The Col de l’Encombrette and its lakes

Park in the Laus car park.

(S/E) Take the path leading from the large car park below and follow the signposts for “Lac d’Allos, Col de l’Encombrette, Colmars”. Climb a few steps, then reach a plateau with information boards on the history of the site.

(1) Continue to the right along the wide track which passes through a larch woodland, then climbs towards Lac d’Allos. You’ll reach a junction.

(2) Head towards the Col de l’Encombrette, on the right, following a path that climbs out of the forest. The earthen path becomes stony as it crosses boulders: no difficulty. Continue along this signposted path to the Col de l’Encombrette (panoramic view of Lac d’Allos and the Lacs de l’Encombrette).

(3) Follow the signposted path to the right (south-east) towards the hut below. You’ll come to a cairn at a bend in the path.

(4) Turn sharply right (leaving the path on your left that descends towards the lakes). Descend via a series of hairpin bends until you reach another junction.

(5) Leave the signposted path and turn left to reach the shepherd’s hut overlooking the Lacs de l’Encombrette.

(6) Follow the same route in the opposite direction to reach the Laus car park (S/E).

Laus car park: subject to a charge in July and August and on the last two weekends in June. You can also park at the Cluite car park, which is free. Allow 2 hours to reach the start of the hike from there.

Essential kit: walking boots, walking poles, a cap, sunglasses, water (at least 1 litre), a waterproof jacket, a sweatshirt or fleece – it can get chilly even in summer!

The Encombrette Shepherd’s Hut is equipped for an overnight stay. It has a table, chairs, equipment for cooking pasta or rice, a rustic stove with dry wood, and two basic beds with mattresses.

You can walk around Lac d’Allos on the way back, if you’ve still got the energy.