Lac de Monteynard and its Himalayan footbridges

Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet sits south of Mens, between the Trièves and Matheysine areas. The lake’s footbridges connect its opposite shores across two steep gorges, so the route you choose depends on which side you start from and whether you plan to take the boat.

For broader local logistics, this guide to getting around the Trièves from Mens covers the regional context. The lake outing itself is easiest to plan around the access point for your chosen walk.

The Monteynard footbridges are two suspension bridges over the Drac and Ebron gorges: the Drac bridge is 220 metres long and the Ebron bridge is 180 metres long. Installed in 2007, they stand roughly 45 to 85 metres above the water depending on the lake level.

The full circuit links both bridges, with a boat crossing between the Savel and Treffort landing stages. Route figures vary across tourism-office pages: one gives 13 km, 350 metres of elevation gain and 4 hours; another gives 12.5 km, about 400 metres of gain and around 4.5 hours on foot. The boat crossing is described as taking 20 to 30 minutes.

Crossing the bridges costs nothing, but the La Mira boat crossing is paid and must be reserved. The full loop is not wheelchair accessible.

You can start from either side of the lake, but the two approaches offer different walks. The Savel-side route goes to the Drac bridge and returns the same way; from Treffort, you can walk out and back to the Ebron bridge.

Savel-side walk to the Drac bridge

This return walk is 5 km, with 120 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour 45 minutes. It starts at the beach parking area. There is no snack bar on the Savel side, so bring a picnic if you plan to eat there.

Treffort-side walk to the Ebron bridge

From the parking at Les Vignes, you can follow an out-and-back route to the Ebron bridge. The track is stony; a suitable all-terrain stroller with large wheels is needed if you are bringing one.

For the Treffort approach, the tourism office directs drivers from Grenoble via RN1075 or A51 exit 13, then Sinard and Treffort. For Mayres-Savel, its route goes via the Route Napoléon, Vizille, Laffrey and La Mure, then D116 to Savel beach.

The footbridges are open year-round, and you can cross them for free. La Mira generally operates from 1 May to 1 October, with weekend service potentially continuing afterward if lake levels permit. Parking is paid from May through October.

Opening hours

• Monday to Friday: 10:30–12:30 and 13:30–18:30
• Saturday and Sunday: 9:30–18:30

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

Because boat service and parking arrangements are seasonal, check the official site before you go. The Trail des Passerelles takes place each year around 14 July and attracts several thousand participants; the tourism office advises avoiding that period.

The route is also very busy on June, July and August weekends, with weekdays, early or late visits, and shoulder seasons suggested as quieter choices.

Choose the Savel or Treffort approach before setting out. For a full loop, arrange the paid La Mira crossing between Savel and Treffort in advance; for a shorter outing, the Savel return walk or Treffort out-and-back avoids making the complete circuit.

Carry your own drinking water: there is none along the full footbridge route. Dogs are accepted on the route and boat, but the metal grating may hurt their paws or make them reluctant to cross. The practical guide to visiting Mens, France can help you fit the outing into a wider stay in the area.