Lacs Robert walks

A hike in the heart of nature on the outskirts of Grenoble. The trail takes you through woods to Lac Archard, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. Then, in a more open area, the path climbs up to the Robert Lakes.

We're going to walk on the ocean! Or how to tour a ski resort without seeing the slopes, but with a few beautiful lakes and a summit that is much more impressive than the famous Croix de Chamrousse.

This is a magnificent circuit in the Belledonne massif that will take you to the shores of the Robert lakes, a site well known to skiers who visit the Chamrousse resort. The difficulty is not technical, but should be taken into account due to the steep slopes in places and the particular nature of this mountain range, which is often shrouded in fog.

An exceptional hike leading to the wonderful Robert Lakes starting from the Chamrousse resort. Beware of late snowfields

From Le Recoin, there are easy routes to visit the Robert Lakes. This description deviates slightly from the most commonly used trails, particularly from the Brèche Sud to reach Lac des Pourettes.

A challenging hike starting from Roche Béranger to discover the Robert Lakes via the Brèche Sud, passing by the Lac des Vallons and returning via the Croix de Chamrousse. Magnificent, wild landscapes. Please note that there are rocky passages to cross.

A hike to Robert Lakes in Belledonne, which requires a good sense of direction and experience of walking off-trail. At the start of the season, a slightly steep section requires the use of crampons if there is still snow.

A hike to the Robert Lakes, a little wilder than those starting from Chamrousse Ski Resort. Between (7) and (8), the descent via the ski runs is a bit challenging; it can be replaced by a long circular loop that passes by Lac des Vallons.

This circular loop allows you to visit a number of lakes on the southern slope of Belledonne: starting from Le Recoin de Chamrousse, the route typically takes you to the Robert Lakes via the southern and northern passes, but you can also continue further up through the wild Combe de Jasse-Bralard to reach Lac David, then descend via the GR®738 alongside the Claret, Longet, Bernard, Léama, Robert and Pourettes lakes. Whilst most of the route follows marked paths, there are a few sections of fairly difficult terrain, and the cumulative elevation gain should not be underestimated, given the number of ascents and descents.

An easy hike to start your Belledone traverse gently. No fewer than four lakes dot the route, most of which are suitable for swimming and/or a nap. This description treats the hike as a one-way trip, but a day trip (there and back) is also possible.A more challenging alternative is available; see here

Well known to Grenoble residents, this hike offers superb views of all the surrounding mountains, including Chartreuse, Vercors, Grandes Rousses, Taillefer and Belledonne. As soon as you arrive at the top of the cable car, your gaze is drawn to La Meije, which looks so close.⚠️ This hike can only be done on foot from 30 June to 1 October ⚠️

This magnificent loop trail starts at the Gâte car park and climbs through the woods to the viewpoint of the impressive and beautiful Cascade de l'Oursière waterfall, then follows the Ruisseau du Doménon stream through a welcoming grassy valley, ideal for a short rest before tackling the climb up a scree slope. At the top, you will find the stream again, which flows peacefully through an alpine meadow in a picture-postcard setting. Once you have crossed a valley, you will discover the charming Lac Merlat in a high mountain atmosphere. Take a short detour to the Refuge de la Pra before continuing on to admire the series of superb lakes: Claret, Longet, Bernard and Léama. After crossing a few rocky outcrops, you come to a cute little lake and then the three Robert Lakes at the foot of the Croix de Chamrousse. The descent from the Brèche Robert Nord leads to the Lac des Pourettes in a marshy basin and finally a passage through the forest brings you back to the car park.

On the outskirts of Grenoble, Belledonne is a mountain range easily accessible for a day’s hike, offering all altitudes and numerous lakes. The Grand Sorbier, situated near the Chamrousse resort, overlooks the Romanche Valley from 1,800 m and, beyond that, looks out over the Grandes Rousses and the Alps.The first part of the route, which is very popular, starts at the Plateau d’Arselle, the cross-country skiing area of Chamrousse, and leads to the magnificent Lac Achard in the heart of a protected area. The second part, less frequented, leads to the Lacs Robert via the Col de l’Infernet and the Col de la Botte, an area favoured by ibex. The final section, secluded and off the beaten track, winds through a rocky scree landscape where the difficult and tiring climb is rewarded by the magnificent view from the summit of the Grand Sorbier.