4.5
(1203)
13,727
hikers
113
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Lac Du Lauvitel navigate a landscape dominated by the largest glacial lake in the Écrins massif, situated at 1530 meters. The region features dramatic steep mountain slopes, coniferous forests, and open meadows, with varied terrain including rocky paths and well-defined forest tracks. Hikers can expect significant elevation changes and mountain valleys, characteristic of the alpine environment within Écrins National Park. The area is also known for its waterfalls and rich mountain flora.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
5.0
(7)
62
hikers
12.9km
07:07
1,190m
1,190m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(2)
30
hikers
6.63km
01:48
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6
hikers
2.21km
00:47
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(16)
419
hikers
22.3km
11:17
1,770m
1,770m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.4
(18)
274
hikers
5.61km
03:15
590m
590m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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First hike with my companion who knows his stuff. The dives into the lake finally convinced me that it was an incredible experience. I took some photos, there was so much to see.
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On the GR 54 Tour de Ecrins tour, stage 11 and 1st photo of the view from the 12th and last day's stage.... the refuge is very good and highly recommended, the lake was unfortunately too cold for us, but beautiful to look at and the tour overall fantastic!
0
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The parking lot is quite large, it is an ideal starting point for hiking
0
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Sublime, be careful of those who fear the cold, the water and freeze because it is a glacier lake and in the evening, good down otherwise you will freeze even in summer
0
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The best of the best, you can have a drink there And the sheep let loose in the magnificent mountains
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There are over 110 hiking trails around Lac Du Lauvitel that are accessible by bus. These routes offer a variety of experiences, including 36 easy, 49 moderate, and 28 difficult options, ensuring there's a suitable path for every hiker.
Several bus stops provide access to the hiking trails around Lac Du Lauvitel. Key access points include La Danchère and Venosc, which are common starting points for many routes. Other stops like Les Ougiers and Le Bourg-D'Oisans Rochetaillee also offer connections to various trailheads.
Yes, there are easy hiking trails that start directly from bus stops. For example, The Vénéon River loop from Les Ougiers is an easy 4.2 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed walk directly from the Les Ougiers bus stop.
Absolutely. Many trails around Lac Du Lauvitel are designed as circular routes, allowing you to return to your starting point, often a bus stop. An example is the Pisse Waterfall – Buclet pond loop from Les Ougiers, a moderate 11.7 km circular hike that offers diverse scenery.
Yes, the region is known for its scenic waterfalls. The Pisse Waterfall – Buclet pond loop from Les Ougiers specifically highlights a waterfall, providing a beautiful natural feature along your hike.
Hikes accessible by bus around Lac Du Lauvitel offer stunning and varied alpine scenery. You can expect dramatic steep mountain slopes, tranquil coniferous forests, open meadows, and the prominent glacial lake itself. Many routes provide picturesque views of the lake and surrounding peaks like Rochail and Muraillette.
Yes, there are trails suitable for families, particularly those with children aged 7 and over. These routes often feature gentler climbs and shaded areas for breaks. The easy routes, such as The Vénéon River loop from Les Ougiers, are generally good options for families.
The best time to hike around Lac Du Lauvitel is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally favorable, trails are clear of snow, and the mountain flora is vibrant. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.
Écrins National Park has specific regulations regarding dogs. While dogs are generally allowed on a leash in the peripheral zone of the park, they are prohibited in the strict nature reserve (réserve naturelle intégrale) area, which includes the southern part of Lac Du Lauvitel. Always check the specific trail regulations before bringing your dog.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning glacial lake views, the diverse alpine scenery, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various fitness levels. The opportunity to observe wildlife like marmots is also frequently highlighted.
Yes, for experienced hikers, there are more challenging routes accessible by bus. For instance, the Lake Lauvitel – Lake Lauvitel loop from Les Escalons is a difficult 15.3 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a full day's adventure through high-altitude terrain.
Yes, some bus-accessible routes can be extended or lead to higher altitudes. While the main Lac Du Lauvitel is at 1530 meters, more experienced hikers can continue beyond to destinations like the Col du Vallon, where smaller lakes are nestled in a wilder high-mountain atmosphere, offering breathtaking views.


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