The Mont Clapier Lakes from the Nice refuge

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A short additional hike if you arrive at the Nice refuge too early. The lakes of Mont Clapier are a lovely and charming destination. As in the rest of the Mercantour, chamois and ibex are everywhere.
The lakes may still be frozen in mid-June. The path is not signposted, but is clearly visible. The same instructions appear on the map and on the suggested walks displayed at the entrance to the refuge. The elevation gain is approximately 300m.

Details

n°281898
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.00 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,191 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,194 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,333 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7,208 ft
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Photos

Upper lake
Lake Mont Clapier and the Pagari Pass
Lac de la Fous and the Nice refuge

Description of the walk

(S/E) Descend from the refuge towards Lac de la Fous, either via the wide circular path (as shown on the map) or via the direct path and steps (shortcut).

(1) Once you reach the La Fous plain, cross the stream flowing down from the first valley (Vallon du Mont Clapier). Head north and begin climbing up the ridge between the two valleys (Clapier de Pagari). At the start, several paths are marked by clear passages. A few cairns provide guidance from time to time. Avoid shortcuts and opt for the longer circular loops.

On one or two occasions, you may need to use your hands. Go round a boulder on the right. The cairns will guide you if in doubt, but the paths all lead to the Lacs basin.

(2) The return journey follows the same route back to the refuge (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 7,293 ft - Refuge de Nice
  2. 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 7,208 ft - Plaine de la Fous - Gordolasque
  3. 2 : mi 1 - alt. 8,323 ft - Lacs du Mont Clapier
  4. S/E : mi 2 - alt. 7,293 ft - Nice Refuge

Notes

No water, no shelter; the Nice refuge is the nearest.
Standard mountain gear, preferably including high-top boots. Walking poles are a plus and make the descent easier.
During the snowy season (which can last until the end of June), please take care, as the lakes may be largely covered in ice and snow.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

A pleasant viewpoint over the area, including Lac de la Fous and Lac de Niré. You are clearly overlooking the Refuge de Nice.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
jl1309m
jl1309m

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route is not difficult at all; you just need to follow the cairns, which help you avoid the scree before reaching the lakes. From the promontory above the second lake, there is a beautiful panoramic view.

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choizp
choizp

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 25, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We set off from the Countet bridge; it was a lovely walk, and the Gordolasque valley is magnificent;
the path is clearly marked;
a very long hike, especially if you carry on to Le Clapier, over the scree!

Machine-translated

jacquot 06
jacquot 06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We set off from the Countet Bridge; the Gordolasque Valley is always stunning, with plenty of sightings of chamois and ibex

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