Lake Achard and the Arselle Plateau from La Croisette

At Roche Béranger, park on the Route de la Croisette, near the residential complex of the same name. The start of the walks is marked by signposts next to the Croisette chairlift.

(S/E) Head east along the track that passes a bar-restaurant and leads to an artificial lake recently constructed in 2020: Lac de la Lauze (de Roche).

(1) Go round the lake on the left and take in the panoramic views. Turn back at the barrier preventing further access.

(1) Turn right onto the wide ski run that passes under a chairlift line. Pass the picnic tables on your right, then head into the Swiss stone pine forest. Stay on the main, signposted path, which climbs steadily before becoming increasingly stony, alternating between ascents and descents, until you reach Lac Achard.

(2) Walk round the lake (the route is clockwise). The walk follows a clearly visible track, with occasional rocks at the water’s edge, which can be crossed without difficulty.

(2) Head left (south then south-west) towards L’Arselle. Take care: the descent is very stony, with exposed tree roots. At the junction (elevation 1717), turn left onto the Astragale track on the L’Arselle estate.

(3) Turn right at the cairn and head down towards the Ruisseau de Salinière. Cross two footbridges. The path then moves away from the stream.

(4) Take the hairpin bend to the left onto the track. Cross the Salinière bridge, then look out for the Arselle plateau on your right. Keep to the left and follow the edge of the plateau.

(5) Keep to the left and head towards the barriers, following the track through the middle of the peat bog. Behind the barriers, there is a magnificent view. Caution: cliffs. You will reach the Brimbelles Bridge.

NB. If the middle section is too wet, take the path on the right via the boardwalk, which joins the rest of the route.

(6) Turn left onto the small path that runs alongside the stream below. You’ll reach a junction of tracks and paths.

(7) Carry on straight ahead along the stony track as it climbs.

(8) Turn left at the next junction. The track climbs, then descends to reach a clearing. The track then becomes a tarmac road.

(9) About a hundred metres past the clearing, turn right and head into the forest. At a Fork in the road, keep to the left. You’ll reach a junction with the track leading to the Pony Club.

(10) Turn left onto this track. Join the D111 and follow it to the left, downhill. After about 150 m, cross the road.

(11) Turn right onto the forest track leading into the Prémol Forest, signposted. Keep to the right and follow the signs for Roche Béranger.

(12) Take the hairpin bend to the right and follow the path uphill, signposted towards Roche Béranger.

(13) Cross the road at the fire station, then head right towards the large iron steps leading up to the resort. Cross the road, passing between the shopping centre and the Chalet des Moniteurs. Then climb the path until, at a bend, you rejoin the Route de la Croisette (S/E).

Wear sturdy walking boots to navigate the stony sections leading to Lac Achard. Take care in the damp areas of the Plateau de l’Arselle peat bog.

Lake Achard and the Plateau de l’Arselle

Walking off the paths and boardwalks is strictly prohibited within the Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) of the Arselle peat bog and Lake Achard (APPB No. 2003-09182 and municipal decree on the ENS)
Arselle peat bog: APPB, Natura 2000, listed site and ENS (sensitive natural area)
Dogs must be kept on a lead / fishing is prohibited on the bodies of water / camping, lighting fires, felling trees and picking plants are prohibited / Bivouacking is prohibited from 1 May to 30 October
There are wintering grounds for the Black Grouse in the area.