Fresh Mountain Air in the Beautiful Val D'Allos

This family hike (or short walk) is located in the stunning mountain area of Val d’Allos with the Lac D’Allos being the beautiful focal point. There is no road – access to the lake so it is a lovely peaceful spot to spend an afternoon.  It can only be done in the summer months due to its location at an altitude well over 2,000m but this also makes for fresher air when the coast is stiflingly hot.

Lac D'Allos

Allos is located on the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes de Haut Provence. It is about a 2h30 drive from the coast so is more suited to a weekend break than a day-trip. There are hotels and self-catering options in Allos as well as several campsites in the area.

Getting There: To access the lake you will need to approach the centre of Allos and then just after the large church on the left, take a sharp right to continue driving east up and out of Allos for approx. 15-20 mins. You will pass through the hamlets of Villard Bas & Haut until eventually you enter the Mercantour park and you will find the parking area at the end of the road. GPS coordinates:  44.246066, 6.698124,  In July & August there is a parking fee of €8, otherwise it is free. It does get very busy in the summer months though so be sure to get there early. The other parking is outside the entrance to the Mercantour park and is free but is a good 1h 45 further to walk.

We encountered snow even in early July

The hike detailed here is a fairly long one but you can amend it to suit your families’ abilities and desires for walking.

The shortest route from the parking to the lakeside is 40-45 minutes and once there you can find a quiet spot to relax and have a picnic or grab a drink and lunch on the terrace of the refuge.  You could also then take a leisurely stroll around the lake (approx. 1h) before returning to your car.

The lake is the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe and is dominated by Mont Pelat (3052 meters). It covers 60 hectares and has a depth of 50 m.

Whichever route you take, soak up the beautiful surroundings and be sure to keep your eyes open for marmottes (groundhogs), chamois, and bouqetins (ibex).

One of the many marmottes / groundhogs we came across

PLEASE NOTE : DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE PARK

A Tour of the Lakes

Distance: 12.5km     Elevation: 600m      Estimated Time: 5 hours   Difficulty: Medium/Hard

The signposting is very good so you should have no problems following the route. From the carpark follow the signs to Lac d'Allos and go past the Laus’ forest house. As you climb up through the forest the paths fork (1) and you take the narrow left path up through the trees following Col de la Petite Cayolle.

Laus Forest House

Walking up through the forest

At the next junction you continue straight across the pastures and continue to climb. At the next junction (2) you continue to follow the signs to Col de la Petite Cayolle as it continues straight and north – at this point the path for Pau de Lausson peels off to the right (do not take this).

Crossing the pastures

Keep right at the next intersection (3) and the path climbs steeply up as you pass the Lac de la Petite Cayolle (4) and you will then arrive at the Col (5) of the same name.

At the col (5) turn right following the signs for Lac Des Garrets & Pas du Lausson. You will go around the Lac des Garrets (6) on the left and the path climbs again to the crest before bringing you to Pas du Lausson (2,602m). Here you will have fantastic near 360 degree views around you (7).

Pas du Lausson

To return to the lake you turn right and follow the signs to Lac D’Allos. You will get an amazing view of the lake below off to your left. 

Lac D'Allos from above

Keep right here and you will return to junction (2) where you go left. Continue following the signs for Lac D’Allos which will take you left across the pasture, through the woods and eventually out onto the lakeside.

Picnic by the lake

To return to the parking you continue on the path that brought you to the lake ie the higher of the two paths – the‘discovery trail’ (not the one which goes around the lake) and this will bring you down through the forest and back to the parking.

TOP TIP: Even in the height of summer it can get chilly up on the tops so it is advisable to carry a light jacket. Also carry plenty of water, sunhats, suncream and have good walking shoes.

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