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Runoff from the Grand Coyer and Carton peaks feeds part of the Lignin lakes. They also give rise to numerous streams that join together to form the Lance river. It winds its way through this wild valley, famous for its basins, before emptying into the Verdon.
Here, nature rubs shoulders with summits and pure air.
Here in the Lance valley, located in the adhesion zone of the
Mercantour National Park
a Natura 2000 site, beauty is omnipresent. In this place preserved from the hustle and bustle of the world, a myriad of multicolored flowers sparkle. Several species are protected, including the apollo (butterfly), the great rhinolophus (bat), Orsini’s viper and Bertoloni’s columbine (plant). Several mountain lakes nestle in this area, protected from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The discharge from the Lignin lakes feeds the Coulomp spring on the opposite side of the Lance valley.
From the Encombrette lakes, climb to the eponymous pass in about 30 minutes. It’s the ideal place to spot ibex and get a bird’s-eye view of the lakes. To celebrate the reintroduction of the species in the Mercantour National Park, a monumental sculpture of an ibex was inaugurated in 2018 at
Colmars-les-Alpes
.
Look east to Lac d’Allos, Europe’s highest natural lake.
In the heart of the Mercantour National Park, the Encombrette lakes and the Lac d’Allos, Europe’s largest high-altitude lake, are a new source of wonder.
To observe wildlife and keep out the summer heat.
You’re more likely to come across them early in the morning or in the evening.
Parking on the Serre bridge and at Clignon-haut is free of charge.
Leaving from the Colmars-les-Alpes tourist information office, it’s a 1.5-hour climb via the path behind the rescue center to the Pont de la Serre. Before starting your journey to the lakes, stop off at the Fruchière forest gîte. It’s open from late June to mid-October, with all the comforts you need to enjoy a hot shower after your climb. Reservations can be made at the Colmars tourist information office.
From Colmars-les-Alpes, the forest trail to the Pont de la Serre parking lot leads from the Buissière district on the outskirts of the village. The track is passable, and you’ll need to drive for about 45 minutes or 8 kilometers to reach your destination.
Lac de l’Encombrette West and Lac de l’Encombrette East are two permanent fishing reserves. Fishing is prohibited all year round, all species and all techniques. For further information, please consult the 2021 fishing guide.
The beauty of the basins of the Lance makes a stopover at the Fruchière forest lodge a must, to enjoy an immersion in the heart of nature.
Why not spend the night in the Fruchière forest gîte, which is accessible by car from the Serre bridge. The Colmars-les-Alpes tourist information office handles bookings and is open from June to October.
Plongez au cœur du Verdon grâce à notre magazine :
✅ Villages de caractère, grands espaces, saveurs locales
✅ Nature sauvage, lacs et rivières
✅ Les grands événements et les incontournables
