Top 20 Lakes around Orelle

The Orelle region offers several excellent lakes for hiking. Lake Cerces is a superb alpine lake nestled in an exceptional setting, offering beautiful views of the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Grand Galibier. Lac de Bissorte is another popular choice, providing an idyllic backdrop for outdoor activities and serving as a starting point for many hikes in the Maurienne Valley. For a more tranquil experience, Lac des Bataillères can be reached by extending the hike from Lac de Bissorte.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lac Vert is a beautiful small natural lake with relatively easy access, even with young children. Lac du Lou, situated at 1,520 meters, is also easily accessible from Montaimont and is perfect for relaxation and picnics, making it ideal for families.

The lakes around Orelle offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and fishing for species like brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic char, perch, carp, and pike. Many lakes are also perfect for relaxation, contemplation, and picnics. In winter, areas like Lac du Lou transform into routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Accessibility varies by lake. Lac de Bissorte can be accessed via the forest track of Le Prec, with parking available, followed by about an hour's walk. Alternatively, you can take the EDF cable car. Lac du Lou is easily accessible from Montaimont, with parking near the Auberge du Grand Coin, and the hike to the lake is considered easy. For Lac du Lou, access is easy by mountain bike or gravel via a 4x4 track.

For fishing enthusiasts, Lac de Bissorte is rich in brown trout, rainbow trout, and Arctic char. Lac des Bataillères is particularly known as a 'fishing paradise' due to its abundance of trout and Arctic char. Lac du Lou also offers excellent fishing opportunities for trout, perch, carp, and pike.

Yes, some lakes offer amenities. The Refuge du Lac du Lou, located at 2,045 meters, provides a warm welcome with 33 beds and quality cuisine, requiring reservations for half-board. Near Lac du Lou, the Auberge du Grand Coin also offers parking and amenities.

Hike difficulties vary. The hike around Lac de Bissorte is considered moderately difficult, involving a 670-meter ascent over 14 kilometers. Extending this to Lac des Bataillères adds about an hour of moderately difficult hiking. The hike to Lac du Lou is considered easy, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes with an elevation gain of 200 meters.

Yes, near Lac de Bissorte, you can find Saint Bartholomew's Chapel, which stands as a testament to local heritage. The impressive Bissorte Dam itself, built between 1930 and 1935 for hydroelectric power, is also a significant historical structure.

The best time to visit depends on your desired activities. During summer, the lakes are perfect for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty. In winter, areas like Lac du Lou, part of the Grand Coin Nordic area, transform into routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a different kind of experience.

Absolutely. Many trails around the lakes are suitable for cycling and mountain biking. For instance, Lac du Lou is easily accessible by mountain bike or gravel via a 4x4 track. You can also explore various cycling routes in the broader Orelle region, including challenging tours like the Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier, as detailed in the Cycling around Orelle guide.

Lac de Bissorte is unique as a large artificial lake created by the impressive Bissorte Dam. Its crystalline, turquoise waters, fed by neighboring glaciers, beautifully reflect the surrounding majestic peaks and dense forests. It's not just a scenic spot but also a significant hydroelectric power source and a starting point for many beautiful hikes.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility, and the diverse outdoor activities available. The idyllic settings are perfect for unwinding, enjoying picnics, and connecting with nature. The clear waters and majestic mountain backdrops, such as those at Lake Cerces, are frequently praised, as are the opportunities for hiking and fishing.