Top 17 Lakes around Chamrousse

Among the most popular lakes for hiking are Lake Achard, known for its relatively easy access and stunning views, and the Robert Lakes, which offer a more challenging but rewarding experience in a dramatic alpine setting. Lake Crozet is also a favorite, perched at 1,974 meters with views of the Chartreuse massif.

Yes, Lake Achard is considered a fantastic family outing, offering beautiful views and a relatively easy hike from Chamrousse. It's an ideal spot for picnics and enjoying nature, though swimming and camping are prohibited to protect the sensitive environment.

The lakes around Chamrousse are nestled in glacial cirques, offering diverse alpine landscapes. You'll encounter wet meadows, alpine lawns, conifer trees, and dramatic rocky peaks. The area is rich in flora and fauna, being part of Natura 2000 sites, and you might even spot alpine newts at Lac des Pourettes.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. In summer, they are perfect for hiking and enjoying the vibrant alpine scenery. In winter, they remain frozen and covered with snow, offering opportunities for snowshoeing or ski routes, with some areas even allowing ice diving at the Robert Lakes.

For sensitive natural areas like Lake Achard, swimming, camping, and fishing are strictly forbidden. Dogs must be kept on a leash. For the Robert Lakes, fishing is permitted with a valid permit, and bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise during specific periods. Always check local regulations before your visit.

Many trails to the lakes, such as Lake Achard, are accessible from Chamrousse. For Lake Crozet, a common starting point is the Pré Raymond parking lot. Specific public transport options to trailheads may vary, so it's advisable to check local transport schedules for Chamrousse.

Beyond hiking, the Chamrousse area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore mountain biking trails, with options like the 'Chamrousse Bike Park – Beautiful view of Lake Achard loop'. Road cycling routes are also available, such as the 'Col de la Morte loop'. For more challenging adventures, there are mountaineering routes like the 'Lac du Crozet loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Chamrousse, Road Cycling Routes around Chamrousse, and Mountain Hikes around Chamrousse guides.

Yes, beyond the main highlights, smaller lakes like those at Col de l'Infernet (Infernet Lake at 2060m), Lac des Vallons, and Lac des Pourettes offer more secluded high-altitude discoveries. Lac des Pourettes, for instance, provides a preserved environment and pleasant panoramic views, serving as an excellent stop on the way to the Robert Lakes.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and the serene natural settings. Many highlight the dramatic cirques surrounding lakes like the Robert Lakes, often comparing them to a 'Scandinavian' landscape. The accessibility of spots like Lake Achard for family outings and the opportunity for stunning photography are also highly valued.

Chamrousse itself offers various amenities, including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. While the lakes are natural and protected areas, you can find places to stay and dine in the main Chamrousse resort areas, which serve as convenient bases for exploring the surrounding lakes.

Swimming is generally prohibited in many of the sensitive natural lakes, such as Lake Achard, to protect their ecological importance. For the Lac du Verney, swimming is typically prohibited except for specific events like the Alpe d'Huez triathlon. Always adhere to local signage and regulations regarding water activities.