The Lignin Lakes circular tour

The start is at the Pont de la Serre car park, accessible via a poorly maintained ONF track, approximately 7.5 km long, starting from Colmars-les-Alpes.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the closed track for about 1 km to La Lance.

(1) Take the track on the left which crosses the stream via a wooden bridge; note the chalets at the hamlet known as Pont de la Serre on the left: the track straight ahead is the return route.

(2) Ignore the path on the right leading to the Cabane de la Fuchière and continue along the track, following two hairpin bends.

(3) Follow the PR® sign by turning right. Pass the Juges shepherds’ hut on your right and rejoin the track further up.

(4) Continue to the right, climbing up a well-marked path through the valley enclosed by the Sommet de la Môle: admire a beautiful waterfall on your right.

(5) Pass the Cabane de Bressenge on your left and head straight on, climbing up the ravine of the same name.

(6) Tackle the steeper climb on the left, following large cairns, and reach the plateau.

(7) Cross the plateau along a lovely path marked by large cairns. You can also stray from the path to wander across the plateau without any risk of getting lost. A virtually flat, grassy plateau with large rocky outcrops. Reach the first Lac de Lignin.

(8) Go round it on the left and reach a junction just before the Cabane Pastorale de Lignin.

(9) Turn left and head for the second, smaller lake. Then head right to pass close to the other lakes, following the small ridge and keeping to the edge of the plateau to rejoin the path leading down.

(10) Turn left and begin the descent.

(11) Head to the right to rejoin the signposted path as it approaches the edge of the valley. From time to time, you’ll catch a glimpse on the right of the ascent path at the bottom of the valley and the numerous shepherds’ huts seen on the way up.

(12) Pass close to the Cabanes de Mouriès, continue along the edge of the valley, then descend more steeply as you approach La Lance.

(13) Carry on alongside the stream: here you can admire numerous pools, some of which are accessible for a swim depending on the time of year, or for a photo. Return to the junction you passed on the way out.

(1) Carry on straight ahead to return to the Pont de la Serre car park (S/E).

To reach the start of the walk, take a road on the right just before Colmars which crosses the Verdon. Then follow a forest track for about 7.5 km. Please note: depending on the height of your car, it may not fit through. There is a three-way junction two-thirds of the way along; take the lower track and not the one branching off to the right: it is also difficult to turn round there.

Bring the usual essentials for a mountain hike: food and drink, and protection from the weather (sun, rain, wind, cold). Your mobile may not get a signal, as is often the case in the mountains: there’s a bit of reception at the cross above the first Lignin lake. It’s therefore safer to go in a group, as you won’t be able to make a call if anything goes wrong.

A long route (over 18 km), with an elevation gain of 703 m, but featuring a fairly steady climb. You may spot some chamois in the Bressenge valley on the way there. An area where sheep are present in season: none were in sight on the day of the hike, 12 June 2026.

Watch out for any lingering snowfields at the start of the season, on the return leg of the route.

The walk is enhanced by the Lignin Lakes and the numerous waterfalls and pools along the final stretch of the return route.

Do take a stroll around the hut to see all the lakes, some of which may be dry in summer.

Alternative route (9): you can also take the path that runs alongside the hut on the right and joins the signposted path further on.

Lignin Lakes.

Waterfalls and pools of La Lance.

Summit of the Petit and Grand Coyer.

Numerous shepherds’ huts.

Chamois, marmots and foxes can be spotted here.