Lac de l'Eychauda

Date of walk : Sep 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

SUPER hike - done in September 2025 (so inevitably not many people) under beautiful sunshine - the lake is splendid - if you still have some energy left, I recommend climbing up to the Col des Grangettes... the view is superb
No difficulty along the entire route - you need to use your hands a little when you reach the pass, but my husband, who is prone to vertigo, had no problems

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Date of walk : Aug 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hike completed in mid-August with two children aged 6 and 9.
We set off in the cool of the morning at 9 a.m. The car park was already almost full. We started out in the shade and it was a bit chilly (10 degrees), but then the climb was in full sun. We found water (streams) about halfway up. Otherwise, it's a non-stop 800-metre climb, the last 400 metres of which are a series of switchbacks. However, the effort is very consistent and the gradient increases very slowly. It took us 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach the lake.
There was a cool breeze when we arrived (a jumper was essential). We had a picnic by the lake.
We pushed on to the Col des Grangettes. It took another 30 minutes for a breathtaking view that was well worth the extra effort.
We were treated to a herd of marmots during the long descent.
All in all, it was a beautiful hike. Not difficult in itself, but the endless climb may put some people off.

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Date of walk : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very popular hike.
Beautiful climb to the lake on a very clean trail.
We decided to extend the hike to the Col des Grangettes for a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
A few marmots added to the fun of the hike.
My round trip from the car park to the pass was less than 13 km with an elevation gain of 1,100 m.

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Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

superb

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Date of walk : Jul 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful hike and superb lake.
No difficulty for regular walkers. For others, take the elevation gain into account.
Be careful of the temperature at the lake. It can get cold when it's windy.
My only regret is not going all the way to the Col des Grangettes.
I'd like to do it again, but this time I'll do the loop via the pass.

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Date of walk : Sep 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The starting point for this hike is a pretty alpine village opening onto a mountain cirque. Parking is very easy. The climb is long but steady and without difficulty. It's good endurance training amid marmots running from rock to rock. The view is wide open onto the surrounding peaks. The arrival at the lake is a bit windy. For those who still have energy left, you can climb up to the Col des Grangettes, where there is a beautiful view of the lake. The path is more difficult, narrow and rocky, and the exit onto the pass is via a fairly steep rock face. It can be climbed without too much difficulty, but the descent is technical. The last 20 metres are not essential as the view is better on the Eychauda side.

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Date of walk : Sep 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike with a fairly long climb that isn't difficult. However, on this beautiful September day, the wind picked up on the last 100 metres, forcing us to cover up quickly when we reached the lake as the temperature dropped. Coming from the valley, the wind was strong, accelerated by the venturi effect, and even stronger at the pass where we went. There was a strong wind in the air. But it's probably not always like that. The descent is nice with a good view of the trail in the distance. Sheep provided some entertainment. It was perfect.

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Date of walk : Sep 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

From point 3, the climb becomes steep. You can continue to the Col des Grangettes, where you will be rewarded with a view of the Cuisine Valley. You will need to use your hands for the last few metres

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Date of walk : Sep 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The final climb to the lake (from point 3) is steep. It is possible to continue on to the pass

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Date of walk : Sep 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very beautiful hike. The route isn't very demanding, but the climb is a bit challenging (however, from the car park, I reached the lake in well under two hours, even though that was the estimated time). It takes less than 30 minutes extra to get to the pass, which is really worth the detour and the climb, even if you need to use your hands at the end, it's not impossible. If you're prone to vertigo, don't worry, as the climb is fairly easy! I recommend it, the lake is stunning. The landscape is very rocky and beautiful.

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Date of walk : Jul 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very interesting hike
We arrived at the lake to find a wonderful surprise: it was still frozen and truly beautiful
We climbed up to the Col des Grangettes, which was steep but doable. The last 15 metres of the climb required the use of our hands
Magnificent view of the lake and the other side
Return to the lake without any major difficulties, provided you pay attention
We were able to see the lake change and thaw
Return to the car park via the same route

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Date of walk : Oct 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

We took advantage of the exceptional weather for early October. This hike is pleasant and easy to the lake at this time of year, when the heat is moderate and there are very few people around. We saw more marmots (very fat ones!) than humans on the way up to the lake!

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Date of walk : Aug 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

After a long flat stretch, the climb up to the lake is tough. The lake itself is of moderate interest. Keep going to the Col des Grangettes, where you can enjoy views of the glaciers. The balcony path is not recommended due to slippery ground.

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Date of walk : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike, impossible to get lost.
Not too crowded in June, with ice and snow still on the lake.
A magnificent, safe walk. Avoid the Col des Grangettes if it's busy, as the descent on the other side is very difficult

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Date of walk : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike, but it's a shame to stop there. You should continue on to the Col des Grangettes, where the view is magnificent, both of the lake and of the valley on the other side.

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