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2020 220620141147 Rémi Morel Ot Vars

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Rémi Morel - OT Vars

High altitude lakes

50 shades of blue

Don’t be afraid of a hot summer! With the multitude of lakes that adorn our region, whether natural, at altitude or man-made… You’re bound to find a cool oasis within easy reach!

Heatwave?

Never heard of it!

Remains of ancient glaciers or shaped by the hand of man, high altitude lakes fascinate and are often the goal of hikers in search of life-size thrills. Mirrors of the surrounding vegetation and peaks, they reflect the sky and scenery to double the dose of beauty.

Let’s set off on a fascinating and hypnotic journey into the great blue of the peaks.

As if you were there

Un été loin de la canicule... - Vars
Un été loin de la canicule... - Vars
Discovering

of our lakes

Lac de l’Etoile is a very ethereal lake, surrounded by the green of scattered tufts of grass that colour a very mineral setting filling a crevasse in the ridge line. Nothing stands between it and the sky, whose clouds are easily reflected in its limpid waters, reminiscent of a sapphire set in the rocky mass. It is not unusual for a tongue of snow to lick the shores of the lake at the beginning of the season, when it is at its most generous with water.

The vastness that surrounds it makes it smaller than it appears and, perched at 2755m, it is the centre of a round of peaks, each more majestic than the last. It’s a place that feels like the end of the world, flooded with pure air and the vertigo of virgin immensity. The trail winds along the ridges, which resemble rollercoasters with peaks softened by erosion.

The Lake of Nine Colours is a little jewel to be discovered: nestling in the pink rocks, it seems to be set in a jewel box with multiple colour variations, from glacier blue to turquoise, depending on the direction of the sun. This is what gives it its name. An ideal spot for picnics and contemplation.

To add to the magic of the place, if you hear pebbles tumbling down the surrounding scree, try to keep calm, as these are only stones moved by the many ibex that inhabit the area. They often make majestic appearances, in pairs or in herds, to enhance the area with their presence.

The most accessible of the Vars lakes is located on the Grandes Alpes road, the D902, on the way to the Col de Vars. Did you know that this was the original site of the Vars ski resort? The architect Le Corbusier himself had imagined a ski resort here. History decided otherwise, and it was Napoleon’s legacy that left its mark with the construction of the refuge of the same name in 1858.

Naturally located on a marshy site fed by the Chagne torrent, it is particularly popular with trout fishermen. It offers a pleasant place to relax on the footpaths leading to the Col de Vars. It will also be a popular spot for touring hikers on the Route des Grandes Alpes, who will be able to rest here and enjoy the warm welcome and good food at the Napoléon refuge.

This lake may have been shaped by man, but it is nonetheless in its rightful place in the surrounding mountain landscape. Built on a plateau, it supplies the snow guns in winter and becomes a haven of peace in summer, easily accessible by the Vars Sainte-Marie chairlift or by footpaths from the hamlet of the same name for the more adventurous.

Surrounded by a larch forest, Lac de Peyrol acts as an oasis, ideal for picnics on the grass or on one of the wooden tables provided. For fans of great shots, the lake is a perfect reflection of the surrounding trees, giving the landscape a special depth that makes it a real ‘Instagram spot’.

Take to the skies with the whole family thanks to the Chabrières telemix!
Head to an altitude of 2,210 metres for an outing that’s accessible to everyone, whatever their age.
It’s an outing that’s got it all: easy, fast and with breathtaking views.
Once you’ve reached the summit, Lac de Chabrières is the ideal starting point for a great adventure. Follow the yellow signposts on the Queen’s interpretation trail, which will take you gently up to the Col de Vars. You can also take the marmot wellness trail from the télémix.
Fancy a bit of exercise?
Near the lake, there’s a fitness trail with 11 stations: slalom, double ladder, balance beam, giant steps, parallel bars… It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and have fun at the same time! A combination of nature, relaxation and physical activity, this outing ticks all the boxes!

It is forbidden for visitors and dogs to swim in the mountain lakes. Please respect this rule to preserve the quality of the water and the fragility of these natural environments.

Always more

Taking on the summits

Discover some of our most beautiful hikes!

To find out more