Lac des Béraudes

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Here is a classic short hike in the Clarée Valley. No one has published it to date, which is why I am suggesting it. A magnificent little lake is the destination, accessible to families who enjoy hiking and to dogs.
This lake could well have been called Emerald Green Lake, as its colour is reminiscent of a precious stone set in a mineral setting. The landscape is spectacular, with its vertiginous cliffs and wild vegetation. The environment has remained in its natural state, but you’re sure to find a rock or two where you can sit down for a rustic picnic.

Details

n°41373141
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.11 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 481 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 480 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,504 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,021 m
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Photos

Lac des Béraudes and Col des Béraudes
Arrival at the lake
Start of the ascent

Description of the walk

The start is at the Laval car park. It can be reached by car or by shuttle bus during the summer months from the Névache car park.

(S/E) Start by heading north towards the Refuge des Drayères.

(1) At the sign pointing towards Lac des Béraudes, turn left and cross the bridge over the Clarée.

(2) Turn left and cross through a wooded area.

(3) Cross a first small stream, the flow of which is likely to vary depending on the season, then a second, larger one, which should not present any difficulty even during the snowmelt. Reach Lac des Béraudes.

(4) The descent follows the same path back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,023 m - Parking de Laval
  2. 1 : km 0.12 - alt. 2,029 m - Junction
  3. 2 : km 0.37 - alt. 2,027 m - Junction
  4. 3 : km 1 - alt. 2,177 m - Crossing a small stream
  5. 4 : km 2.01 - alt. 2,504 m - Lac des Béraudes
  6. S/E : km 4.11 - alt. 2,024 m - Parking de Laval

Notes

There are no water sources along the route. There are streams nearby where dogs can drink and cool off.

Worth a visit

Once at the lake, you can extend the walk to the Col des Béraudes for a magnificent view of the Guisane Valley. Allow an extra hour for the ascent.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.2 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
User 23693733

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

A hike bathed in autumn colours in the lower section and very rocky in the upper section towards the lake. Magnificent scenery throughout this hike. No particular difficulty. You can continue beyond the lake towards the Col des Béraudes either by following the lake on your left or by going to the far end of the lake and taking a path that winds upwards and joins the first path. We didn't have enough time to do this extension, but we'll do it next year.

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Azevedo lm
Azevedo lm

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Admittedly, the climb up to the Ricou refuge is steep, but the destination (Lake Beraudes) is worth it. It's a very beautiful hike, with open landscapes offering lovely views of the surroundings. Highly recommended, yes, although there is a risk of encountering more people in the long run. Best done in autumn, if possible

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AUGER NAT
AUGER NAT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

Hike completed today starting from the car park in Laval. Please note that parking costs €10 while waiting for the shuttle service in July.
This hike is challenging due to the steep 2 km climb and dry terrain.
However, we did meet some families with babies in backpacks. A little risky, perhaps.
This lake is stunning because the sun gives it magical colours.
We planned this outing because we knew that storms were coming in the afternoon.
To get there without paying, you have to add another 4 to 6 km.
Nathalie

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VirginieL
VirginieL

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Despite the beauty of the starting point in Laval, we weren’t entirely won over by this climb up to Lac de Béraudes. A steep ascent to a stunning lake in a beautiful setting, an open cirque, followed by a steep descent along the same route. Not my fondest memory of the Clarée Valley.

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Kpi
Kpi

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

The difficulty level is very poorly assessed: the tourist office does indeed classify this route as difficult. Having done it with a 5-year-old (the ‘family-friendly’ rating seems excessive to me), I would not recommend the experience. More than half of the hike consists of tricky sections requiring sure-footedness, and several of the fords are slippery.
Wear high-top, waterproof boots, take walking poles, and bring more water than you would normally expect to need!

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