The 7 most beautiful hikes in Lake Allos

Discover the largest natural lake of altitude in Europe during a hike in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence... Here are the 7 most beautiful hikes to Lake Allos!

Located north of Verdon, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Allos Lake is the largest natural lake of altitude in all of Europe. Its crystal clear waters extend within a splendid natural landscape, which contains some unforgettable hikes. But what are the best hikes in Lake Allos? In this article, Wanderlix presents the most beautiful trails. They train you in the tops of the Mercantour Natural Park, in the heart of majestic and wild landscapes, populated with chamois, eagles and marmots.

Are you dreaming of a trek in the heart of the Alps? The bivouac is allowed! Between 7pm and 9am, you can camp at an hour walk from the park or the last car access.

1. The Allos Lake loop from the Laus parking lot

Would you like to admire the lake in all its splendor? Here is one of the best hikes in Lake Allos to discover the richness of the natural site. Go to the Laus car park to start this route in a loop. You'll start with a 45-minute winding climb, but this first difficulty is worth it. The rest of the trail quietly outlines the lake, offering beautiful landscapes. Information panels mark the course.

In winter, the frozen lake is a breathtaking beauty. In the spring, the sun darts its rays on water and biodiversity awakens. With luck, you'll cross biches, chamois and marmots!

Note: In the middle of the season, the trail is very frequent. The car park of the Laus becomes paying (10 € for cars and 5 € for motorcycles) and it often displays complete from the beginning of the morning.

2. Lake Allos, Lake Garrets and Lake Petite Cayolle

Would you like to discover more than Allos Lake? This beautiful loop route leads you to the tops of the Mercantour National Park. On the programme: spectacular views of Lake Allos, but also on Lake Garrets and Lake Petite Cayolle.

This is certainly one of the best hikes in Lake Allos for lovers of sporting challenges. And for cause, the course rises to 2,675 meters above sea level! If you have dizziness, be careful: the last part of the rando will be in trouble. Well, team up properly. Provide good walking shoes and warm clothes, even in summer.

During this hike in Lake Allos, you will evolve in the heart of lunar landscapes. It is an opportunity to admire the languid flight of eagles that populate the summits... It's a real mess!

3. The tower of the lake of Allos by the pass of the Encombrette

If you want to take a little back to admire the sculptural beauty of Lake Allos and the mountains surrounding it, this hike is made for you. It makes you follow the Col de l’Encombrette, describing a nearly-perfect circle around the lake. The landscapes are simply magical, not to mention the richness of fauna and flora. Bouquetins, chamois and marmots await you at the turn of the paths. A moment of escape out of time!

However, the trail is reserved for seasoned hikers. It crosses summits that overlook the Mercantour National Park: La Petite Tour (2,693 meters above sea level), La Grande Tour (2,745 meters above sea level) and the Avalanche Mountain (2,729 meters above sea level). The views of the surrounding area are breathtaking, but they must be merited!

4. The tower of Lake Allos from the Cluite parking lot

The tower of Lake Allos from the Cluite parking lot looks like the one from the Laus parking lot. Moreover, you will cross the lake, which is significantly closer to the lake. To find out which parking is open during your stay, contact the tourist office of Val d’Allos.

It is an easy and well-marked path, accessible to the whole family. Just take care of the last section of the course: the snow is well-sewn and can cause slippers. In any case, you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Allos and the surrounding mountains: the Petite Montagne, the Petite Tour, the Grande Tour, the Montagne de l’Avalanche or the Garrets Summit.

5. Mount Pelat

Visit the Laus car park to start one of the most beautiful hikes in Lake Allos. The latter trains you on Mount Pelat, which culminates the Upper Verdon with its 3,051 meters high. If the ascent is reserved for good hikers, the game is worth the candle. From above, you will enjoy an incredible view of the Mercantour National Park... and of course, on the vast and majestic Lake of Allos.

Those suffering from vertigo may not be able to finish the ascent of Mount Pelat. But the trail also offers its lot of treasures: light, torrents, groves, marmots...

Remember: in the summer, the parking lot of the Laus is paid. Count 10 € for a car and 5 € for a motorcycle.

6. The Col de l’Encombrette and its lakes

This hike to Lake Allos also passes through the Col de l’Encombrette, but taking a different path. It gives you a wide range of landscapes: green plateaus, forests, valleys... and also allows you to admire stunning views of Lake Allos. At the end of the itinerary, you will reach a pastoral hut that offers a splendid view of the lakes of the Encombrette. All you have to do is turn around!

A nice trail to immerse yourself in the wild nature of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

7. The collar of the Little Cayolle

Discover the lunar landscapes to the east of the lake of Allos through the paths of the collar of the Petite Cayolle. With an altitude of 2,639 metres, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. It opens on various lakes, in particular Petite Cayolle Lake and Allos Lake. Throughout the route, charming landscapes await you. With a little luck, you'll come across ibuns, chamois and marmots.

Ascension requires a small level of hiking, but the descent is done smoothly. You can quite embark on the adventure with children. Note, however, that the trail is very frequent in the summer.