Hike above Le Grand Lac (Monêtier-les-Bains)

Le Grand Lac (2282) certainly is one of the most impressive alpine lakes in the Briancon/Serre Chevalier Region.

The starting point is from Le Pont de l’Alpe (1710 m) by the D1091. Due to the popularity of the trails, even the spacious parking can be quite full during the high season.

We have previously hiked around Aguillette du Lauzet, starting from Le Pont de l’Alpe.

This time we wanted to admire the picturesque lake.

Trail to Alpe du Lauzet

Pics de Combeynot

Towards Clot des Vaches

Clot des Vaches crossroads

We first ascended to l’Alpe du Lauzet (1951 m). One trail forked left, straight to the lake with one steep stretch equipped with a cable. We headed northeast, following the Rif Torrent. We reached a crossroads named Clot des Vaches (2209 m), and merged with the GR57 trail. We forked left (north) and continued the ascent in the Rif Valley.

The trail turned to the west before we reached a col (2436 m) above the lake. From here, the lake was partially visible. One trail descended down to its shore. We continued along the GR57, passing a cabane with livestock. Higher up, the entire lake became visible. We found a great spot for a picnic at about 2530 m where the Grand Galibier Massif dominated the landscape in the northwest and parts the Ecrins Glaciers a bit further in the southwest.