Discover Europe’s largest natural high-altitude lake on a hike in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence… Here are the 7 most beautiful hikes on Lac d’Allos!
Located north of the Verdon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Lac d’Allos is the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe. Its crystal-clear waters are set in a splendid natural landscape, which is home to some unforgettable hikes. But what are the best hikes on Lac d’Allos? In this article, Generation Voyage presents the most beautiful trails. They take you to the summits of the Mercantour natural park, through majestic, wild landscapes, populated by chamois, eagles and marmots.
Dreaming of a trek in the heart of the Alps? Well, bivouacs are allowed! Between 7pm and 9am, you can camp an hour’s walk from the park or the last car access.
1. The Lac d’Allos loop from the Laus parking lot
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Running time: 2 h 27
- Distance: 8.7 km
- Height difference: 281 m
- Difficulty: medium
- See the route
Want to admire the lake in all its splendor? Here’s one of the best walks on Lac d’Allos to discover all the richness of this natural site. Meet up at the Laus parking lot to start this loop itinerary. You’ll start with a 45-minute stony climb, but this first difficulty is well worth it. The rest of the trail winds gently around the lake, offering stunning scenery. Information panels line the route.
In winter, the frozen lake is breathtakingly beautiful. In spring, the sun shines on the water and biodiversity awakens. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across deer, chamois and marmots!
Please note: in high season, the trail is very busy. The Laus parking lot is subject to a charge (€10 for cars and €5 for motorcycles), and is often fully booked by early morning.
2. Lac d’Allos, Lac des Garrets and Lac de la Petite Cayolle
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: 4 h 11
- Distance: 13.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 647 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- See the route
Want to discover more than just Lac d’Allos? This magnificent loop route takes you to the summits of the Mercantour National Park. On the program: spectacular panoramas of Lac d’Allos, Lac des Garrets and Lac de la Petite Cayolle.
This is certainly one of the best hikes on Lac d’Allos for fans of sporting challenges. And with good reason: the route climbs to an altitude of 2,675 metres! If you’re afraid of heights, be careful: the last part of the hike may be a bit tricky. Finally, make sure you’re properly equipped. Bring good walking shoes and warm clothes, even in summer.
On this hike to Lac d’Allos, you’ll be surrounded by lunar landscapes. It’s an opportunity to admire the languid flight of the eagles that populate the summits… A real nugget!
3. Tour of Lac d’Allos via the Col de l’Encombrette
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Running time: 4 h 50
- Distance: 13.5 km
- Ascent: 916 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- See the route
If you want to step back and admire the sculptural beauty of Lac d’Allos and its surrounding mountains, this is the hike for you. It takes you along the Col de l’Encombrette, describing an almost perfect circle around the lake. The scenery is simply magical, not to mention the wealth of flora and fauna. Ibexes, chamois and marmots await you along the way. A timeless escape!
However, the trail is for experienced hikers only. It crosses peaks overlooking the Mercantour National Park: La Petite Tour (2,693 m a.s.l.), La Grande Tour (2,745 m a.s.l.) and Montagne de l’Avalanche (2,729 m a.s.l.). The views of the surrounding area are breathtaking, but have to be earned!
4. Around Lac d’Allos from the Cluite parking lot
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Radu Razvan
- Duration: approx. 3 h
- Distance: about 8 km
- Ascent: 600 m
- Difficulty: medium
- See the route
The tour of Lac d’Allos from the Cluite parking lot is similar to the one from the Laus parking lot. In fact, you’ll cross the latter, which is much closer to the lake. To find out which parking lot is open during your stay, contact the Val d’Allos tourist office.
This is an easy, well-marked trail, suitable for the whole family. Just beware of the last section of the trail: the snow is well packed and can be slippery. In any case, you’ll enjoy lovely views over Lac d’Allos and the surrounding mountains: Petite Montagne, Petite Tour, Grande Tour, Montagne de l’Avalanche and Sommet des Garrets.
5. Mount Pelat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tramont_ana
- Running time: 6 h 40
- Distance: 13.6 km
- Ascent: 975 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- See the route
Meet at the Laus parking lot to start one of the most beautiful hikes on Lac d’Allos. It takes you up to Mont Pelat, the highest peak in the Haut Verdon at 3,051 meters. Although the climb is reserved for good hikers, it’s well worth the effort. From up there, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the Mercantour National Park… and, of course, the vast, majestic Lac d’Allos.
Those who suffer from vertigo may not be able to complete the ascent of Mont Pelat. But the trail also offers its share of treasures: light, torrents, ibexes, marmots…
A reminder: during the summer months, parking at Le Laus is not free. It costs €10 for a car and €5 for a motorcycle.
6. The Encombrette pass and its lakes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – damien calmel
- Duration: 5 h 05
- Distance: 11.3 km
- Height difference: 645 m
- Difficulty: medium
- See the route
This hike to Lac d’Allos also passes over the Col de l’Encombrette, but takes a different route. It takes you through a wide variety of landscapes: green plateaus, forests, valleys… and offers superb panoramic views of Lac d’Allos. At the end of the itinerary, you’ll reach a pastoral hut offering a splendid view of the Encombrette lakes. Now all you have to do is turn back!
A lovely trail to immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
7. Petite Cayolle pass
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Radu Razvan
- Duration: 4 h 10
- Distance: 9.9 km
- Ascent: 477 m
- Difficulty: medium
- See the route
Discover the lunar landscapes to the east of Lac d’Allos along the trails of the Col de la Petite Cayolle. Culminating at an altitude of 2,639 metres, it offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. It opens onto a number of lakes, in particular Lac de la Petite Cayolle and Lac d’Allos. Charming landscapes await you along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across ibex, chamois and marmots.
The ascent requires a little hiking, but the descent is very gentle. You can even take children along for the adventure. Note, however, that the trail is very busy in summer.