Lac de Clausis

In a lush green setting, Lac de Clausis offers a relaxing break with friends or children after a short climb that is accessible to all.

Details

2305420
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.63 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 420 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 420 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,449 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,029 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the "Les Claux" car park.

(S/E) Follow the forest track towards Lac de Clausis (yellow markings) until you reach the Bergerie du Bois Noir.

(1) At the sheepfold (signpost), follow the track to the right, crossing the bridge over Le Cristillan, and continue along the track to the junction in front of Cabane de la Lavine.

(2) At the Cabane (signpost), take the path that climbs to the right into the forest. The path narrows and winds its way up to the mountain pastures, crosses the stream and arrives at Lac de Clausis.

(3) Walk around part of the lake and descend via the same route to the Les Claux car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,029 m - Les Claux car park
  2. 1 : km 0.4 - alt. 2,052 m - Bergerie du Bois Noir - Cristillan (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Guil
  3. 2 : km 1.59 - alt. 2,147 m - Etable des Génisses - Cabane de la Lavine
  4. 3 : km 3.24 - alt. 2,444 m - Lac de Clausis
  5. S/E : km 6.63 - alt. 2,029 m - Les Claux car park

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
boubbou.com
boubbou.com

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A short family walk around Lake Clausis, which is resistant to drought. We recommend climbing up to the Clausis Pass, which separates the Ubaye and Queyras valleys. There are beautiful views on both sides, and the climb takes just 45 minutes

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sadded
sadded

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little hike to do with the family.
On the way back, we usually cross the river at point 2 and take the path (on the left!). It's easy, pleasant and makes a change from the way there.

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User 7547724

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It's always a treat to reach the lake after a continuous and somewhat steep climb. The stream we follow reveals a beautiful stone basin. It's impressive what nature can do. It's a shame that the change in weather prevented us from climbing up to the pass. But the lake is still as beautiful as ever, as is the view of the valley below. As usual, the descent is harder than the climb.

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Cedced36
Cedced36
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

It's not very busy at this time of year, so I suppose it must be different in the summer. Nice climb but not insurmountable. Magnificent lake. Watch out for the snow at this time of year. Some passages can be hidden, especially above streams. A minimum of caution.

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Randamont
Randamont

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The arrival at the lake is magnificent and well worth the effort of the climb. Ideal for a family picnic by the lake.

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HBFAM
HBFAM

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very easy and pleasant walk.

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Iwillpalette
Iwillpalette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike to Lake Clausis, then on to the pass. No difficulty.

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agen131
agen131

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike with breathtaking views at the end. We pushed on to the pass and the summit of Rissace for the five-star view.

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ABran
ABran

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk for families and friends. A pleasant environment, without too many difficulties.
Very happy with all the walks starting from Ceillac!

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TITOPHE
TITOPHE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Easy walk. It is also possible to head towards the Col de la Cula first. Then, after 1.5 km, follow the sign on the right indicating the direction of the lake. The path is charming, passing through forest and meadows, and you will soon encounter marmots.

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FLEURPATOU
FLEURPATOU

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

a beautiful hike that is not too difficult, as is often the case in Queyras, with spectacular scenery

Definitely worth doing

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HUPAT
HUPAT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant walk.

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saint-didier
saint-didier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike. Option to go up to the pass, adding 300 metres to enjoy the view over the Ubaye Valley. This means the hike can be adapted to suit everyone's fitness level.

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glaciers
glaciers

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Moderate hike in its interest.
A few curious marmots...
The lake is not very big, but the setting is pleasant.
You can walk all the way around the lake.
That day, we met a very friendly local hunter who sang the praises of his region.
All in all, a great day in the mountains.
Thanks to the author for sharing.

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laudan13
laudan13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 25, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This is a pleasant hike because it starts on a wide path that allows you to warm up before tackling the steeper switchbacks towards the lake. For the more adventurous, continue on to the Clausis Pass, which offers a beautiful view.

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