Attractions and Places To See around Crots - Top 20

Crots is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Morgon peak, which offers a phenomenal panoramic view of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Ubaye and Durance valleys, and the Écrins National Park. Another significant natural feature is the Boscodon Forest, classified as an "Exceptional Forest" and considered one of the purest in France, ideal for hiking. Don't miss the Chabrières Needles, a very distinctive peak with an exposed location, offering stunning views over the lake.

Yes, Crots offers several notable historical and cultural sites. The magnificent 12th-century Romanesque Abbey of Notre-Dame de Boscodon is a listed Historical Monument nestled within an exceptional forest. You can also discover the Château de Picomtal, dating back to the 12th century with a French-style garden, and the Romanesque-Gothic Saint-Laurent Church, which houses classified objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. Strolling through the old village reveals historic fountains and sundials.

For families, Lake Sainte-Marguerite is a superb hike suitable for all ages, where you can picnic and potentially spot marmots in higher areas. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is another small mountain lake perfect for swimming and offers a fantastic view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Chanterenne Beach, often called "Crots' Beach," on Lake Serre-Ponçon, is popular with families due to its shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and surfing.

Crots is an excellent base for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like the Morgon Peak loop from Abbaye de Boscodon or the Lac de Sainte-Marguerite loop from Les Orres - Pra Paisset. Find more details on these and other trails in the Mountain Hikes around Crots guide. Cyclists can challenge themselves on the Col de Pontis, known for its demanding climb and beautiful views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. For mountain biking, routes like the Abbaye de Boscodon loop from Crots are available, and gravel biking options include the Boscodon Abbey – Lake Serre-Ponçon loop. Explore more cycling routes in the MTB Trails around Crots and Gravel biking around Crots guides.

The best time to visit Crots for outdoor activities largely depends on your interests. Summer is ideal for swimming in Lake Serre-Ponçon and mountain lakes like Lake Sainte-Marguerite or Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, as well as for hiking and cycling. The spring and autumn months offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the Boscodon Forest, with fewer crowds. In winter, the Nordic Ski Area of La Draye provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.

Beyond the well-known attractions, Crots holds some unique natural spots. The Fountain of the Bear (Fontaine de l'Ours) is a classified natural site within the Boscodon forest, known for its intriguing local legend. The Morgon cirque, featuring a small lake and the Saint-Pierre sanctuary (a high-altitude chapel), offers a serene and picturesque experience. The Valley of Boscodon and the Circus of Bragousse also provide beautiful landscapes for walks and excursions.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning panoramic views, especially from summits like Morgon peak, which offers unparalleled vistas of Lake Serre-Ponçon. The tranquility and natural beauty of the mountain lakes, such as Lake Sainte-Marguerite, are also highly praised, with many appreciating the opportunity for picnics and wildlife spotting. The challenging yet rewarding cycling routes, like the Col de Pontis, are a favorite among sports enthusiasts.

Yes, there are options for easier hikes around Crots. While some trails can be challenging, the path leading to Lake Sainte-Marguerite is described as a superb hike suitable for families. The Boscodon Forest also offers various trails, some of which are less strenuous, allowing you to enjoy one of France's purest forests. Always check trail descriptions for difficulty levels to match your fitness.

When visiting the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Boscodon, be aware that it is a magnificent 12th-century Romanesque abbey located at 1,150 meters above sea level within an exceptional forest. It is a listed Historical Monument and still hosts a religious community. Visitors can admire elements of primitive Cistercian art and the harmony of its architecture. Parts of the abbey have been transformed into a museum, offering cultural and artistic programs. Check their official website for current opening hours and event schedules.

During the winter months, the Nordic Ski Area of La Draye, located on the heights of Crots, becomes a hub for winter sports. Here, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing in a wild and authentic natural setting. The area offers stunning views, making it a picturesque destination for snow enthusiasts.

Crots is ideally situated near Lake Serre-Ponçon, which offers various spots for swimming. Chanterenne Beach, also known as "Crots' Beach," is particularly popular due to its shallow waters. Additionally, Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is a small mountain lake where swimming is permitted, providing a refreshing experience with a fantastic view of the larger Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Lake Sainte-Marguerite is also swimmable in summer, though the water can be quite cold.

For experienced hikers and climbers, the Crots area offers several challenging options. The ascent to Morgon peak includes a technical second part to the summit. The Chabrières Needles are also for those not afraid of heights, with steep and exposed passages to the summit. Mount Pouzenc, the highest point in the commune at 2898 meters, provides challenging trails and breathtaking vistas for those seeking a more strenuous adventure.