The six lakes of Orcières-Merlette, including Les Estaris

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This hike has been suitable for all ages since 2020. Using the chairlifts (Drouvet 1 and 2 for the outward journey and Roche Rousse for the return journey) makes it easy. The six large lakes are visited on the way down. A variant towards the Col de Freissinières is possible. The landscapes are magnificent, especially at the starting point at the top of Drouvet. The lakes are all very beautiful and diverse.

Technical sheet

n°3781442
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.65 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 91 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 441 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,690 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,284 m
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Photos

Lake Estaris
Near the twin lakes.
View of the trail from the summit of Drouvet
The Grand Lac des Estaris

Description of the walk

At Orcières Merlette, take the Drouvet 1 and 2 Telemix lifts, either the cabins or the chairs. Get off at the upper station at Sommet Drouvet.

(S) Take the main path towards the north-east. Follow the ridge for a few moments, then take a long, gentle descent alongside Roc des Hommes and Pointe des Pisses to reach Grand Lac des Estaris.

(1) Go around the lake to the south and arrive at the Col de Fressinières crossroads.

(2) Change direction by turning 180° to the right onto the path leading to the Lacs Jumeaux.

(3) Continue to the right to quickly reach Lac Profond.

(4) Go around it to the south and climb a short hill to reach Lac Long.

(5) Head south on a steep descent to discover thesixth lake, Lac des Sirènes.

(6) Continue to the right to finish the descent at Chalet de Roche Rousse (E).

To return to Orcières Merlettele, take the Rocherousse Télémix.

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 2,634 m - Sommet Drouvet (2654m)
  2. 1 : km 2.82 - alt. 2,576 m - Grand lac des Estaris
  3. 2 : km 3.56 - alt. 2,566 m - Cil de Fressinières crossroads
  4. 3 : km 4.44 - alt. 2,492 m - View of the Twin Lakes - Lacs Jumeaux
  5. 4 : km 4.73 - alt. 2,468 m - Lac Profond
  6. 5 : km 5.04 - alt. 2,484 m - Lac Long Orcières
  7. 6 : km 5.59 - alt. 2,408 m - Lac des Sirènes
  8. E : km 6.64 - alt. 2,286 m - Roche Rousse chalet - Gare arrivée Télémix Roche Rousse

Practical information

Good walking shoes are recommended. The start of the route is very rocky.
(S) The Drouvet 1 and 2 and Rocherousse chairlifts are open in summer. Drouvet 1 and 2 are accessible for around €10 (August 2020).
(E) The return trip via Rocherousse is free.

In the nearby area

(S) Drouvet summit: discover the panorama to the north with the Écrins massif.
(S) Admire the daredevils on the long zip line (over a kilometre) who throw themselves into the void from the Drouvet summit.
(2) Possible extension of the walk to climb to the Col de Freissinières and enjoy a great panorama of the mountains to the east of Orcières.
This walk is an alternative to this hike.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
FrancoisAnnie30
FrancoisAnnie30

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Easy but you need to pay attention so you don't miss a lake

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User 27073295

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Part of the hike is very rocky and therefore difficult
And so many people!

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Noelly 04
Noelly 04

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful hike, but the first kilometre is a little difficult, so be careful if you suffer from vertigo.

Otherwise, it's a family-friendly walk with beautiful views of the various lakes

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Syl20S
Syl20S
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A hike that is truly suitable for all ages and would be a shame to miss. The two ski lifts (Drouvet 1 and 2) take you to the starting point. You begin by descending, then climb a little over rocks (nothing serious) and arrive at the highest lake (Lac des Estaris, 2,570 m) before descending to all the other lakes and taking the Roche Rousse ski lift back to Merlette. Convenience comes at a price, as it is very busy... And this walk is not really wild, as the refuges are supplied by car and you therefore come across vehicles during the walk. But to be completely honest, you shouldn't begrudge yourself the pleasure, as it's still very nice to walk in the mountains without getting too tired! Definitely worth doing again.

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godillot1
godillot1

With free ski lifts for those over 75, this is a really easy hike that anyone can do. The lakes are majestic. Surprisingly, this year on 25 July, the trail crossed a snowfield, so we walked in the snow. We'd love to do it again.

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myrpon
myrpon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice walk

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godillot1
godillot1

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The surroundings are breathtaking. A feast for the eyes

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Maraisse
Maraisse

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A very nice circuit, especially when going up with the Telemix lift

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domber1
domber1

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very pleasant hike. At the end of the season, we were lucky on this popular trail: there were few people on the route.
Bring binoculars to see the herd of ibex on the ridges, marmots and other wildlife.
On the downside, we had planned to stop for lunch halfway at the Roche Rousse refuge, but they refused to serve us at 1:05 pm even though they clearly advertised that they closed at 2:30 pm.
As a result, we cut our walk short and returned to the resort by cable car.
In the cable car, we spoke to some customers (regulars at the refuge) who had just had lunch there and were not satisfied with the quality of the meals served, telling us that "we hadn't missed anything".
We are therefore wary of future meals at this refuge when it reopens. It would be wise to find out about the managers who will be in place and the quality of the service provided.

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Rhéa25
Rhéa25

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A classic hike in Orcières that is not to be missed.
A very easy hike with breathtaking views.
Between vultures and ibex, we were spoiled.
We pushed on to the Col de la Fressinière, which adds 20 minutes of climbing to reach the pass and then the possibility of continuing across the scree to 3,000 metres, where you can admire a 3,000-metre peak without breaking your legs
That makes a total of 10 km and 470 metres of elevation gain.

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MagTour
MagTour

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful, easy hike with 360° views.
Take two chairlifts (fee applies) to reach the starting point, complete the hike, and descend via the Rochebrousse chairlift (free of charge).
A few sights to discover...

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BAMX
BAMX

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb hike in glorious weather, with beautiful lakes, all close by and all different. And the ascent by cable car is very pleasant, with beautiful scenery, marmots and, above all, the chance to see five bearded vultures flying above us.

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Papyyeti
Papyyeti

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very easy circuit, as the first kilometre after the Lélémix is an easy climb. After that, it's all a gentle descent around the lakes. Magnificent views. Descent to the second Telemix, or for the brave, another 3 km to the resort. Also recommended for children and tired grandfathers (like me) despite the altitude.

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Jjpjack
Jjpjack

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Beautiful hike, just the last part of the descent is a bit tough for people with knee problems

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did760
did760

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The contrast between the rocky terrain on one side and the pastures on the other is striking.
We spent so much time admiring the landscape and the lakes that we missed the last descent.
the walk back also allows you to admire the valley, but the last kilometre is a steep descent, which is hard on the knees.

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