Top 7 Lakes around Pinsot

Among the most popular are Refuge des 7 Laux, which is nestled at 2,135 meters amidst several lakes like Carré, Cottepens, and de la Motte. Another must-see is the collection of Lac Carré, Lac de Cottepens and Lac de la Motte, known for their mineral landscape and clear waters. Visitors also appreciate Léat refuge and lake for its peaceful setting and views of the Bauges and Chartreuse massifs.

Yes, several options are suitable for families. View of the Flumet basin offers a flat, shaded path perfect for a short walk or bike ride. Lac des Cerces is also considered an ideal destination for family hikes during the summer, with a moderate difficulty level and opportunities to spot marmots and pick blueberries.

The terrain varies significantly. Hikes to Lac des Cerces are generally of moderate difficulty, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes of climbing. Lac de la Grande Léchère offers various walking trails, some of medium difficulty. For a more challenging experience, the hike to Lac de la Folle and the other lakes in the Grande Valloire involves significant elevation gain and can take over 8 hours, traversing forests, alpine pastures, and rocky sections.

The summer months are generally the best time to visit, especially for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty. During August, you can pick wild blueberries around Lac des Cerces, and wild raspberries, strawberries, and bilberries near Lac de la Grande Léchère. Some lakes, like Lac de la Grande Léchère, are also accessible by snowshoes in winter for a different experience.

The region boasts diverse natural features. Lac des Cerces is known for its turquoise waters, grey cliffs, and multicolored flowers, with wildlife like ducks, dragonflies, frogs, and marmots. The Grande Valloire lakes (Lac de la Folle, Lac Blanc, Lac Noir, Lac Glacé) offer a mineral environment with striking reflections and diverse colors. You might also see cotton grass around Lac Noir and rhododendrons in alpine pastures.

Yes, there are several options. Refuge des 7 Laux offers accommodation and local cuisine, though booking is essential. The refuge at Lac de la Grande Léchère provides accommodation, meals, and snacks, and is accessible to people with reduced mobility outside of winter. Léat refuge and lake has a small unguarded chalet with about ten beds and good bivouac spots nearby.

Beyond hiking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find mountain biking routes, such as the 'Route du pas de la confession loop' or 'Allevard – View of the Flumet basin loop', by exploring Gravel biking around Pinsot. For road cycling, routes like 'Flumet Basin – Lake Curtillard loop' are available in Cycling around Pinsot. In winter, Lac de la Grande Léchère is accessible by snowshoes or ski touring.

Absolutely. Lac des Cerces is an ideal spot for picnicking and bivouacking, offering a unique opportunity to spend a night in nature with mountain views. Lac de la Grande Léchère is also a popular location for picnics. Léat refuge and lake also has nice bivouac spots around it.

Lac de la Grande Léchère is accessible by car and on foot in the summer, making it relatively easy to reach. For other high-altitude lakes, access typically involves hiking from designated car parks like Plan Lachat for Lac des Cerces. Public transport options directly to trailheads for high-altitude lakes may be limited, so planning is advised.

The views are spectacular and varied. From Lac des Cerces, you get stunning views of the Grand Galibier and the Aiguilles d'Arves. Lac de la Grande Léchère offers breathtaking panoramas of the Belledonne mountain range, the Etendard glacier, and the Grand Coin. From the Grande Valloire lakes, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Belledonne chain and the distant Chartreuse massif. Léat refuge and lake provides a beautiful view of the Bauges and Chartreuse massifs.

The Sept Laux area, including Refuge des 7 Laux and Lac Carré, Lac de Cottepens and Lac de la Motte, is described as a magical and exceptional site. Visitors recommend lingering for more than a day to truly enjoy the mineral universe and unique light. If planning an overnight stay at the refuge, it is imperative to book in advance.

While the guide focuses on popular spots, the region offers many alpine lakes. The Lake de la Corne and Lake de la Sagne are two pretty alpine lakes that appear on either side of a trail, known for their crystal-clear and calm waters, often reflecting the surrounding mountains. These might offer a quieter experience compared to the more frequented areas.