Lauvitel Lake

Description

This family hike in the Lauvitel valley leads to the lake of the same name: a jewel set in the steep rocky slopes coming down from the summits of Rochail (3022 m), the top of the Muraillette (3019 m) and the Lauvitel signal (2901 m). Owing to its depth (68 m), its surface area (37,2ha) and its volume of water (6, 8 million m3): the Lauvitel is a lake that holds many records. It is adjacent to the Lauvitel nature reserve, which is closed to the public. Created in 1955 for "a reinforced protection of the fauna and the flora for scientific purposes", it is the first place of this kind to have been created in a French National Park. Cross the Danchère and continue along a good track to the crossroads near to the Lauvitel stream (Ecrins National Park noticeboard). Go up the paved path on the left, on the right bank of the stream. The track is bordered by dry stone walls which separate them from the cultivated fields. Cross the Selles stream near to the catchment area then follow the bends through the deciduous trees and the spruce trees. Cross numerous springs which are really resurgences from the lake. After having crossed a clearing with beautiful prairies, come out on to a lower shelf which leads to the edge of the Lauvitel (1530 m). For the return treck, follow the lake towards the cabins. At the fork, take the path to the right which goes down to the Danchère on the left bank of the stream. For the return journey along the lake towards the huts. At the fork, take the right path to reach halfway through the trailhead on the right bank of the creek. Down to Danchère, through the hamlet in reverse to reach the parking.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• The Southern part of the lake and the bottom of the valley are classed as nature reserves: space prohibited to the public and dedicated to research. Attention, the Lauvitel valley is subject to avalanche risk.

Getting there

Start: Les Ougiers, Les Deux Alpes (38).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/919156-Le-lac-Lauvitel). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 701 m, Parc national des Écrins