From Chanteloube to Saint-Michel, return via the Belvédère des Curattes viewpoint

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This hike is a real invitation to discover the natural and cultural wonders of the Serre-Ponçon region. Starting from Chanteloube Bay, the trail offers a unique experience for families that is accessible and enriching. The landscapes that open up onto Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains are breathtakingly beautiful. Continuing towards Baie Saint-Michel, you will be charmed by the sun's reflections on the water and the breathtaking view of the Chapelle Saint-Michel, a jewel set on its own little island. The return via the Curattes viewpoint is the highlight of this route. This spectacular viewpoint offers an unforgettable panorama, where the intense blue of the lake contrasts with the green hills and alpine peaks. This spot is also a perfect vantage point for admiring the Durance valley. An experience that will delight young and old alike and remain etched in your memory.

Details

n°67885793
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.62 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 325 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 330 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 956 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 777 m
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Photos

Modification to the EDF underground power line hike
View of the almost island of the turtle
Chanteloube Beach
View towards Chanteloube beach

Description of the walk

From Chorges or Espinasses, when you arrive at Chanteloube Bay, continue to the end of the tarmac road and park in car park P6.

(S/E) Go to the car park entrance, walk behind the recycling bins and follow the track that runs along the edge of the lake. Walk to the large beach and, behind the lifeguard hut, take the track that heads north.

(1) Take the path on the right to cross the stream bed, then continue along the lake to Pra de l'Ase.

(2) If the lake level allows, make the round trip to Île de la Tortue, but be careful with your shoes, as the ground can be muddy depending on the humidity.

(3) Retrace your steps.

(2) Take the path on the right and continue along the lake.

(4) At Serre de l'Aigle, follow the signs for Rougon until you reach a yellow marker painted on a pine tree.

(5) Turn right until you reach the next yellow marker.

(6) Continue slightly to the right to cross the stream bed, then pass under the mobile homes.

(7) Pass the car park on your left and continue on the right along the path that descends.

(8) When you reach the Rougon sign, continue straight ahead towards the Presqu'île de la Baie Saint-Michel.

(9) Enjoy the many viewpoints and turn back to the intersection with the yellow mark painted on a pine tree.

(5) Leave the path you took on the way there and take the path on the right heading north-northwest for about 700 metres.

(10) At the next crossroads, leave the track on the right and continue left on the path that climbs steeply through a thick pine forest to the viewpoint (superb panorama).

(11) Take the track towards Chanteloube, which descends towards the lake. Leave the track on the right and stay on the ridge.

(12) At the Les Curattes 860 m sign, take the path on the right towards Les Trémouilles. At the next crossroads, turn left.

(13) At the crossroads, take the path on the left towards the open space, stay on the ridge and return to the intersection you passed on the way there.

(1) Follow the outward route in reverse to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 793 m - Chanteloube P6 car park - Lac de Serre-Ponçon
  2. 1 : km 0.84 - alt. 798 m - Crossing the circular
  3. 2 : km 1.74 - alt. 780 m - Pra de l'Ase. Return trip to the island
  4. 3 : km 2.06 - alt. 778 m - Turtle Island
  5. 4 : km 3.87 - alt. 817 m - Serre de l'Aigle
  6. 5 : km 4.12 - alt. 794 m - Yellow marker painted on a pine tree. Return trip to the peninsula.
  7. 6 : km 4.42 - alt. 803 m - Fork at the yellow marker
  8. 7 : km 4.77 - alt. 812 m - Car park
  9. 8 : km 4.97 - alt. 788 m - Rougon
  10. 9 : km 5.21 - alt. 778 m - Saint-Michel Peninsula
  11. 10 : km 6.83 - alt. 841 m - Crossroads of trails
  12. 11 : km 7.47 - alt. 955 m - Belvédère des Curattes
  13. 12 : km 8.13 - alt. 844 m - Les Curattes 860 m
  14. 13 : km 8.67 - alt. 864 m - Trail junction
  15. S/E : km 9.62 - alt. 793 m

Notes

This hike offers a variety of experiences depending on the season. In winter, wear suitable footwear as the ground can be muddy and slippery in places. In summer, enjoy the Bay of Chanteloube for a bite to eat and water sports. There is a large water source at the Belvédère des Curattes, ideal for taking a break. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit to cool off during the hot months.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Annick Praderes
Annick Praderes

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike with beautiful views of the lake, perfect route, pure pleasure. Best done in dry weather, but that's often the case in this wonderful region. Thank you for this route.

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lemarcheur65
lemarcheur65 ★
• Edited:

Hello Anne from Nièvre
Thank you for your comments.
Updates made.

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Anne de la Nièvre
Anne de la Nièvre
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Contrary to what you might think from looking at the Visorando map, the walk does not start right by the lake or on flat ground. It is higher up and more like a roller coaster, and as it alternates between wooded areas and rocky terrain, it is never boring. For much of the hike, there are beautiful views of the lake, either from above or at water level. Descending after the viewpoint, you can also see the semi-submerged railway bridge at Chanteloube.
Following the route as described is not always easy, especially if, like me, you're doing it the old-fashioned way without electronic or satellite assistance, as there are many secondary paths and forks in the road in some places (so doing it in the opposite direction must be even more complicated). Note that at No. 10, the crossroads mentioned is located at a black conduit running along the ground.
PS: some comments I made in the first version of my review were taken into account by Visorando on the same day, so thank you to the moderator! I have therefore removed these comments from the updated version of this review.

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User 3968089

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with varied landscapes and beautiful, very pleasant views.
Another way to see the lake
When I did it this season, there was hardly anyone there, whereas during the summer it must be very busy given the many well-marked paths that line the route.
So the app is a great help. Thank you

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User 27587100

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A hike not to be missed!!! Incredible views! However, do not attempt in rainy weather! Risk of slipping

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User 3658743

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk with magnificent views and landscapes almost all the way along.
The omnipresent views of the lakes and Mediterranean vegetation are reminiscent of the French Riviera. If it weren't for the mountains in the background, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Giens rather than the Hautes-Alpes!

I highly recommend it!

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benom74
benom74

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

a nice route, but quite busy and potentially challenging in rainy conditions if the path becomes muddy and slippery. However, the elevation gain exceeds 500 metres rather than 300 metres, and the last two car parks charge a fee in summer. This adds an extra 500 metres x2 if you want to avoid paying. There are Mediterranean vibes in certain places and the viewpoint is pretty, but you have to work for it after a good climb through the forest. There are many places to swim along the route

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reginedelempdes
reginedelempdes

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with lovely views of Lake Serre Ponçon and a very shady route, which we really appreciated as it was 34°C. We actually shortened it a little on the way back by following some country markings

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Sissi
Sissi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did the hike in reverse because we were camping at St Michel Bay, so we set off without a car. Cove after cove, it's magnificent. The climb up to Les Curattes is the hardest part, but not difficult.
A must-do...

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Kicri
Kicri

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A word of advice: don't miss this outing. And don't forget your cameras. You can extend the walk by following the lakeside path to Saint-Michel Bay.
In April, when the lake is at its lowest level, you can walk to the chapel of the same name. Take the car and park at the Roustourias roadside car park. It's not difficult, but be careful on the final climb.

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Lafalla
Lafalla

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent hike along the lake at the start of the route. Superb scenery and, on the way back, a beautiful view of the entire lake from the viewpoint. A few short steep climbs, but it's really worth it. I highly recommend it.

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Mathilde1789
Mathilde1789

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did a magnificent hike in Crete in mid-March. It hadn't rained for a while, so it was dry, which meant we enjoyed it even more. The end is a bit more challenging, with steeper climbs and descents, but the circular route is well worth it. The section to St Michèle Bay isn't really necessary; we turned back at the bottom of the campsite

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sylviane henner
sylviane henner

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are breathtaking. No particular difficulties. The only downside is that the paths are very muddy at this time of year, but that's the price you pay for not encountering many other people. With walking poles and good shoes, it's no problem.
We were delighted with our day 🤩

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FRAMBOISE04
FRAMBOISE04

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route was not very busy, undoubtedly due to the muddy and frozen ground, which in places transformed the narrow, steep path into a veritable ice rink.

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