Lac Fourchu and return via the Chalets de la Barrière

A superb family hike to discover a mountain lake perched at an altitude of 2,000 metres.
The more adventurous can take a dip, while others can enjoy a picnic with their feet in the water.
On the way back, you can discover the magnificent little Rioupéroux stream.
This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.24 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,388 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,388 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,745 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,338 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

This hike starts at the Lac du Poursollet car park, located north-east of La Morte (please note that the car park is very busy in summer and the access road is not cleared of snow in winter).

(S/E) To start the route, take the path that branches off to the right after the car park reserved for various traders and summer visitors to the lodges. Don't worry about the sign pointing you in the direction of the other path, we'll come back to it later.
Cross the row of chalets, staying on the main path. Then, at the exit of this hamlet, veer slightly to the left to head due east.

(1) Follow the signs for Plateau des Lacs on theGR®50almost to Lac Fourchu.
The trail begins its ascent in the forest, starting off fairly gently, then gradually giving way to shorter vegetation and steeper slopes.

(2) Cross the Ruisseau du Taillefer stream, which can be a welcome refreshment on hot days.
Shortly afterwards, continue along a small, fairly steep path through boulders, where the view gradually opens up on the left.
Alternate between natural rock steps and man-made steps made of wooden logs.
At this point, there is a magnificent view to the north over the Belledonne mountain range and to the west over the Vercors. The path veers slightly to the north-east and continues to a signpost.

(3) Leave the Plateau des Lacs and take the small path that leaves theGR®50, continuing in a north-easterly direction. Continue for a few hundred metres on a gentler slope until you reach Lac Fourchu.

(4) After a well-deserved break to admire the lake, take the path that runs along the left side of the lake and heads almost due north.
After leaving Lac Fourchu, cross a small marsh and you will soon reach a fork in the path.

(5) Turn right to pass as close as possible to Lac Canard and a little further on you will reach the Ruisseau de Rioupéroux where the descent begins.

(6) Follow this stream, initially on its left bank, until you reach a ford where you then cross to the right bank.

(7) Then pick up the yellow-marked trail that leads along the stream to the Chalets de la Barrière. After the chalets, you will come to a crossroads.

(8) Head south towards Le Poursollet, crossing a small bridge over the Rioupéroux stream, which you will now leave behind. Follow the wide path that descends gently through a clearing littered with hundreds of tree stumps, where two small wooden sculptures stand at the edge of the path. Then enter the forest, which you will remain in until the end of the hike. Continue along this wide path and pass two hairpin bends.

(9) Cross the Ruisseau des Peatland stream and then, shortly afterwards, the Ruisseau du Taillefer stream. Continue winding your way through the forest until you reach a slight incline, which marks the end of the route and your return shortly afterwards to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,433 ft - Car park - Lac du Poursollet
  2. 1 : mi 0.28 - alt. 5,463 ft - Head towards Plateau des Lacs
  3. 2 : mi 0.66 - alt. 5,679 ft - Taillefer stream
  4. 3 : mi 1.28 - alt. 6,549 ft - Directional signpost - Lac Fourche (Oisans)
  5. 4 : mi 1.59 - alt. 6,736 ft - Arrival at - Lac Fourche (Oisans)
  6. 5 : mi 2.07 - alt. 6,729 ft - Turn off towards Lac Canard
  7. 6 : mi 2.23 - alt. 6,686 ft - Start of descent
  8. 7 : mi 2.49 - alt. 6,444 ft - The ford
  9. 8 : mi 3.04 - alt. 6,119 ft - Crossroads at the bridge
  10. 9 : mi 4.71 - alt. 5,518 ft - Peatland stream
  11. S/E : mi 5.24 - alt. 5,433 ft - Car park - Lac du Poursollet

Notes

Rules to be observed on Natura 2000 sites:
- no swimming,
- no camping or bivouacking (except in designated areas),
- fires prohibited,
- littering is prohibited,
- dogs must be kept on a leash.

Leave early in the morning if you want a spot in the car park.
Bivouacking is possible near the lake if you don't linger in the morning to take down your tent.

Worth a visit

If you're feeling brave, bring your swimsuit for a dip in the lake.

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

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
sylvie couriol
sylvie couriol

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

It’s a lovely walk. The climb is admittedly a bit steep, but if you take it slowly, it’s perfectly manageable. The view from the plateau is superb. We went to see the Black Lake… absolutely stunning. And the walk back is lovely too.

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JPC07
JPC07

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this hike over two days, staying overnight at the TAILLEFER mountain refuge (in a tent, which was provided and kitted out). Setting off on the first day from Lake POURSOLLET, we reached the refuge via Lake NOIR, after a short detour via Lake FOURCHU.
On the morning of the second day, we did a round trip from the refuge to the Grand Galbert (stunning – highly recommended; about 3½ hours round trip from the refuge). By 1.00 pm, we were back at the refuge, where we had our packed lunch (provided), then headed back down to Poursollet via La Valette and La Barrière – a slightly longer route than the outward journey via the lakes but much less strenuous: the scenery was stunning from the refuge to La Barrière, but much more ‘unremarkable’ after that.
We’d recommend it.

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KrisGcd
KrisGcd

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy route to complete; the route is very straightforward to follow, but do take care at the end of the climb, where you must follow the direction indicated by the signposts
A magnificent exploration of the Plateaux des Lacs, a vast green and flower-filled area at the foot of the Taillefer. Numerous paths allow you to get closer to or move away from the lakes for a picnic or a rest; the sheer size of the site means there’s a quiet spot for everyone.
The route is very accessible despite a few slightly steeper and more technical sections on the ascent (with natural steps that are sometimes a bit high); the scenery, both on the way up and on the plateau, is absolutely magnificent. The return leg is less interesting but nonetheless varied and very pleasant.
At the end of the walk, we enjoyed a little gourmet break at the Bar du Taillefer in the hamlet of Poursellet, which serves an excellent blueberry tart.

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User 26503079

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

A lovely walk, with a clear route; the lake really is magnificent.

One caveat regarding the description: as this is a Natura 2000 site, swimming is prohibited to protect the local ecosystem.

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franck.t
franck.t

Hello, and thank you for your comment.
I am the author of this guide, and it is true that swimming in mountain lakes is now banned everywhere.
I regret this, because due to the reckless behaviour of a few people, we can no longer even cool off whilst out on a hike. And when I wrote this guide, we were still able to do so.
But I think you can still dip your feet in the lake without too much risk.
Kind regards, Franck.

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Janin
Janin

Hello,

thank you for this hiking suggestion. Although it’s clarified later in the practical information, it would be good to amend the description where it says ‘the bravest will take a dip’, given that swimming is strictly prohibited.

Otherwise, it’s very well described and easy to follow, and above all, it’s definitely worth it!

Thank you.

Olivier J

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andrebayle
andrebayle
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

My last climb this year to the plateau of lakes. Temperatures barely above freezing in Poursollet, I'll have to wait until I reach the top to find the sun. And I continue the climb so I can get as many lakes as possible in the photo.
It's a shame we can't attach photos to comments!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=430...

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fuji26
fuji26

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

Took place today with beautiful sunshine but cold at the start, frost. Lots of people, really difficult to find a spot, but otherwise a very nice walk.

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mlevisse
mlevisse

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route at altitude (we avoided the heatwave). The first part up to the lake is very interesting, then the second part downhill is fun (but not very well marked, I had to use GPS to make sure I didn't stray from the path), and finally the third part is a long descent along a forest path, which is less interesting.
At the end of the route, we looped back through the hamlet and enjoyed a well-deserved slice of blueberry tart.

My 7-year-old daughter walked well, and struggled a little on the third part, but the hike is very accessible for children.

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jc.chiari
jc.chiari

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful site between Taillfer and Grand Galbert, this lake plateau is truly delightful. It is quite popular but spacious enough that we are not bothered by other visitors.
The ascent and descent do not present any major difficulties, except for a few slightly steeper sections
A beautiful route, especially in good weather

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User 12333153

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very good hike, lots of people in the car park (we parked on the side of the road like 50% of people)
Nevertheless, beautiful scenery and a clean hike, just missing a rubbish bin in the car park
Dogs are allowed on a leash but can be let off once on the plateau to enjoy the lake

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helenaSB
helenaSB

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb is quite steep, but if you are used to walking, you will have no trouble! Once you reach the summit, you will be enchanted by the place! The view is magnificent, with lakes stretching as far as the eye can see. The first part of the descent is not very pleasant, but you just have to follow the riverbed. However, when you reach the path, you will have a superb view of the Taillefer! Enjoy!

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Patrick M. Grenoble
Patrick M. Grenoble
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

Not many people around at the end of autumn, but it must be quite different in summer.
The climb was a bit steep for us as we are not experienced walkers, but once at the top, the two lakes, Fourchu and Canard, were magnificent. We are keen to do it again in spring, walking from Barrière to Lac Fourchu and back. Thank you for this wonderful hike.

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jeang83
jeang83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I did this hike several years ago, going and returning via the same route. The return trip via the chalets at the barrier is a real bonus. Otherwise, it's still just as magnificent!

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bapmab
bapmab

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a very beautiful hike, well described. The return to Lake Poursollet via La Barrière avoids the descent along the direct path, which is in fairly poor condition and, to be honest, a bit difficult. A loop that can be done with children.
Due to heavy rainfall in the spring and then in June, the natural surroundings are beautiful: flowers everywhere and magnificent trees.
You may want to download the hike as there is no signal at the top.
A blueberry tart and a nice pint at the bottom will round off the day nicely...
Thanks to the author!

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