Sentier du bord de Lac

Key facts

Distance: 13.4 km
Ascent: +455 m
Descent: −298 m
Estimated time: 3 hr 35; hiking
Difficulty: Moderate; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Description

This wild trail along a lakeshore path offers new perspectives. The showstopper is at the Chanteloube viaduct. From the Baie St-Michel, follow the shores of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon for several kilometres. A succession of rises takes you to numerous combes with their characteristic black earth. Relish the shade as you pass through forested areas. Then, in no time at all, you are back near the lake, admiring the view. At the end of the trail, discover the famous Chanteloube viaduct, which is totally submerged in the summer season. From the car park, head down the road towards Chanteloube via Serre de l'Aigle. At « la plage des pommiers » take the track on the right at the gate. - After a few metres, take the path leading uphill to the right, towards Chanteloube. - At the next intersection (« sous les Curattes ») head towards the beach of Trémouilles and Chanteloube via the lakeshore ("Plage de Trémouilles", "Chanteloube par littoral"). - Then, carry on in this direction until you come to « Pra de l'As » and turn left. You emerge from the forest and when you come to the beach take the path on the right. At the next intersection, turn left. When you come to the beach, go past the car park and follow the road to the Pont de Chanteloube, for a there-and-back detour. After going past the viaduct, carry on along the path to reach the road. - After a few metres, go under the bridge and join the road left towards the Chapelle St-Jacques a few hundred metres further up.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

This route leads through areas exposed to the sun: hats are recommended. Remember that you are sharing the path with other users.

Getting there

Start: Baie St Michel, Chorges, Chorges (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/974018-Sentier-du-bord-de-Lac). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Official elevation gain: 455 m, Parc national des Écrins