Bessons Lakes

The Bessons Lakes are among the most beautiful and airy in Boréon. The striking glacial relief, with the passage of barriers defending this cirque, is truly awe-inspiring.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.06 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,232 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,235 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,451 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,243 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Cross the village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie and take the D89 towards Boréon. After the lake, continue right on the D189 and park in the lower car park of La Vacherie du Boréon.

(S/E) Head towards Chalet Vidron, pass between the Vacherie buildings and reach the upper car park. Continue through the forest (towards Pont de Peïrastreiche, Chalet Vidron) along a clearly visible path. Go around a pond on the right towards Chalet Vidron (hidden in the woods) and cross the wooden bridge at Peïrastrèche.

(1) Walk a few metres and, at the fork, continue uphill following the stream. Cross three wooden footbridges.

(2) Take the small path that starts on the left and climbs into the forest (if you arrive at the junction marked "Refuge de la Cougourde 0h30", "Lac de Trécolpas 0h45", "Pas des Ladres 1h45" a few metres before crossing the stream, you have gone too far and should retrace your steps).
The climb is quite steep until you reach the Vallon de Sangué, where you will see the Cime de Baissette.
The trail then follows the stream at a leisurely pace through beautiful surroundings.

(3) At the end of this valley, take the path that climbs up to the right and follows the small stream on the far right, then pass between the rock piles to reach the Vallon des Lacs Bessons.
From there, cross the stream and climb quite steeply up the scree, following the cairns to the first lake. The second lake, connected to the first by a small waterfall, appears just behind. Go around to the right, reach the highest point to discover a third small lake and look out over the three lakes.

(4) To descend and return to Lac des Sagnes, the path is almost invisible at the start but it is fairly easy to find in clear weather.
Follow a small valley between the rocks that goes around point 2558 on the left (a rocky peak about a hundred metres away with a cairn on top). The valley then becomes more pronounced, the route is well marked by cairns and there is a beautiful view of Lac de Trécolpas. Continue downhill, passing to the right of a small lake, then arrive at a steeper slope. The trail follows a small scree slope well marked by cairns to Lac des Sagnes.

(5) Before the lake overflows, turn right and follow the stream downhill until you come to a pretty little waterfall. Continue to the Refuge de la Cougourde, then take the path on the left for about 50 metres.

(6) Turn right at the descent (towards Vacheries du Boréon) and join theGR®52.

(7) Continue on the right, rejoining the path you took to climb up to the lakes.

(2) Take the same route back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,246 ft - Lower car park - Vacherie du Boréon
  2. 1 : mi 1.21 - alt. 6,027 ft - Peïrastrèche Bridge - Boréon (torrent - Affluent de la Vésubie
  3. 2 : mi 1.71 - alt. 6,276 ft - Take the small path on the left
  4. 3 : mi 2.63 - alt. 7,490 ft - Follow the small stream on the right
  5. 4 : mi 3.41 - alt. 8,442 ft - Lacs Besssons (2545 m)
  6. 5 : mi 4.29 - alt. 7,224 ft - Lac des Sagnes
  7. 6 : mi 4.67 - alt. 6,936 ft - Turn right after the &gt - Refuge de Cougourde
  8. 7 : mi 5.27 - alt. 6,322 ft - Turn right onto the GR 52
  9. S/E : mi 7.06 - alt. 5,243 ft - Vacherie du Boréon - Vacherie du Boréon

Notes

You can also start from the second car park at Le Boréon, located above La Vacherie, if there is space available.
In foggy weather, I recommend returning from the lakes via the same route, as the return via Lac des Sagnes is tricky for the first 200 metres or so (the path is not marked).

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

4.6 / 5
Based on 48 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
guygelas06
guygelas06

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done in the Mercantour
And the view upon reaching the top, overlooking the Bessons Lakes, is magnificent.

Two points to bear in mind:

  • The path is steep for most of the ascent and not particularly easy to walk on, and the descent to the Coucourde refuge, where we spent the night, is largely over scree, which requires you to watch your step.
  • We had a bit of trouble finding the narrow path leading off the main track as we left the ascent route at the Coucourde refuge (km 2.76)

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philmbg
philmbg

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike through a secluded valley, ending with a splendid view of the Petit Lacs des Bessons.
There’s still plenty of snow at this time of year.
The descent is really difficult; there’s no clearly marked path, and it’s likely that several routes have been indicated by a series of cairns. You head straight down the slope above the refuge, and it’s not always easy.
You need to make sure you keep to the left on the descent.
We only came across one other hiker during the whole hike!

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Solgea
Solgea

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

Hello,
It’s always a delight to rediscover these magnificent lakes – you never tire of them.
We went at the end of May, with snow still on the final climb up to the lakes, which were only just beginning to thaw. The colours were extraordinary, ranging from deep blue to the white of the ice. The climb is steep, but the view is well worth the effort.

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Boris_06
Boris_06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

We went on this hike on 13 June 2026 as a family with two children aged 6 and 10, stopping at the Refuge de la Cougourde to spend the night.
The route description is excellent; we were able to follow it without too much difficulty, apart from the final ascent to the Bessons Lakes, where the presence of snowfields caused us to veer slightly off the path, meaning we had to use our hands for a few metres. As mentioned in the description and in other comments, the descent is straightforward in clear weather, but you need to be wary of the numerous cairns, which can sometimes be confusing. Downloading the route onto your phone may prove useful.
It took us 3 hours to climb up to the lakes (a distance of 7km on the watch) and, in contrast, 2 hours to descend to the Refuge de la Cougourde, as the descent is very technical and so the children took their time.
We met several hikers who told us they preferred to do the circular route in the opposite direction.
But the views are well worth the effort; the whole hike is superb, much less busy than the Trécolpas route, and with plenty of chamois!
For a day trip with adults who are used to hiking, I suggest heading back down via Lac de Trécolpas, as although it adds a few kilometres, it isn’t very difficult and the descent is pleasant. As for us, we did it the following morning.
Thank you for this magnificent hike, which is described so well.

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Aleksey
Aleksey

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful and challenging route

User 2853435

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A sublime hike.
The path is not easy to find for much of the hike, with no markings other than cairns. Steep climb well before the ruined hut and steep descent via the Cougourde refuge to the refuge. Ibex and chamois.
Done in autumn, magnificent scenery with beautiful colours.
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Mercantour and, above all, without over-tourism, so it's peaceful, which sometimes allows you to come face to face with animals and get very close to them. 💜💜💜

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Clarissius
Clarissius

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike, but you first have to find the first fork in the path, which is just after the Sangué valley, easily recognisable after Storm Alex, which left very impressive traces of erosion. Then the climb is straightforward, apart from its length, and you're happy to arrive at the lakes. The descent is dotted with cairns arranged in a somewhat anarchic fashion, and the Visorando app was a great help. The general idea is to keep to the left. Then there are no problems until you reach the Cougourde refuge.

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Jerome06000
Jerome06000

Overall rating : 4 / 5

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

A beautiful hike, but demanding and physically challenging in terms of distance, duration and elevation gain.
A lovely area, Le Boréon is always a pleasant starting point.
first hesitation: finding the trail that climbs up to Les Bessons. When you reach the sign just before the bridge over the stream, you've gone too far and need to retrace your steps.
The climb to the lakes is difficult: first through the forest, then along the stream, and finally, to finish you off if you have any strength left, there is a pile of rocks to climb over.
The arrival at the lakes is great, with several secluded spots to have lunch. There was a chamois hanging around. Reading the other comments, this is the place to find them! This one came quite close, but it was shy (even though it is obviously used to human presence, as the place is frequented in summer).
I got lost when leaving the lakes and was never able to reach Lac des Peatlands, even though I saw it several times when leaving Les Bessons. The descent was very difficult.
When I arrived at the refuge, there was nothing special to report, and the trail to follow next presented no problems.
I was very happy to find my vehicle, I couldn't take any more.
I won't be doing it again, it's really difficult.

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nathaliepascal83
nathaliepascal83

Overall rating : 4 / 5

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

A very beautiful hike but difficult to follow. Fortunately, the app makes it much easier for us, because otherwise there are no marked trails and only a few cairns.
The descent is quite difficult on the scree slopes.

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Sophie Garcia
Sophie Garcia
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike done in the opposite direction, passing first by the Cougourde refuge; very challenging circuit
Magnificent hike, we only came across one other hiker but saw lots of ibex and chamois around the lakes and on the way down. 🤩
Among the most beautiful lakes in the Mercantour

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Michel RODA
Michel RODA
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Quite a technical climb and descent, which I would not recommend in wet weather. Wild landscapes galore.

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Olivier06
Olivier06

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, I did this hike on a Tuesday and only saw one other hiker after stage 2, which takes you off a fairly well-travelled trail. From there on, I was alone with the chamois. From stage 2 to the lake, it's quite a climb. The start is in the shade, but the forest quickly gives way to rocky terrain. After stage 3, you have to rely on cairns to stay on track at times. You can stop at the lake for lunch. I was alone with two chamois for company, which was great! The descent to the refuge has a few sections where you have to watch your step. But it's nothing insurmountable, and I didn't have any walking sticks. Even if the start may seem a bit crowded, from stage 2 to 6 you're really on your own with superb scenery. I recommend it.

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MaxTUR
MaxTUR

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good description
Good layout

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sylvyan
sylvyan

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent landscapes! They are well deserved because the climb, like the descent, is quite steep.
But why are there so many cairns at the summit, above the lakes? They serve more to confuse us than anything else. Especially since there are no markings, only the cairns can help us, especially if visibility is poor.
Thank you in advance to my fellow hikers for not piling up rocks anywhere!

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Justine.trt
Justine.trt

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike that passes by several small lakes and waterfalls, with very few other hikers.
We had trouble finding the path from the Cougourde refuge. We followed the waterfall and then started climbing.
The climb was really hard and steep, but once at the top, the view was amazing!
The return trip was along the stream, which was really refreshing and pleasant.
We were lucky enough to spot some marmots

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