Nugget of the Mercantour National Park, on the Alpes-de-Haute Provence side, Lake Allos is a natural wonder with breathtaking landscapes. The perfect setting for a bucolic winter stroll.
This is an expedition proposal, just three hours from Nice, which should delight many curious people. In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in the department of Alpes-de-Haute Provence, lies the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe. Perched at 2228 meters, the Allos basin is a dazzling destination in all seasons!
Born following the melting of the ice, the site extends over 54 hectares, in the heart of the splendid Mercantour National Park. Ideal terrain for hiking, it is available to you in summer and winter.
Obviously, its sumptuous panoramas attract many walkers when the sun hovers in the sky, especially between the end of June and the beginning of September. But the place is also very welcoming in the low season, when the hustle and bustle gives way to great tranquility, while animals and flora once again reign over the place.
Among the most beautiful lakes in the country
One of the most beautiful lakes in France, it forms a magical space in the middle of a mountainous setting. In order to capture all its wonders, you can embark on a seven-kilometer walk which offers the privilege of going around this magnificent natural creation. Several paths allow you to admire it, including one leaving from the eponymous village for a seven-hour round trip on the GR56B.
It is possible to make it a little shorter, starting the journey from the Cluite car park (allow five hours), knowing that the Laus car park, giving access to a more restricted walk (1h30), is closed from mid- October. The real start of the hike is from the Chaup parking lot, but you should keep in mind that the trail is not secure. Depending on the weather conditions, you may have to cross areas with high avalanche risks.
Distrust during winter walks
You must therefore be well equipped, with snowshoes for example in case of snow. Please note that the shelter is closed during this period. As for the route, it will take you through pretty sites that are home to Lyre Grouse, a species of bird. They are marked by blue ropes. It is imperative not to disturb wildlife in winter, which is very weakened by the climate. Let us add that guides offer adapted, safe outings for an immersive experience at the heart of a superb ensemble.
Among the heritage treasures to discover near the lake, we can cite the rustic Notre-Dame des Monts chapel, from the 20th century, with a certain charm with its old stones and its beautiful wooden roof. The Val d'Allos is, in its entirety, an unmissable part of your trip in the Alpes-de-Haute Provence. You can also drift towards Estenc, an area belonging to the commune of Entraunes, in the Alpes-Maritimes.
“Gateway” to the Mercantour National Park, it protects wildlife, sometimes revealing chamois, ibexes, golden eagles and marmots, if you're lucky. There you can also observe religious buildings, including the Church of the Nativity and its listed paintings from the 17th century. In this corner of the Southern region, ski resorts and amazing natural sites coexist, to the delight of locals and tourists.
