Feel like a change? Nothing like a trip to the mountains and a good hike to chill out!
Last time, we showed you the 5 best climbing spots in France (in French). We will stay in the mountains, but this time we will go and discover the most beautiful alpine lakes.
These mountain lakes offer breathtaking landscapes! But most of the time they are inaccessible by car … So no choice, put on your shoes, backpacks and LET’S GO! The water will probably be a little chilly, but with summer coming you will not be able to resist having a little splash;)
Le Lac Vert, Savoie
Altitude: 450m Duration: 4 hours
And here we go for 4 hours of walking! Located in the Valmeinier valley at an altitude of 1975m, the Lac Vert is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the region with breathtaking views of the la chaîne des Fiz mountain range. This hike is very pleasant in summer because it runs along the stream of Neuvache, which will bring you a little bit of cool air (and yes, it can get hot in the Alps!).
How to access it?
From Valmeinier 1500, take the road to Valmeinier 1800. At a place called the Combaz, take a small road on the right towards the parking of the Chenalette. Take this road which then turns into a carriage road until the parking of the Chenalette, the starting point of the hike.
Natural Reserve of Néouvielle, Hautes-Pyrénées
Altitude: 450m Duration: 5 hours
Go on a getaway in the Pyrenees. The natural reserve of Néouvielle offers an exceptional setting, with lakes, mountains and vegetation. With an area of 2113 hectares, ranging from 1800 to 3091 metres above sea level, a multitude of marked trails are recommended to discover the lakes. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed!
You can access it by taking the « lakes road » from Saint-Lary, to access the Orédon car park. Shuttles are also available to go to Lake Aubert, but it’s nicer to go on foot! 😉
The White Lake, Haute Savoie (Le Lac Blanc)
Altitude: 570m Duration: 2 hours
Located in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, the Lac Blanc offers a magnificent panorama of the Chamonix Valley and the famous Mont Blanc. This hike is accessible to all. Starting from the Flégère cable car, you will arrive at the lake after about 2 hours of walking, at an altitude of 2352m.
How to access it?
The start of the hike is at the parking of the cable car Flégère, at Praz-de-Chamonix.
Lac de Gaube, Hautes-Pyrénées
Altitude: 300m Duration: 2 hours
From the Pont d’Espagne to Cauterets, this medium difficulty hike will take you to the Pyrenees National Park to discover the lake, lac de Gaube and the Oulettes de Gaube refuge from where you can admire the Vignemale, summit of the Pyrenees at 3298m altitude. With a little luck, you can even see some marmots!
You can access the start of the hike by car, parking at the Pountas plateau parking at 1459m. In the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, it is forbidden to climb any higher!
Lac de l’Eychauda, Hautes-Alpes
Altitude: 945mDuration:5 hours
Located at an altitude of 2500m, Lac de l’Eychauda is overlooked by the Séguret Foran glacier. From the chalet de Chambran, follow the path up to a shepherd’s hut, then continue straight to the highest lake, about 2 1/2 hours climb at a leisurely pace. The view of the lake is beautiful with a panorama of the massif des Ecrins and its many glaciers.
How to get there ?
Access to the start of this hike is from the parking Chambran, following the road to the little mountain village of Chambran, a little after the exit of Vallouise.
No more excuses to not organise your next sporting holidays! Find all spots & accommodations HERE
