The Lac de Catogne is a small mountain lake on the western flank of the Tete de Balme and L'Arolette. The best views of the lake can be enjoyed from the trail that runs between L'Arolette and the Tete de Balme with Lac Emosson providing a stunning backdrop. The artificial Bassin de Esserts lake sits a few hundred meters below the Lac de Catogne. The lake sits at an altitude of 2209 meters which means it will most likely have some snow cover from the middle of October to the start of July. This will vary greatly per year so make sure to check the trail conditions ahead of time. 

The easiest way to reach the Lac de Catogne is by taking the Vallorcine gondola from the center of Vallorcine and then take the trail passed the Col des Posettes which will take you to Le Bechat. From there the trail going north to the Alpage de Catogne can take you to the lake. We got a lovely trail starting at the Autannes chairlift which visits the Croix de Fer and the Chalets de Catogne. A short detour would enable you to include the Lac de Catogne.