There are no fewer than 40 high-altitude lakes near Serre Chevalier in the Hautes-Alpes. Some are more accessible than others, and some require a 5-hour walk, while others take less than 5 minutes. You won't be able to swim in most of the lakes, as they are at high altitude and not designed for this purpose, but you can plan a day at the Lac de Pontillas leisure centre to keep the children happy after the first two days' hiking. This three-day itinerary is perfect for families with children of at least 7-8 years of age. Children under this age will need to be carried, but this is perfectly possible as the longest hike is 8 km. To get there, you'll pass through larch forests and may come across marmots, mouflons and ibex. Iceland, Canada, the Scandinavian landscape - you're sure to get a change of scenery when you hike around the lakes in the Hautes-Alpes.
Green Lake, in the French Alps
- © vouvraysan / Shutterstock
The Lac Vert or Lago Verde is a must-see near Serre Chevalier and is a very easy hike to do with children, who will be happy to arrive quickly to admire this little wonder. This lake couldn't be called anything else, it's so green. Its colour comes from the algae in its depths.
Although this is an easy hike, if you have children under 5 or 6 years of age, you'll need to be able to carry them in a physiological baby carrier or sling, as the hike is still 5 km long.
Green Lake
- © BananaCrew / ShutterstockYou will need to drive 40 minutes if you are based in Briançon. On leaving Briançon, head towards the village of Névache and a few kilometres before you arrive, turn right towards the Vallée Etroite, Col de l'Echelle. Cross the Vallée Etroite, and take the Italian road coming from Bardonècchia (be very careful in stormy weather as it is very narrow and can be dangerous). Just before entering Italy, you'll see a sign that says "Lac Vert" (Green Lake). There is then a car park a few metres from the hamlet of Les Granges to park your car.
After leaving your car, continue along the road past the I Re Magi refuge and then take the track. On the right, there is a sign indicating the lake, follow the track. You will then come to a footbridge that crosses the Vallée Etroite, cross it and follow the path up to the left and then down to the lake.
Take the same path in the opposite direction for the return journey. You should allow 40 minutes for the outward journey and the same amount of time for the return.
There is no water point, so be sure to bring some with you, especially in summer. You can easily picnic or have a snack by the lake.
If you do this walk in summer, it may be quite busy, so leave earlier in the morning to take full advantage of the peace and quiet and the sumptuous scenery.
To extend this experience and taste some of the best polenta in the Alps, accompanied by alpine cheeses, don't hesitate to book an overnight stay at the Terzo Alpini refuge. The hut can accommodate up to 34 people.
👛 Rates for half-board with evening meal and breakfast:
Adults: €51
Children under 12: €34
Children under 4: €28
Payment by cheque or cash.
Refuge website: Refuge Terzo Alpini
Serre Chevalier
This walk is 8 km round trip with 400 metres of ascent. It is accessible to families with children (who are used to walking, but younger children will need to be carried). However, as it passes through the Parc de Ecrins, it is not accessible to dogs, even on a lead. The view from the lake is magnificent for admiring the Casset glacier. The milky-blue lake is well worth a visit. You can also access the lake in winter with snowshoes or good waterproof hiking boots.
From Briançon, follow the Guisane valley towards Monêtier-les-Bains. After crossing it, follow the road towards the hamlet of Casset and park at the entrance to the village. It is not possible to park afterwards.
You can start by visiting the Moulin du Casset eco-museum, where signs and videos explain how the mill operated until the 1950s.
Then take the well-marked GR54 (in red and white). The last kilometre is a little steeper, but well worth the effort. You'll see the magnificent Lac de la Douche. You can have a picnic on the benches made from natural materials and then head back down the same path.
On the way back, before heading back to Briançon or another village in the valley, you can have a drink or dinner at Chez Finette, an authentic restaurant with a great atmosphere that will leave you wanting more.
Serre-Chevalier
For your last day with the family, you won't even need to put on your hiking boots, as there's a car park right next to the Lac de Pontillas leisure centre in La Salle les Alpes. Open from 21 June to 31 August, Lac de Pontillas is a must for families in summer. As well as swimming in the outdoor biotope pool, there's mini-golf, trampolining for the kids, go-karting, tree climbing, stand-up paddling and pony trekking - 14 activities in all. You can spend the day there with a picnic or a snack at the Chalet du Lac snack bar.
Serre Chevalier
