Serre-Ponçon Lake - Between Baie Saint-Michel and Baie des Moulettes

This walk allows you to discover the Lac de Serre-Ponçon with some fairly wild sections. It also offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.

Details

803677
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.82 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,099 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,109 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,133 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,549 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) Start from Baie Saint-Michel beach in the commune of Chorges. Head south

(1) Take the path marked in yellow, following the signs for Chanteloube.

(2) Turn right at the crossroads to reach the Belvédère des Curattes (signposted).

(3) There are two orientation tables offering a beautiful 360° view of the surrounding mountains (Dévoluy, Ecrins, Queyras, Ubaye, etc.).
Take a path on the right marked in orange.

(4) Join the route marked in yellow and follow it to the right towards Chanteloube. At an altitude of 875 metres, you will reach a crossroads.

(5) Continue straight ahead towards Chanteloube.

(6) Follow the road to the left, cross Chanteloube and continue to Baie des Moulettes.

(7) Passing over and then under the bridge, take the road that runs alongside Baie des Moulettes.

(8) At the place called "Les Trémouilles 798m", head north towards Baie Saint-Michel. Follow a well-marked path that climbs north and returns to the original route at the crossroads at elevation 875.

(5) Turn right and return to the crossroads you passed on the way there.

(4) Take the path opposite, which leads back to the starting crossroads.

(2) Follow the same route as on the way there to reach Baie Saint-Michel beach (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,589 ft - Baie Saint Michel beach - Lac de Serre-Ponçon
  2. 1 : mi 0.17 - alt. 2,579 ft - First signpost - La Durance
  3. 2 : mi 1.25 - alt. 2,769 ft - Turn right at the crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 1.67 - alt. 3,133 ft - Belvédère des Curattes
  5. 4 : mi 2.14 - alt. 2,831 ft - On the right, follow the yellow signposted path
  6. 5 : mi 2.23 - alt. 2,864 ft - Trail junction, opposite
  7. 6 : mi 2.66 - alt. 2,730 ft - Route to Chanteloube
  8. 7 : mi 3.09 - alt. 2,595 ft - Baie des Moulettes
  9. 8 : mi 3.81 - alt. 2,595 ft - Plage des Tremouilles
  10. S/E : mi 5.82 - alt. 2,589 ft - Baie Saint-Michel beach

Notes

The trail is fairly easy for the most part, but can become steep and slippery in short sections. Numerous ascents and descents allow you to cross several fords, which are usually dry.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 39 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
AlainFR94
AlainFR94

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2026
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

The walk took 3 hours 50 minutes, including a 30-minute picnic break at Trémouille beach, which was shaded and quite busy that Sunday (though the route itself wasn’t).
A very relaxed pace without pushing ourselves; there are ascents and descents but with moderate elevation changes, and a few steep sections which pose no particular problem unless you’re with children or have specific mobility concerns.
I should point out that the ground was completely dry; several sections are likely to be much more difficult and slippery when muddy.
I didn’t follow the route description at all, as I find it more practical to use the GPX track whilst hiking, and I found it fairly easy to follow.
The walk is varied, with several shaded sections – which is very pleasant when it starts to get hot – and magnificent views over the lake.
The final stretch follows a road and isn’t the most pleasant part; nevertheless, there’s a lovely view of the lake and it doesn’t actually take very long. There was relatively little traffic on this road, but it’s probably busier in high season.
All in all, I’m delighted with this superb walk.

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zouzou 69
zouzou 69

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We started the walk as described, but as the lake was at its lowest level, we went down to take a closer look at the submerged remains (roads, bridges, tunnels, shipwrecks) and walked as far as the Chanteloube viaduct, which we crossed in its entirety. We had a picnic at Trémouilles beach (a bit busier as the weather was lovely and there were picnic tables) and made our way back along the marked path.
There were some stunning views of the emerald-green lake, the chapel, the Morgon and the peaks of the Embrunnais.

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Alamaya
Alamaya

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike with magnificent views of the lake bays and mountains
Moderate difficulty, caution advised for children and those prone to vertigo, many ledge passages

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Micheldu01
Micheldu01

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This route is clearly not suitable in rainy weather or after rainfall.
Unfortunately, there is no longer an orientation table at the Curates' Viewpoints, but the view remains spectacular
I think the distance is underestimated; it seemed much longer to us

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Tiliviou
Tiliviou

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

Very easy hike in the cool woods most of the time with several views of the lake
Option to stop near the lake
Definitely the perfect hike for combining walking and relaxation

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User 3672543

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We started the hike in the morning when there weren't many people around. On the way back around midday, there were significantly more people.
The route is very beautiful, winding through small canyons, through the forest and then near the lake. It's just magnificent.
The alternating ascents and descents are interesting, although quite tiring! There is a short section on a road, but fortunately it's not very long.

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Another Day In The Nature
Another Day In The Nature

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At the end of winter, Lake Serre-Ponçon is a bit like a star without make-up: you discover its true face... and it's fascinating!
A very pretty hike with magnificent views that I made sure to film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4TaMjiZ...

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sylvie couriol
sylvie couriol

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike with numerous views of the lake, a stunning panorama from the viewpoint and the beautiful Baie des Moulettes.

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François.62
François.62

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike with a few difficulties.
Beautiful view of the lake.

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Sylvie_et_Didier
Sylvie_et_Didier

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with fantastic views of Lake Serre Ponçon. It requires a bit of effort, but you'll be rewarded quickly. Be careful when you reach Baie de Chanteloube, as the way back isn't very clear. Don't follow the sign for Baie Saint Michel.

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Samsteph14
Samsteph14

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike, a good climb on the way up. Great views, plenty of shade, lots of picnic tables after the water sports centre and nice places to swim.

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Sarrade
Sarrade

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike of moderate difficulty. Beautiful views of the lake and, in June, interesting varieties of flowers (pyramidal orchids, red helleborines, etc.).

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Sarrade
Sarrade

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant, moderately difficult short hike.

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ChauPloum
ChauPloum

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A fairly easy route with varied scenery. It is worth completing the route with the climb up to the viewpoint.

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Plateau d'Yzeron
Plateau d'Yzeron

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful landscapes, access to various beaches, including a naturist beach.

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