Lac d’Allos hike
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Lac d’Allos hike
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One of the easiest and most beautiful hikes in Mercantour National Park. You’ll get superb views of the Lac d’Allos, the biggest high-mountain-lake in Europe with a size of 60ha. This is a walk you don’t want to miss.
Getting there
From Nice airport go up the valley of the Var by the RM 6202 and then by the D4202 until you reach Allos. At the first crossroad, go right on the D2 to Lac d’Allos. You’ll reach the starting point after 7.8mi. The parking costs 8€ per car per day.
About
| When to do | May to end of October |
| Backcountry Campsites | In Allos or from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. on site |
| Toilets | Yes. Refuge Lac d’Allos |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Lac d’Allos
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Lac d’Allos
From the parking take the only path that start close the little house. After ten minutes, you’ll arrive at the first glacier threshold, where there once was an ancient lake, now a nice bog. The paths will reach a trail that will arrive from the left. Ignore it.
After 30 or so minutes (if you’re going at a good speed), go along to the left you’ll get to the second glacier threshold, from here you can see the Lac d’Allos 7310ft.
Once at the lake you can enjoy a meal at the refuge. Then, if you want, you can do the round-trip of the lake, but that is optional.
To return, go back the same way.
Insider Hints
If you still have energy, you can go up until the Mont Pelat 10007ft, one of the highest peaks of this region. From here you have a panoramic view of Provence and, with a clear sky, you can see all the way to the Corse.
Before you make it to the lake, on the left there’s the path to Col de l’Encombrette 8291ft. On that path you can get to Colmars les Alpes (4h).
The best off shoot hike from Lac D’Allos is the Sommets Des Garrets, which you can take with our guide at hike six.
One of our favourite places to stay while near Allos is the Refuge du Lac d’Allos. The food is great, the lodging is simple and you are right beside the lake. If you want something more upscale check out the Allos or Colmars tourism page.
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Antoanette Lavroutte 4 years ago
Last time I was here was with my dad. Now I'm back again, surely missed the spectacular view.
TeddyBear 4 years ago
A nice hike to access the lake. superb site!
Rolando Acciaio 4 years ago
The atmosphere is a very peaceful and superb lake of turquoise water
Felix Legrand 4 years ago
Beautiful hike and lake
Vincent V. 4 years ago
WOW! The lake was huge yet very calm! The atmosphere was so serene and the weather was fantastic!
MountainPaw 4 years ago
Lots of walks to choose from. Mountain tops or by the lake
Mercury Q. 5 years ago
Amazing panoramic view of Provence and, with a clear sky, you can see to the Corse. Beautiful view of the lake. Will do it again!
Arjean M. 5 years ago
One of the easiest and most beautiful hikes I've done. Amazing views of the Lac d’Allos, the biggest high-mountain-lake in Europe. You can enjoy a meal at the refuge when you're at the lake.
Abraham W. 5 years ago
A very easy hike. The trail is super fun. Rewarding scenery.
Ramesh Patel 5 years ago
Not so steep and magnificent views. Will do it again in a heartbeat!