Lac de Trécolpas and return via the Refuge de la Cougourde

This is a fine route with the beautiful Lac de Trécolpas at the foot of the Pas des Ladres.

Please note that following storm Alex, the start of the hike on the right bank is no longer possible and must therefore be made on the left bank.

Details

n°75250
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.95 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,293 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,290 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,231 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,240 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Take the Vallée de la Vésubie to Saint-Martin-Vésubie, then head towards Le Boréon and finally La Vacherie du Boréon. Park in the car park.

(S/E) At marker 419, take the left bank track up the torrent, then a second track on the left to cross over a wooden footbridge to marker 380, further east than shown on the map (0h15). Go up to the right, following the yellow markings, and the path leads to the beautiful Cascades de Peïrastrèche (0h30).

(1) Continue to marker 423 (0h15) just above the Peïrastrèche bridge.

This passage is no longer possible since storm Alex. At the end of the track just after the start, turn right and follow the GR®52 to the Pont de Peïrastrèche.

(2) Continue up the right bank to marker 424 (0h20).
Leave the left-hand path and continue on the GR®52as far as marker 425 (0h05).

(3) Leave the path on the left that leads to the Refuge de la Cougourde. Cross the torrent and climb a steeper slope to reach marker 427 (0h45) at the foot of Lac de Trécolpas.

(4) Turn right to discover the magnificent Lac de Trécolpas with its island (0h10).

(5) Take a break to look around. To get to the refuge, return to marker 427.

(4) Take the path to the right that passes through a large scree marked with cairns. This continues up the mountainside, crosses a magnificent torrent and arrives at the Refuge de la Cougourde, marker 426 (0h40).

(6) A return trip to Lac des Peatlands is possible by turning right (of no interest).
At marker 426, as you come from the refuge, turn left and climb a fairly steep slope to reach a large stone scree and the small lake where there was not much water left (0h30).

(7) The return journey takes the same route, with the chance of seeing a few chamois.

From the refuge, the descent begins with a steep climb back to the crossroads taken at the start at marker 425 (0h25) and the GR®52.

(3) Follow the path in the opposite direction, passing waymarker 424 (0h05) and continuing along the GR®52as far as the Pont de Peïrastrèche, waymarker 423 (0h10).

(2) Cross the torrent and after a few hairpin bends, arrive at Chalet Vidron, marker 422 (0h15), well hidden behind a small pond in this thick forest.

(8) Continue through the forest to reach marker 421 (0h15), take the path through the forest and then turn left onto a track leading down to the Vacherie du Boréon and the car park, marker 419 (0h15) (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,246 ft - Car park - Vacherie du Boréon
  2. 1 : mi 0.98 - alt. 5,866 ft - Peïrastrèche waterfalls
  3. 2 : mi 1.26 - alt. 6,043 ft - Beacon 423 - Peïrastrèche Bridge
  4. 3 : mi 1.82 - alt. 6,319 ft - Beacon 425 - Refuge/Lake intersection
  5. 4 : mi 2.39 - alt. 6,939 ft - Beacon 427 - at the foot of Lac de Trécolpas - Lac de Trécolpas
  6. 5 : mi 2.49 - alt. 7,070 ft - Lake Trécolpas - Lac de Trécolpas
  7. 6 : mi 3.7 - alt. 6,929 ft - Beacon 426 - Refuge de Cougourde
  8. 7 : mi 4.12 - alt. 7,224 ft - Lac des Sagnes
  9. 8 : mi 5.98 - alt. 5,761 ft - Beacon 422, Chalet Vidron
  10. S/E : mi 6.95 - alt. 5,253 ft - Car park - Vacherie du Boréon. Near the - Boréon (torrent - Affluent de la Vésubie

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 104 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
dodijl
dodijl

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We hadn’t been on this route for a while; the path has been resurfaced and gravelled.

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User 8858233

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk starting from the Vacherie du Boréon car park.
Beautiful scenery: forests, a river and mountain pastures. A few chamois and ibex.
A superb lake at the end of the walk.
Return via the Refuge de la Cougourde.
Allow 4–4½ hours’ walking without stops.

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Pep's 06
Pep's 06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A fairly easy, popular walk. Lovely views.

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Pierre-Louis74
Pierre-Louis74

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike that’s a must-do when staying in Saint-Martin. The welcome at the mountain hut is excellent.

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ROLLETB
ROLLETB

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very accessible hike with a beautiful lake and a good chance of spotting ibex and chamois, but its accessibility means the trail is too crowded, even in late September

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Beurotte Hélène
Beurotte Hélène

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

After the tranquillity of Lake Trecolpas, the Cougourde mountain refuge seems very busy, as they serve delicious, generously portioned lasagne there.

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krapahutte
krapahutte

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A bit of traffic, but nothing too bad; however, we didn’t see any animals

A lovely walk

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pag06
pag06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, just as described.
Lots of chamois. Quite a few people

As for road access: no problems, even though some sat-navs indicate the road is closed.

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EmmDu13
EmmDu13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk in the Borléon. It’s true that the storm seems to have altered the route slightly, but it’s very well signposted!
The walk around Lac des Sagnes is well worth doing. There were plenty of ibex to be seen.

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User 15681501

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, but it was very crowded. Luckily, there were plenty of chamois too!

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philmbg
philmbg

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 25, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A really lovely hike. At the end of May, there was a huge snowfield to cross before reaching the lake. Lots of ibex!
We returned without stopping at the mountain hut.

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dunlop
dunlop

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

Beautiful autumn hike. Well-maintained trail with lots of lovely steps. The car park is accessible despite the roadworks. Saw some chamois on the way up, at the partially frozen lake, which is normal for this season, a mother chamois and her young, towards the bottom of the lake. All the other hikers stayed near the lake, in the sun, so we enjoyed watching them, then a stoat in its winter coat put on a show for us. The lake remained almost completely in the shade and the wind was icy.
We returned via the refuge, where a magnificent male chamois was resting 15 metres from the chalet, completely unafraid, and we passed within 10 metres of him. We didn't go any higher, as the days are short at this time of year.
The route was quite busy for the season.

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oenolatre
oenolatre

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

This is a pleasant hike with no technical difficulties. The path between B427 and B426 can be tricky in wet weather. Many of the roots can be slippery, and as the path is on a slope, it can be dangerous. The detour via Lac des Sagnes is not essential at this time of year as there is not much water in the lake.

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Corentin_robb
Corentin_robb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I was very pleasantly surprised. The trail is very easy, quite physical, but be careful at this time of year with snow and ice, so remember to wrap up warm. It's windy at the top.
Be sure to return before nightfall, as sunset is around 5:00–5:30 p.m.
We didn't see any ibex.
Enjoy every moment and every ray of sunshine.

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kikicobra65
kikicobra65

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 18, 2025
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, accessible to everyone. No difficulty.
A beautiful day, the lake is perfect for a picnic break.
Unfortunately, we didn't see any ibex, but there were cows instead.
The return trip via the Cougourde refuge is easy, but watch out for the scree slope, which can be hard on your ankles.
The only downside is that it gets quite busy.
I would come back to camp here.

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