On weekends in June, July and August, this hike is very busy, making it difficult to fully appreciate this extraordinary experience. We advise you to make this loop at the end of the season. For a better experience, we also recommend coming at the beginning or end of the day. The Trail des Passerelles is an event that takes place every year around July 14. It's a huge success, with several thousand participants, so we advise you to avoid coming at this time of year.
Come and enjoy a unique experience on this lovely loop around Lake Monteynard-Avignonet and its turquoise waters. Discover the two Himalayan footbridges spanning the Drac and Ebron rivers, and enjoy the thrills!
Learn moreWhether you're setting off from Treffort or Mayres-Savel, start your day with a 30-minute guided boat trip to the other side of the river. Then set off at your own pace to return to your starting point via the two footbridges. The Drac bridge is 220 meters long, and the Ebron bridge is 180 meters long. These bridges offer a surprising experience 80 meters above the lake. You'll enjoy an air of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Alps, with the song of the cicadas and the brilliant color of the water.
There are several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake. Dry toilets are also available along the way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
> Are the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet open all year round?
>>> Yes, but beware: in wet weather, the trail can be muddy and slippery. On the other hand, the La Mira boat that makes the crossing only sails when the lake level permits (generally from May 1 to September 30, check with La Mira).
>Are there any charges for crossing the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet?
>>>The Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet are free of charge. Parking charges apply from May to October. Boat crossings are not free.
> Do I have to take the boat to hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet?
>>> No, the boat allows you to cross the lake to make a loop, which means you can hike both footbridges. If you don't want to take the boat, you can leave from the Treffort lakeside parking lots and walk to the Ebron footbridge, then retrace your steps (round trip). Or leave from the Savel parking lot and walk to the Drac footbridge, then return via Les Chardeau.
> Is it possible to book the boat on site?
>>> No. The boat can only be booked online via the Mira website https://reservation.la-mira.com/booking. Places are limited, so please book well in advance.
> How much does the boat trip cost?
>>> Fares 2025: Adults: €8 / Under 4s: free / with a dog or bicycle: €10.
> Are dogs allowed on the Lake Monteynard-Avignonet Himalayan footbridges?
>>> Yes, dogs are allowed on both the La Mira boat and the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet.
>How long does it take to hike around the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet?
>>> The Himalayan footbridges tour of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet takes around 4 hours. The hike is 12km long and 350m ascent.
>Where to park for the Himalayan footbridges tour of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet?
>>> You'll need to park in one of the parking lots near the La Mira boat landing stage on the Treffort side of the lake: parking des Combettes, parking de la plage or parking de La Salette.
If you're making the round trip to the Ebron footbridge, you'll want to use the Vignes parking lot.
> Which way should I hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet?
>>> We recommend that you start by taking the boat at Treffort to cross the lake to Mayres-Savel. You can then reach the Drac footbridge, continue to the Ebron footbridge and return to your starting point. Starting the hike with the boat crossing allows you to walk at your leisure, with no time constraints during the hike!
> What do I need to bring to hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet?
>>> To hike the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, you'll need to bring ..:
- water (there's only one watering place at the halfway point)
- walking shoes (no flip-flops)
- sunscreen and hat
- a light jacket or sweater (the area is sometimes windy!)
-A picnic lunch (bought beforehand if you're coming from the Savel area).
> Is it possible to climb the Himalayan footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet in a baby carriage?
>>> It is not possible to walk around the footbridges in a baby carriage, but it is possible to make the round trip to the Ebron footbridge by taking the panoramic trail from the Vignes parking lot on the Treffort side. Please note: you'll need an all-terrain baby carriage (big wheels!) as the track is rocky.
Access Treffort from Grenoble RN1075 or A51 freeway, exit 13, then follow signs for Sinard, Treffort, le lac.
Access Mayres-Savel from Grenoble, Route Napoléon, Vizille, Laffrey, La Mure, then D116, to Savel beach.