Allos Lake

Immensity of a mountain lake in the heart of the Mercantour peaks. Immediate effect!
We are speechless in front of this exceptional panorama of the Alps. The Allos lake is the largest natural high altitude lake in Europe.
Nestled at an altitude of 2,230 meters in a magnificent natural setting, it is at the heart of one of the most prestigious national parks in France: the Mercantour.

A lake with deep colorsEasy access

Superb hike, total change of scenery and lots of emotions in this little corner of paradise.
This easy route is accessible to everyone and only on foot.
It takes a well marked path with interpretation tables that will allow you to discover the harmony of the mountain.
You will be struck by the silence, the calm and the beauty of this protected site.

Take a walk around Lac d’Allos

The magic operates in all seasons

At the end of October, the alpine atmosphere is extraordinary.
The larch are turning golden and the last marmots will soon fall asleep for the winter.
But to discover the immaculate white Allos lake , we advise you to contact the mountain guides.

Did you know ?

This glacial lake extends over 60 ha and has a depth of up to 50 m. Its deep blue color is due to its infertile, oxygen-poor cold water.

A fragile natural spaceto respect

Here nature is a gem. It offers you a variety of unique, preserved and harmonious landscapes. Not to mention the wealth of wildlife to observe which will surprise you if you are discreet. In this magical place, you are nature’s guest. It is therefore essential to follow the regulations of the National Parks.

Marmotte, lac d'Allos, Val d'Allos, Allos Lake, Alpes de Haute Provence

Testimonials

A peaceful and rejuvenating place

“A truly magnificent place. We parked in the paid parking lot, there is a 45 minute walk. The place is restful, rejuvenating. It takes about an hour to go around the lake. We unfortunately did not see any groundhogs near the lake because they are hiding with people. I could see one a little out of the way on a rock.”

To do
“What a beautiful place !!! not to be missed! You have to do it in the morning. To park in the Laus car park, 8 euros. Allow 45 minutes to climb to reach the lake and an hour (flat) to go around. We take full eyes !! Accessible to children, we see a lot of marmots.”

unmissable in the region

“Peaceful setting, only 45min from the car park and above all we take in the view!

Place to respect…”

A landscape of legend and history

The story goes that in the middle of the lake there is a stone on which is inscribed the sentence:
“Quouro mi veyras, plouraras.” When you see me you will cry.
On the shores of the lake was built a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, invoked under the name of Our Lady of the Mountains.

For people with reduced mobility, a joëlette is available upon reservation

At the chalet du Laus

At the Colmars-les-Alpes tourist office

The Chaup parking : Located in Villard haut, this is the furthest away.

ATTENTION For campervans larger than 2.10 metres this is the only accessible car park. Parking possible for 24 hours.

See the location

The Cluite parking

Free, access to the lake by the GR56 is 5 hours round trip.

See the location

The Laus parking

Access to the lake is 1h30 round trip.

See the location

Opening

Paying and regulated from 7am to 5pm during the following period

The weekends of 18 and 19 / 25 and 26 June 2022
From 2 July to 28 August 2022
The weekends of 3 and 4 / 10 and 11 September 2022

Rates

Free for bicycles
5€ for motorised two-wheelers
10€ per car

Online booking

I reserve my parking space

More informations

As in all National Parks of France, pets are prohibited.
This exceptional environment is extremely fragile, be sure to respect the regulations of the National Parks.

Be careful, little kids are not allowed to bathe in the lake, which is very cold!

Find maps and guides at the Verdon Tourisme tourist information offices.

Access by stroller is complicated and requires a port, provide a baby carrier. You are over 2000m above sea level, remember to protect yourself from the sun and make sure you plan to cover yourself up if the weather changes.

Provide sufficient water.

Even if this walk is easy, wearing walking shoes is essential.

Remember to take your binoculars.

Dry toilets are installed in the Laus car park and near the refuge.

Want to come back?

Why not a night in a refuge to contemplate the starry vault as a screen and the towers of the lake which light up at sunrise.
You will have the impression of being away much longer and your children will feel like real little adventurers.

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