Lacs du Col Bas

The Col Bas is reached without any significant difficulty. It is a gradual climb to a pass offering breathtaking views of Provence, stretching as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day, the Écrins and the Ubaye. The Massif de la Blanche is a must-see panoramic vista. The route continues through the Vallon du Loup, forming a large and beautiful cirque, where you’ll discover some stunning lakes, some of which may be dry depending on the time of year. An accessible, varied and magnificent hike.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.59 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 424 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 417 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,183 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,890 m

Description of the walk

Pass through the village of Saint-Jean-Montclar and follow the D207. 1 km from Seyne, turn left towards the hamlet of Saint-Pons. There, you will find signs for the track leading to the Col Bas car park. This track is about 3 km long but is in good condition.

(S/E) Go to the end of the car park and head right to rejoin the track. Cross it and continue to the right, climbing gently diagonally.

(1) Take the small shortcut on the left to join a narrower path, which you should follow, turning left again. Reach Col Bas.

(2) Continue in the same direction.

(3) Head left and reach a crossroads (elevation 2117m).

(4) Head straight ahead, pass under the Lacs chairlift, then turn left to go round Lac Noir, skirting it on the left.

(5) Continue eastwards towards Lac du Milieu and reach a junction directly below the Dormillouse ski lift.

(6) Head to the right, follow the ski lift departure point and continue, passing under the Lacs chairlift.

(7) Take the hairpin bend to the right and return to the junction you passed on the way up.

(4) Turn left and follow the ascent route in the opposite direction to return to Col Bas and descend to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,890 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 0.82 - alt. 1,962 m - Junction
  3. 2 : km 1.37 - alt. 2,105 m - Col Bas
  4. 3 : km 1.71 - alt. 2,109 m - Three-way junction
  5. 4 : km 2.61 - alt. 2,115 m - Circular Lakes junction
  6. 5 : km 4.3 - alt. 2,131 m - Lac Noir
  7. 6 : km 4.68 - alt. 2,070 m - Dormillouse ski lift
  8. 7 : km 5.25 - alt. 2,026 m - Junction, turn right
  9. S/E : km 8.59 - alt. 1,890 m - Car park

Notes

A gradual climb to a pass offering breathtaking views of Provence.

Worth a visit

Breathtaking views of Provence, including Mont Ventoux on a clear day, the Écrins and Ubaye ranges, and the Massif de la Blanche.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.