding sunny slopes.
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Beautiful walk, mostly flat and very panoramic on Valtournenche
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes to visit around Saint-Denis?
Among the most popular lakes, you'll find Lago di Lod, known for its easy accessibility and family-friendly facilities. Another favorite is Lake Tzan, an alpine lake with clear waters, and Lake Ville, which is appreciated for its beautiful trails and accessibility features.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Saint-Denis?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Lago di Lod is particularly recommended for families with small children or elderly people, offering easy access, public services, and picnic tables. Lake Ville also features surrounding trails suitable for various visitors, including families.
Which lakes are easily accessible or wheelchair-friendly?
Lago di Lod is very easy to reach, either on foot or via a chairlift from Chamois. For those needing wheelchair access, Lake Ville is notable for its parking right next to the lake and a dedicated wheelchair-friendly walkway that extends over the water.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes around Saint-Denis are set amidst mountainous terrain and alpine environments. You'll find clear, often crystal-clear waters, surrounded by forests and offering scenic viewpoints. Highlights like Lake Tzan are beautiful alpine lakes, while Lago di Lod is a charming pond with surrounding greenery.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Saint-Denis?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails around lakes like Lake Tzan and Lake Ville. There are also extensive opportunities for mountain biking and gravel biking. For detailed routes, explore the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, and gravel biking guide for Saint-Denis.
Are there hiking trails near these lakes?
Yes, hiking is a popular activity. You can walk around Lake Tzan, though parts of the route can be technical. Lake Ville also has excellent trails suitable for various skill levels. For more hiking options, check out the hiking guide around Saint-Denis, which includes routes like 'From Plau to Saint-Evence Chapel' and 'Castello di Cly loop'.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Saint-Denis?
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the lakes. Many appreciate the easy accessibility of places like Lago di Lod, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. The crystal-clear waters of alpine lakes such as Lake Tzan are also a highlight, often compared to the coves of Sardinia.
Can I find facilities or amenities at the lakes?
At Lago di Lod, you'll find public services and tables with barbeque facilities, making it a convenient spot for a day out. Other lakes, especially the more alpine ones, tend to be more natural and may have fewer direct amenities, though surrounding areas often offer options.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots near the lakes?
Many of the lakes themselves offer stunning viewpoints. From Lago di Lod, you can continue up to Monte Charvaz for panoramic views of the lake and the Matterhorn. The Tza de Fontaney Alp, located near some of the lakes, provides a breathtaking 360° view over the entire valley, including Monte Rosa and Mont Emilius.
What is the best way to reach the lakes from Saint-Denis?
Access varies by lake. Lago di Lod is easily reached from Chamois either on foot via path 3 or a carriage road, or by chairlift. Lake Tzan is accessible from Torgnon. For specific directions to other lakes, consulting local maps or the Komoot app for routes is recommended.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Lago di Lod?
Lago di Lod is a popular excursion destination due to its easy access from Chamois (on foot or via chairlift). It's a super-tame pond with public services and barbeque tables, making it great for families. However, if you're seeking a quiet, remote mountain lake experience, it might not be the best choice.
What makes Lake Ville unique?
Lake Ville stands out for its exceptional accessibility. It features parking directly next to the lake and a wheelchair-friendly walkway that allows visitors to get right above the water, making it inclusive for everyone to enjoy its beauty and surrounding trails.
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