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La Brigue

Top 18 Lakes around La Brigue

Best lakes around La Brigue are situated in a mountainous region, offering diverse aquatic environments. The area features a mix of natural and dammed lakes, often accessible via hiking trails. These bodies of water are typically found within rocky basins or grassy valleys, reflecting the surrounding alpine landscape. The region provides opportunities for various outdoor activities centered around these water features.

Best lakes around La Brigue

  • The most popular lakes is Lake Terrasole, a lake that is a small blue jewel set in a rocky basin. It is easily accessible from the Severino Bottero cable car or Capanna Niculin, offering panoramic views.
  • Another must-see spot is Lago delle Scalette, a lake with a viewpoint. This beautiful lake can be reached by an easy and wide dirt road from the Balma refuge in about 30 minutes, making it suitable for family friendly lake walks La Brigue.
  • Visitors also love Marguareis Lake, a lake surrounded by green meadows. These small lakes are fed directly from springs in the area and are ideal for relaxing or having a picnic.
  • La Brigue is known for lakes with viewpoints, family-friendly access, and intermediate hiking trails. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from those nestled in rocky basins to those surrounded by meadows.
  • The lakes around La Brigue are appreciated by the komoot community, with 31 upvotes and 4 photos contributed by users.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Lake Mesches

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The Mesches dam, built by the Italians in 1917, is the largest dam in the Alpes-Maritimes. It is fed by the Inferno and Casterino valleys at their confluence.

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Marguareis Lake

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Many green meadows around these small lakes where you can relax in the sun or have a picnic. They can be reached both from the Garelli refuge and by going up the Marguareis valley.

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Lago della Brignola

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This lake can be reached with an easy walk from the Balma refuge. At first it may seem like a dirty and not a beautiful lake, but, going the other way, the scenario changes. The lake acts as a mirror and reflects the mountains, the sky and the clouds. Photo to scream!

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Lago dei Noci

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And another update:
In the summer of 2023, it was possible to dam up water again. Swimming is possible - although no longer with the previous water depth and size - but that is probably only a factor for people with special needs :-) Because the water is of course still very fresh, so longer swims are likely to be the exception.
There are places for a blanket, but mostly on small pieces of rubble.


Update at the beginning of 2023:
From what we hear, the small dam that created this lake will no longer be repaired. This beautiful place is and will remain history :-(
For posterity, I'll leave the original comment anyway...


A well-hidden alternative is Lago Degno, which is located around 3 km west of Molini, where the Rio Grognardo and the Torrente Argentina meet. Park on the SP65 in the first hairpin bend, then hike almost 1 km (including a steeper section through bushes and trees by the lake), and you're there. Somehow, somewhere, you have to be able to use another path, but we haven't discovered it yet.

As of early 2021:
One of our favorite places in this beautiful region! The water from the mountain streams flowing into it is anything but warm, but once you've gotten over the initial shock, it's very refreshing :-)
The streams are constantly carrying debris into the lake, so it has to be dredged again and again, and unfortunately a storm really hit at the beginning of October 2020. The entire lake, the neighboring sunbathing areas, the new playground and even the smaller of the two bridges have been flattened. Work is underway to restore the lake and everything around it (I have put two photos - before and after - from the webcam at windy.com/de/-Webcams/Italien/Ligurien/Molini-di-Triora/Lago-dei-Noci/webcams/1535457200?43.989,6.130,8 in the gallery), but it is to be feared that it will take longer until everything is as beautiful as before.
Despite everything, I hope to be able to jump in there again in summer 2021...

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Lago delle Scalette

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A beautiful lake that can be reached by an easy and wide dirt road from the Balma refuge in half an hour, a walk suitable for children and with a stroller.

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Tips from the Community

Dick Cham
August 17, 2026, Lago della Brignola

Very beautiful hike that allows you to easily reach the pretty Lac della Brignola and then via the Bocchino della Brignola 2256m in 45 minutes, to reach Lac Raschera. However, for the return from Lac della Brignola, we wanted to take a detour via the path visible on the Komoot map, passing by Punta del Lusco 2278m and reaching Colle Dente della Brignola 1952m. Warning ⚠️, this path no longer exists. Despite the GPS track, we could not find it. Difficult progress through scree and rhododendron fields. This route (taken on July 30, 2026) is not recommended. It is better to return by the ascent route.

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Very nice, done with two children aged 3 and 5 who walked without problems back and forth. Recommended to start or if you have little time!

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Located at 1,928 meters above sea level in the heart of the homonymous Natural Park, this small alpine body of water lies in a picturesque grassy hollow right at the foot and start of the famous Torinesi and Genovesi canals. Next to the lake is the Rifugio Garelli with the adjacent botanical station "Danilo Re". Being a protected area with a very high biodiversity value, it is the ideal place to stop and observe up close the rich flora typical of the park and, with a bit of attention, spot the chamois and marmots that inhabit the area.

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Mandu73
August 29, 2025, Lac des Mesches

On the descent near the tunnel, I found a landslide, by bike it was passable, but by car no.

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Frank
August 18, 2025, Lac des Mesches

https://youtu.be/rm1T5izm57A?si=Wjv8z7eOzrlJQNXL A wonderful, shimmering green lake, which the locals also like to swim in. There are certainly a lot of cars parked along the road on weekends. The scenery is fantastic.

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Very beautifully situated reservoir, but the water is not inviting for swimming. The dam is definitely worth seeing.

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Mandu73
October 11, 2023, Lago delle Scalette

Here near the lake there is the margaro's house, if you do it in the off-season, AVOID the dogs

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If from here then continue, go down and make a loop of the lawn, ladders, Artesia, lawn

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes around La Brigue are suitable for families with children?

Several lakes in the La Brigue area are great for families. Lago delle Scalette is easily accessible via a wide dirt road from the Balma refuge, making it suitable even for strollers. Marguareis Lake, surrounded by green meadows, offers ideal spots for relaxing or picnics. Lake Terrasole is also considered family-friendly and offers panoramic views.

Are there easy hiking trails to the lakes near La Brigue?

Yes, there are several easy options. For instance, Lago delle Scalette can be reached by an easy and wide dirt road from the Balma refuge in about 30 minutes. Lago della Brignola is also accessible via an easy walk from the Balma refuge.

What are the best lakes for swimming around La Brigue?

While mountain lakes are generally cold, some offer refreshing swimming opportunities. Lago dei Noci, fed by mountain streams, allows for swimming, though the water is very fresh. It's advisable to check local conditions as water levels and accessibility can vary.

What kind of views can I expect at the lakes in this region?

Many lakes around La Brigue offer stunning panoramic views. Lake Terrasole provides an excellent panoramic point from above. Lago della Brignola is known for its reflective surface, mirroring the surrounding mountains, sky, and clouds for 'photo to scream' moments.

Are there advanced hiking trails to lakes near La Brigue?

Yes, the mountainous terrain around La Brigue offers more challenging hikes. Lakes like Lago della Brignola and Marguareis Lake are part of intermediate hiking routes, often involving significant elevation gain. For a broader range of advanced trails, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around La Brigue guide.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes of La Brigue?

Beyond hiking to the lakes, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB Trails around La Brigue, as well as Running Trails. The mountainous landscape is also ideal for Mountain Hikes.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around La Brigue?

The best time to visit the lakes around La Brigue is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, hiking trails are generally clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities. Some higher-altitude lakes might still have snow well into early summer.

Are there any hidden gems among the lakes near La Brigue?

Lago dei Noci was once considered a well-hidden alternative, known for its refreshing mountain stream water. While it has undergone changes due to natural events, it still offers a unique, less-trafficked experience for those seeking a quieter spot.

Can I have a picnic or relax by the lakes?

Absolutely. Marguareis Lake is particularly noted for its surrounding green meadows, which are ideal for relaxing in the sun or enjoying a picnic. At Lago dei Noci, there are also places suitable for laying out a blanket.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around La Brigue?

Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the alpine environment, and the diverse range of accessibility options. The panoramic views, especially from spots like Lake Terrasole, and the reflective qualities of lakes like Lago della Brignola are often highlighted. The opportunity for family-friendly walks and refreshing dips in the cold mountain waters also adds to the appeal.

Are there any lakes with unique natural features?

Lake Terrasole is described as a 'small blue jewel set in a rocky basin,' highlighting its distinctive geological setting. Marguareis Lake is fed directly from springs in the area and is nestled in a grassy basin often strewn with rhododendrons, offering a unique botanical aspect.

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Still not found your perfect lake around La Brigue? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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