Top 20 Lakes around Cervières

For families looking for easily accessible options, Lake Roue is an excellent choice. It features a Canadian-style setting with larch trees, picnic areas, and is popular for weekend outings. Another family-friendly option is Lago Nero di Bousson, which is accessible via easy hikes and located under the Capanna Mautino refuge.

Yes, for experienced hikers, the Cervières region offers several challenging high-altitude lake destinations. Lake Grand Laus, the largest of the Malrif lakes at 2,579 meters, requires a challenging hike but rewards with a stunning panorama. Similarly, Lac des Cordes, located at 2,446 meters, is a classic hiking destination with varied terrain and steep ascents, offering a wild natural experience.

The lakes around Cervières boast diverse natural features. Lac Gignoux (Lake of Seven Colours) is set amidst the geological marvel of the Chenaillet massif, an open-air museum of Alpine geology with rocks from the ancient Tethys Ocean. Lake Roue is notable for its Canadian-style setting, surrounded by larch trees and rich biodiversity, attracting various insects and forest animals.

While swimming is generally prohibited in many high-altitude lakes to preserve their delicate ecosystems, fishing is permitted under certain conditions in some. For instance, the waters of Lake Grand Laus are rich in trout, and fishing is allowed there with the appropriate permits. Always check local regulations before planning to fish or swim.

The Cervières region offers a wide range of outdoor activities near its lakes. You can explore various mountain hikes, including challenging routes like the Fort de la Turra – Col du Chaberton loop. For cyclists, there are numerous MTB trails and touring bicycle routes, such as the Izoard pass loop or the Cervières – The Fonts of Cervières loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Mountain Hikes around Cervières, MTB Trails around Cervières, and Cycling around Cervières guides.

Yes, the lakes in the Chenaillet massif, including Lac Gignoux and the Lacs du Chenaillet (Lac Noir, Lac du Rouséou, and Lac des Sarailles), are particularly significant. This area is a geological marvel, acting as an open-air museum where you can observe rocks formed in the ancient Tethys Ocean millions of years ago, including serpentinites, gabbros, and pillow basalts.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the sense of tranquility. Many highlight the magnificent mountain views and the rewarding experience of reaching high-altitude lakes. The diverse landscapes, from larch forests to alpine meadows, and the opportunity for both easy family outings and challenging treks, are also highly appreciated by the komoot community.

Several lakes provide excellent panoramic views. Lake Roue has two viewpoints nearby that offer superb vistas of the Guil valley, Fort Queyras, Sommet Bucher, or Villargaudin. Lac Gignoux offers magnificent views over the Cerveyrette valley, and the panorama from Lake Grand Laus is described as stunning.

Yes, both Lake Roue and Lake Grand Laus are situated on the GR58, also known as the "Tour du Queyras." This makes them popular stops for long-distance hikers exploring the region.

The best time to visit the high-altitude lakes around Cervières is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During this period, the snow has usually melted, trails are accessible, and the alpine meadows are vibrant. Autumn offers particularly stunning views as the larch trees around lakes like Lake Roue display vibrant colors.

Beyond the more popular spots, the region holds smaller, more secluded gems. Just above Lac des Cordes, hikers can discover smaller lakes like Lac de l'Étoile and Lac de la Madeleine. The Lacs du Chenaillet, including Lac Noir, Lac du Rouséou, and Lac des Sarailles, are also less frequented and offer a unique blend of natural beauty and geological interest on the slopes towards Italy.

While direct accommodation on the shores of most alpine lakes is rare, some are located near refuges. Lago Nero di Bousson is situated under the Capanna Mautino refuge, providing a convenient stop for hikers. For other lakes, you would typically find accommodation in nearby villages or designated bivouac sites, such as those near Lake Roue.