Top 20 Lakes around Briançon

The lakes around Briançon are unique due to their diverse nature, ranging from glacial, high-altitude lakes nestled within the Écrins National Park and the preserved Clarée Valley, to larger bodies of water like Lac de Serre-Ponçon that offer extensive water sports. Many are known for their stunning alpine reflections and distinctive colors, such as the milky blue of glacial meltwater or the emerald green of Green Lake.

Yes, several lakes near Briançon are suitable for families. Pontet Lake is considered family-friendly and offers beautiful views. Lac de la Douche in the Serre-Chevalier valley is also known for its relatively easy, family-friendly hike through forests, starting from Le Casset in Monêtier-les-Bains. Lac de Souliers is easily accessible and surrounded by green lawns, often with grazing animals, making it pleasant for a family outing.

For breathtaking scenery and photography, consider Lac Gignoux (Lake of Seven Colours), known for its brilliant landscape. Mirror Lake, at 2,214 meters, is famed for its reflections of the surrounding mountains and larches. Lake Sainte-Anne also offers incredible views, especially when combined with a loop trail that includes Mirror Lake.

While many alpine lakes are very cold, some are suitable for swimming, especially during warmer summer months. Green Lake is a popular spot for swimming in summer, despite its generally cold water. Lac de Serre-Ponçon, a large lake in the region, is a popular summer destination with several patrolled beaches ideal for swimming and various water-based activities.

The lakes around Briançon offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking to high-altitude lakes like Lac de l'Eychauda or Lac de l'Oule. For running, there are trails like the 'Lac Miroir and Lac Sainte-Anne Loop Trail' or the 'Ecrins Trail' which you can explore via the Running Trails around Briançon guide. Gravel biking routes such as 'Col du Granon' or 'Vallée de Clarée, Col des Rochilles and the old Galibier road' are available in the Gravel biking around Briançon guide. Lac de Serre-Ponçon is excellent for boating, kayaking, SUP, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

Lac du Pontet is quite accessible, allowing you to get close by car. Lac de l'Oule is also easily accessible, with parking available at over 2,000 meters, reachable by heading towards Serre Chevalier and then up to the Granon pass. Lac de Souliers is another easily accessible option, known for its round shape and green surroundings.

The best time to visit the lakes around Briançon is generally during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm, the snow has melted from higher altitudes, and all trails are accessible. This period is ideal for hiking, swimming, and water sports. Some lakes, like Green Lake, are particularly vibrant in summer. Spring and autumn offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds, though some high-altitude access might be limited by snow.

Yes, Lac de l'Eychauda is a natural lake of glacial origin, one of the largest in the Écrins massif, and its distinctive milky appearance comes from the meltwater of the Séguret Foran glacier. Lac de la Douche also exhibits a milky blue color due to melting glaciers. Lac de Souliers is often nicknamed the 'eye of Queyras' due to its almost perfectly round shape.

Beyond the most popular spots, the Clarée Valley, a preserved Natura 2000 site, boasts over 30 lakes, many of which are less frequented. Examples include Lac Grand Laus, described as magnificent, and Lac Egorgéou, a superb small lake at 2,400 meters. Other beautiful high-altitude lakes in this valley include Lac Laramon, Lac Serpent, Lac des Béraudes, and Lac Long, offering distinct hiking experiences and scenic beauty away from the main crowds.

Visitors frequently praise the brilliant landscapes and incredible views offered by the lakes. Many highlight the beauty of spots like Lac Gignoux (Lake of Seven Colours) and Lake Sainte-Anne. The opportunity for refreshing swims in cool waters on warm days, the peaceful atmosphere, and the chance to spot wildlife like marmots are also highly valued experiences.

Yes, Lac du Pontet, situated at approximately 2,000 meters, is an occasional starting point for paragliders, offering beautiful views as you take off into the alpine air.

Several notable lakes are located within the Écrins National Park or its immediate vicinity. These include Lac de l'Eychauda, one of the largest glacial lakes in the massif, and Lac de la Douche, known for its family-friendly hike. These lakes serve as vital refuges for biodiversity within the park.