Puy Saint
Vincent
Pelvoux-Vallouise
The Pays des Écrins is an area in the heart of the Écrins massif which has plenty of altitude lakes fed with water from the melting snow and glaciers.
A refreshing break during your high-mountain outings!
Le Lac Tuckett (Glacier Blanc, Pelvoux)
At the bottom of the well-known Glacier Blanc, the Tuckett Lake has an unobstructed view of Mont Pelvoux. The ideal spot for your souvenir photos…
Le Lac de l'Eychauda (Pelvoux)
Between low and high mountains, at the foot of high rock faces, this milky blue, glacial lake fills with water from the melting Séguret Foran glacier that overlooks it. It only thaws out for 3 to 4 months and it is not rare to see blocks of ice floating, sometimes even in late July.
Le Lac de Puy Aillaud (Vallouise)
This altitude lake provides an incredible panorama of the Pic de Montbrison and the summit of the Condamine.
Le Lac Fangeas (Freissinières)
The Fangeas Lake is a charming little lake, nestled in the surrounding greenery. On the way, you will enjoy the remarkable hamlet of Dormillouse and the turbulent waterfall.
Le Lac Faravel (Freissinières – Dormillouse)
Le Lac Palluel (Freissinières – Dormillouse)
When you choose to do the lake circuit, you will have a dilemma to deal with. One junction, two lakes: the Faravel Lake to the left and the Palluel Lake to the right. The route leading to the first, has a ‘rocky’ surprise for you. Indeed, there is a forest of cairns: stone sculptures in all shapes and sizes, who colours vary depending on the day, the light and the kind of rock. A strange sight that blends in with the scenery. The second is the ideal place for a well-deserved break, to observe the amazing landscape, breathe in the pure air, or even explore the eternal snow. If you are lucky, you might get to see the ewes pass by freely or a donkey or marmots frolicking around the lake. The site is marvellous and well worth a visit.
The Ascension Lakes (La Roche-de-Rame)
The tour of the Ascension lakes is a splendid circuit that will lead you to a valley comprising several glacial lakes, in an emerald-green setting. If you still have enough energy, continue the climb to the Tête du Peyron from where you will have a view overlooking this remarkable site.
The lake in La Roche de Rame
This is a surprising, pretty, natural lake is fed by a network of underground sources. Swimming is supervised in July and August. On site, you will be able to hire pedal boats or test your balance on a stand-up paddle board.
LAC* DES NEYZETS 2718 M
The same itinerary as for the Col du Bal, but instead of taking the footpath to the left (at the cairn), take the one on the right.
*Lakes: depending on the season, these can be practically dried up.
LAC DES HERMES
Starting from 1800 m, take the forest track. When you reach Parc Aventure Forêt Sensations, take the footpath to the left towards Tournoux. At the top of the slope there is a small alpine chalet, take the footpath that crosses the meadows towards the forest and on to the Hermes Lake.
Extension: Tournoux, La Pousterle, the Oréac plateau via Coste de l’Ase.
From the Hermes lake via Le Pré Rouge, the Tête d’Oréac.
