Top 9 Lakes around Gignod
Best lakes around Gignod are found within the surrounding Aosta Valley, a region known for its alpine landscapes. While Gignod itself does not feature prominent lakes, the area provides access to numerous mountain lakes. These natural features are often nestled in green basins or surrounded by towering peaks, offering diverse recreational opportunities. The region's geography includes high-altitude lakes, some of which were once glaciers, contributing to the area's natural beauty.
Best lakes around Gignod
- The most popular lakes is Lake Chamolé, a lake that was once a glacier at an altitude of 2300 meters. It offers panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Gran San Bernardo Valley, and the Gran Combin mountain range.
- Another must-see spot is Lago delle Rane, a lake that is considered a scenic highlight. Visitors can expect a trail that requires surefootedness, with some steep steps.
- Visitors also love Ollomont, a settlement surrounded by high peaks and numerous bodies of water. It is known for its wild setting, away from mass tourism.
- Gignod is known for high-altitude mountain lakes, some with glacial origins, and lakes within alpine settlements. The variety of lakes to see and explore includes those offering panoramic views and those in serene, wild locations.
- The lakes around Gignod are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 280 upvotes and over 90 photos shared.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Lake Chamolé
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As you approach the lake you have a wonderful view of Mont Blanc, the valley of the Great Saint Bernard and the Gran Combin.
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Great St Bernard Hospice
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Lac de Grand Saint Bernard
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Great St. Bernard Pass
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Until the Middle Ages
Despite its great height, the pass has been walked since the early Iron Age, as is shown by finds along the access road in the north. At the time of the Roman Empire it was one of the most important alpine crossings from Italy to Gaul and the Rhine provinces. The name of the mountain appears for the first time in Gaius Julius Caesar's report on the war in Gaul. Later other Roman and Greek authors such as Titus Livius and Strabo wrote about the pass road. Until it was expanded as a road under Emperor Claudius, there was only one mule track across the mountains. One advantage of the route was that there were no difficult-to-pass gorges at the entrances, such as the Gotthard Pass, for example.
At the top of the pass there was a temple in Roman times, in which the native (Celtic) god Poeninus was worshiped, who was equated by the Romans with Iuppiter Optimus Maximus in the sense of the Interpretatio Romana. In the Middle Ages, the pass was still called Mont-Joux (from Latin mons Iovis).
The mountain crossing served secular and spiritual dignitaries, traders and crusaders, warbands and refugees as a route from the north to northern Italy and vice versa. It was a central section of a network of pilgrimage routes from the Franconian Empire and its successor states to Rome, which was bundled there and then branched out again. These routes were known as Via francigena, German: Way out of the Franconian Empire. A good source for the route is the 994 travelogue of Archbishop Sigeric the Serious of Canterbury.
In the middle of the 11th century a hostel was built on the top of the pass. According to tradition, Bernhard von Aosta and Irmingard († 1057), the wife of the last Burgundian king Rudolf III, founded this institution on the border between the diocese of Sion and the diocese of Aosta. From this the Bernhardshospiz developed, from which the pass got its current name. It has been documented as a house of Augustinian canons since 1125. On the mountain, members of the hospice bred the St. Bernard dog breed, which proved itself as rescue dogs in the search for avalanche victims. She became known worldwide through Barry, who is said to have saved the lives of over 40 people.
Since the 11th century, the Alpine pass was under the control of the Counts of Savoy. As a connection between the Savoy region in the Lake Geneva region and south of the Alps, the route over the Great Saint Bernard with the hostel was important for the counts, dukes of Savoy since the 15th century. When the Valais conquered the Chablais and the Martigny area during the Burgundian Wars, the Savoy lost control of the northern foot of the pass road. Access from the north was via the Rhone bridge at Saint-Maurice, which led across the river at an easily controllable narrow point in the Rhone Valley, which was fortified with the Saint-Maurice Castle after the Burgundian Wars.
Modern times
On May 14th, 1800 Napoléon Bonaparte crossed the Alps here on his way to Italy. He also entrusted the canons of the Bernhard Pass with the hospice on the Simplon Pass.
In the 1850s, Switzerland and the Kingdom of Sardinia planned a winter-proof variant for the connection between the Val d'Entremont and the Aosta Valley. The Menouve Tunnel a few kilometers east of the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass would have shortened the route significantly. Shortly after the construction work began, the project was abandoned again.
In 1905 a drivable road over the pass was completed.
From 1940 to the 1990s, the pass formed the south-western boundary point of the Swiss Redoubt; the entrances in Entremont were secured against potential attackers by terrain obstacles and barriers; Artillery supported the blocked positions.
In the past, the path over the high mountain pass was only passable in summer. Since 1964, the road connection between the Valais and the Aosta Valley has led through the 5.85 km long, toll-based Grosser St. Bernhard tunnel and the historic pass road forms a detour to the hospice and through the beautiful mountain landscape. The Oléoduc du Rhône oil pipeline, which was closed in 2015, runs through the road tunnel from the port of Genoa to the Collombey refinery in Valais.
Text / Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grosser_St._Bernhard
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Conca di By, Dam and Little Church
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The By basin extends over a wide plateau in the lower part of which lies the small By lake, surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks reaching almost 3,000 meters. Once inhabited year-round for the cultivation of rye and wheat, the basin today preserves traces of the ancient village, numerous pastures linked to summer transhumance, and the historic Casa Farinet, which hosted President Luigi Einaudi during his escape to Switzerland in the fascist period.
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Stunning landscape, very gusty winds
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The highest road pass in the Aosta Valley and a place that has always fascinated the writer for its thousand-year history, the austere Mauritian hospice and the profound beauty of the landscape.
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Hotel Italia is highly recommended
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The austere buildings of the Hospice of Great St. Bernard are situated in a rocky pass through which an icy wind almost always blows, on the edge of a lake that is frozen for an average of 265 days a year and where winter lasts almost eight months. For nine centuries, the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, who settled here at the instigation of St. Bernard of Menthon, have maintained a tradition of helpfulness and hospitality. Travellers who wish to relax for a while in this peaceful place are welcome all year round.
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A wonderful sight after a long climb - in early summer, when the lake is just waking up from hibernation, you can sometimes see very beautiful pictures of melting ice, snow marbled with Sahara dust and blue water.
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Drive past and enjoy, definitely too cold for swimming
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A historic and iconic monastery perched on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it has existed as a hospice for over 1,000 years. Saint Bernard dogs, a symbol of Switzerland, were bred here for many years to rescue mountaineers in distress. The monastery is also located on the shores of the tranquil Great St. Bernard Lake, where many trails begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Gignod offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Lake Chamolé. Situated at 2325 meters, it provides exceptional vistas of Mont Blanc, the Gran San Bernardo Valley, and the Gran Combin mountain range. Lake Verney also offers a spectacular backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities near Gignod?
Yes, several lakes in the Aosta Valley region are suitable for families. Lake Gover, near Gressoney-Saint-Jean, has an equipped playground for children in summer and is popular for ice skating in winter. Lac de Grand Saint Bernard is also considered family-friendly and offers a unique experience at the border of Italy and Switzerland.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Gignod?
The lakes around Gignod, located in the Aosta Valley, are known for their diverse natural beauty. You can expect to see high-altitude mountain lakes, some with glacial origins like Lake Chamolé. Many are nestled in green basins or surrounded by towering peaks. Lake Arpy is notable for its waters displaying shades from brown to light blue to green, and is home to trout and the rare Alpine newt. The Blue Lake is famous for its intense color, beautifully reflecting the sky.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The Aosta Valley region offers a variety of outdoor activities. Near the lakes, you can enjoy hiking, fishing (at Lake Gover, Lake Verney, and Blue Lake), and even swimming in warmer months at Lake Verney. For more active pursuits, there are numerous cycling and mountain biking routes in the wider Gignod area. You can explore options like the 'Ascent to Lake Place Moulin from Aosta' for road cycling or various MTB trails, such as the 'Beautiful lake! – Alpine Votive Chapel loop from Gignod'. Find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Gignod, MTB Trails around Gignod, and Cycling around Gignod guides.
Are there hiking trails to lakes near Gignod?
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities to reach these alpine lakes. For instance, Lake Chamolé is easily accessible from the Pila ski and hiking area. The trail to Lago delle Rane is a scenic highlight, though it requires surefootedness due to some steep steps. Lake Arpy is also reached via a pleasant walk in a splendid valley.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Gignod?
The best time to visit the lakes near Gignod largely depends on the activities you're interested in. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the green alpine landscapes. Some lakes, like Lake Gover, transform into natural ice skating rinks in winter, offering a different seasonal experience.
Are the lakes near Gignod dog-friendly?
While specific regulations can vary by lake, many alpine areas in the Aosta Valley are generally dog-friendly, especially on hiking trails. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment. Check local signage for any specific restrictions at individual lake sites.
How accessible are the lakes near Gignod by public transport or car?
Accessibility varies by lake. Some lakes, like Lake Verney, are easily accessible via roads, such as the one leading from La Thuile towards the Petit Saint Bernard. Others, especially high-altitude mountain lakes like Lake Chamolé, might require a combination of car access to a starting point (like a ski resort) followed by a hike or chairlift. Public transport options might be limited to larger towns, requiring further travel to reach specific lake trailheads.
Are there amenities like cafes or accommodation near the lakes?
Amenities vary significantly. While some popular lakes might have small cafes or picnic areas nearby, many alpine lakes are in more remote, wild settings. For example, Ollomont, a settlement surrounded by bodies of water, is known for its wild setting away from mass tourism, suggesting fewer commercial amenities. For accommodation and a wider range of services, it's best to look in nearby villages or towns like Gignod itself or larger centers in the Aosta Valley.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Gignod?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many are drawn to the panoramic views, such as those from Lake Chamolé, and the serene, wild settings of places like Ollomont. The opportunity for sport fishing, photography, and enjoying the unique colors of lakes like Lake Arpy and the Blue Lake are also highly valued.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Gignod?
While some lakes, like Lake Verney, are suitable for swimming, especially in warmer months due to their pleasant temperatures, wild swimming in alpine lakes should be approached with caution. Water temperatures can be very cold, even in summer, and facilities for changing or safety might be absent. Always assess conditions and your own capabilities before entering the water.
Are there opportunities for water sports like kayaking or canoeing?
Yes, for those interested in active water sports, Lake Cignana in the Matterhorn area offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing amidst a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Other lakes might be suitable for less intensive activities like paddleboarding, depending on their size and accessibility.
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