Hiking Trail: a walk along the water

From the Vieux Pont de St Martin (old bridge) to the Ilettes lakes, along the River Arve to the Arpenaz waterfall, enjoy a pleasant stroll along the water, accessible to all. Discover the hamlet of Luzier and its chapel on the way back.

Starting from the Vieux Pont de Saint-Martin, this pleasant walk along the water offers the chance to discover several facets of the Sallanches valley. The route follows the Arve River through lush, tree-lined surroundings, providing welcome shade and coolness in summer, between woodland and river, before reaching the Ilettes lakes and their leisure centre.

The route is mostly flat and accessible, making it particularly suitable for a family outing or a leisurely stroll. At the Ilettes lakes, everyone can enjoy the area at their own pace: swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, picnicking, exploring the botanical trail or observing wildlife from the lookout at the third lake, a designated Sensitive Natural Area.

The walk then continues along the Arve to the Luzier bridge, before heading towards the Oëx road. A short walk further on leads to the impressive Arpenaz Waterfall, which towers over the hamlet of Luzier from a height of 270 metres. Particularly spectacular in spring, when the snow melts, it also offers a refreshing spot in summer.

On the way back, an alternative route allows you to discover the hamlet of Luzier and its pretty little chapel before gradually returning to the starting point. Several return options are also available, allowing you to discover the Ilettes lakes from a different perspective.

Between river, lakes, natural areas, waterfall and heritage, this walk offers a wonderful way to discover Sallanches on an easy route accessible to most visitors.

Departure: St Martin car park

1. to the right of the car park, take the path that leads you to the Vieux Pont de St Martin, listed as a Historic Monument.
2. cross the bridge then turn left on the Old Imperial Road where you will pass in front of the Baroque church of St Martin which can be visited on request.
3. continue to the small bridge after the college-high school of St Martin.
4. cross this small bridge, and take the path a little lower on your left
5. you will follow the edge of the Arve to the lakes of Ilettes: walk in the undergrowth along a flat path between lakes and river.
   Be careful, many mountain bikes and hybrid bikes also use this path to get to the lake.
6. you will have access to the lakes and the leisure center via the 2nd lake; you can take a relaxing break to discover them:

• the 1st, more to the right, peaceful with its central island sheltering rabbits and ducks, is intended for fishermen
• the 2nd for swimming or paddling and dining on sunny days; a fitness trail can enhance the walk or a beach volleyball or ping-pong break (bring your own equipment); picnic areas also available.
• the 3rd intended for walks and discovery of the environment with a botanical trail and educational panels that will allow you to discover its history and its riches, and its observatory at the end of the lake to observe the fauna discreetly.

7. The route then continues along the Arve, and will take you to a footbridge, then a path to the Luzier bridge.
8. You will then continue crossing the road, a path, always along the Arve, then emerging on the road to Oëx.
9. You will turn right on the road and after a few meters you will be able to discover on the left the majestic Cascade of Arpenaz which throws itself from the top of its 270 m.
10. You can stop to observe it in the spring when the snow melts or cool off there in the summer.
11. walk back up to the car park, where you will find a path leading to the village of Luzier past the pretty little hamlet chapel (only open on guided tours)
12. Return either by following the Old Imperial Road to the lakes then by the footpath to the starting car park or by joining the bottom of the Luzier road to join the same starting route with the possibility of traversing the other shore of the lakes to vary a little and join the footpath to the starting car park; or again by mixing the 2 and at the 2nd lake take the Arve path to avoid the road and rejoin the starting route.