Top 20 Lakes around Auris

For a family-friendly outing, Lac de la Buissonnière is an excellent choice. It features a man-made beach, supervised swimming during summer, a playground, and picnic areas. Another option is Buclet pond, which offers pleasant places to relax and walk, and swimming is tolerated. For families with older children (7+), the walk to Lac Lauvitel through the Écrins National Park is also recommended.

The lakes around Auris offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Lake Lauvitel loop from La Danchère' or the 'Muzelle Refuge – Lake Lauvitel loop from Venosc', which you can find more about in the Mountain Hikes around Auris guide. Cycling enthusiasts can explore routes such as 'Lac du Chambon and its dam – Sarenne Pass loop from Auris' in the Road Cycling Routes around Auris guide, or gravel biking options in the Gravel biking around Auris guide. Many lakes also offer opportunities for swimming and fishing.

For supervised swimming during the summer months (early July to late August), Lac de la Buissonnière is ideal, offering pleasant water temperatures and a beach. Lake Muzelle also offers bathing opportunities for the courageous in summer. Additionally, swimming is permitted (unsupervised) in Lac du Pontet, and Lake Lauvitel is known as a wonderful bathing lake in midsummer.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several lakes. Lac Lauvitel is directly associated with Auris en Oisans for fishing, though it requires an Isère fishing permit and a special lake card. Lac du Pontet is also a recognized fishing site, and Lac de la Fare is popular with fishermen seeking a unique high-altitude experience.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (July-August) is ideal for swimming, family recreation, and enjoying the full range of outdoor activities. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant hiking conditions with vibrant flora or stunning fall colors. Some high-altitude lakes, like Lac de la Fare, are particularly striking after the spring melt with their turquoise waters. In winter, the landscape transforms into a beautiful snowy scene, though access to some lakes may be more challenging.

Yes, there are several easy options. Lac de la Buissonnière offers easy accessibility and trails around its perimeter. Lac du Pontet has an easy loop walk available from Villar-d'Arêne, perfect for a relaxed stroll. The walk around Buclet pond is also very pleasant and relaxing.

For more challenging hikes and high-altitude scenery, consider Lac de la Fare, nestled in the Grandes Rousses massif at 2,645 meters. The hike can be demanding but rewards with incredibly clear turquoise waters and historical significance. Lac du Pontet, at 1,982 meters, also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Écrins massif, La Meije, and Les Agneaux, reflecting beautifully in its clear waters.

The lakes around Auris are set amidst stunning natural beauty. You can expect to see diverse mountain flora, and if you're lucky, marmots, especially around Lac Lauvitel. The high-altitude lakes like Lac de la Fare are known for their incredibly clear turquoise blue waters. Many lakes, including Lake Muzelle and Lac du Pontet, offer magnificent views of surrounding peaks and glaciers, such as the Muzelle Glacier and the Écrins massif.

Yes, Lac de la Fare holds historical significance. The area around this high-altitude lake includes panels explaining its military past and honoring resistance fighters, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context for those who undertake the challenging hike.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the diverse experiences offered. Many appreciate the tranquility and breathtaking panoramic views, especially at lakes like Lac du Pontet and Lake Muzelle, where the surrounding peaks and glaciers create a magnificent backdrop. The opportunity for pleasant walks, family relaxation, and observing mountain flora and fauna are also highly valued.

Parking availability varies by lake. For Lac du Pontet, there is nearby parking available. For Lac du Chambon and its dam, parking is also available. For other lakes, access often involves hiking from designated trailheads, so checking specific route details is recommended.

Absolutely. Lac du Pontet is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery, with the majestic Écrins massif, La Meije, and Les Agneaux reflecting beautifully in its clear waters, making it perfect for nature photography. Lake Muzelle also offers splendid landscapes, especially when the Muzelle Glacier turns pink in the evening. The incredibly clear turquoise blue waters of high-altitude lakes like Lac de la Fare after the spring melt also provide unique photographic opportunities.