Top 12 Lakes around Laffrey
Best lakes around Laffrey are situated on the Matheysin Plateau in the Isère department of France. This region is known for its four glacial lakes, which offer diverse natural features. The lakes are accessible from May to October and lie along the historic Route Napoléon. They provide a refreshing environment, particularly during warmer periods in the Grenoble valley.
Best lakes around Laffrey
- The most popular lakes is Étang de Haute-Jarrie, a lake frequented by fishermen and cyclists. It is…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
The Belvedere of Alpe du Grand Serre
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Downhill skiing
Cross-country skiing
Mountain biking
Hiking
Lake for swimming
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Étang de Haute-Jarrie
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Lake Laffrey
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Lake Luitel
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Lake Brouffier
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Other adventures around Laffrey
Tips from the Community
The little road that goes down from Cholonge is great and on arrival you have a superb view of Lake Lafrey
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Alpe du Grand Serre is a family-friendly mid-mountain resort, which maintains a human touch, far from the overcrowding of larger resorts. The resort is ideal for mountain biking (trail, enduro, and downhill), downhill skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. In summer, you can cool off in its small lake or in the alpine lakes accessible by hiking.
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A high-altitude lake, very quiet and rarely visited. The lake is at an altitude of 2,115 m. It offers breathtaking 360° views.
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A rather pleasant place frequented by fishermen and children who come here on bicycles. In spring, you can hear frog concerts there.
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At the heart of the Oisans massif is Lake Brouffier, a high-altitude jewel in Isère. Its shimmering waters reflect the surrounding peaks.
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Wetland area suitable for bird watching.
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A better route to take that avoids the busy main road. There are very nice panoramic views of Lac de Laffrey below.
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The Luitel Lake National Nature Reserve is the first French nature reserve. It dates from 1961. There are peat bogs, exceptional flora and this pretty lake in front of which you find yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes in the Laffrey area?
The Laffrey area, situated on the Matheysin Plateau, is known for its four glacial lakes: Grand Lac de Laffrey, Lac Mort, Lac de Pétichet, and Lac de Pierre-Châtel. Each offers distinct features, from active recreation to serene natural settings. Additionally, you can find other notable spots like Étang de Haute-Jarrie, popular for fishing and bird watching, and the high-altitude Lake Brouffier.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Laffrey?
The lakes around Laffrey are generally accessible and most enjoyable from May to October. This period offers refreshing conditions, especially when the Grenoble valley experiences higher temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and lakeside relaxation.
Are there opportunities for hiking around the Laffrey lakes?
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. For instance, Lac Mort features a serene walking circuit through forests. You can find several hiking routes, including 'Around the grand lac de Laffrey and lac Mort' and 'Lac Mort loop from Laffrey'. Explore more options on the Hiking around Laffrey guide.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Absolutely. The area provides excellent routes for both cycling and mountain biking. You can find scenic cycling tours like 'The Corniches of the Drac' and 'Lake Laffrey – Saint-Honoré 1500 loop'. For mountain biking, trails such as 'Bucolic landscape – La Pierre Percée loop' are available. Discover more routes on the Cycling around Laffrey guide and MTB Trails around Laffrey guide.
Which lakes are suitable for swimming?
Grand Lac de Laffrey is a popular choice for swimming, especially in summer when supervision is often provided on its pebble beaches. Lac de Pétichet also offers gently sloping beaches suitable for swimming, though unsupervised. Additionally, the small lake at The Belvedere of Alpe du Grand Serre is suitable for cooling off.
Are there water sports available on the lakes?
Grand Lac de Laffrey is a hub for water sports. You can find clubs offering rentals for paddleboards, windsurfing, and canoes. Its often windy conditions also make it a prime location for sailing.
Where can I go fishing around Laffrey?
Fishing is a popular activity in the region. Lac Mort is rich in trout, pike, and carp, while Lac de Pierre-Châtel is particularly renowned as a carp angler's paradise. Étang de Haute-Jarrie is also frequented by fishermen.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see?
The lakes are glacial in origin, set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You'll find dense forests of beech, fir, and ash trees around Lac Mort, and diverse ecosystems including wetlands, marshes, and peat bogs at Lac de Pétichet. Étang de Haute-Jarrie is noted for its wetland area, suitable for bird watching.
Are the lakes around Laffrey family-friendly?
Yes, several lakes cater to families. Grand Lac de Laffrey offers a lively atmosphere with various activities and supervised swimming during summer. Lac de Pétichet features gently sloping beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a good choice for a relaxing family day. Étang de Haute-Jarrie is also considered family-friendly.
Do the lakes have any historical significance?
Yes, the lakes lie along the historic Route Napoléon. Grand Lac de Laffrey is particularly significant as the site of the 'Prairie de la Rencontre,' where an equestrian statue commemorates Napoleon's persuasive encounter with royal troops in 1815.
Are there any quiet, natural spots for relaxation?
For tranquility, Lac Mort is the most discreet of the four lakes, offering a serene environment and scenic walking trails. Lac de Pierre-Châtel also maintains a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking to escape crowds. Lake Brouffier, a high-altitude lake, is known for its quiet and rarely visited nature.
Are there good viewpoints of the lakes and surrounding area?
Yes, there are several spots offering panoramic views. The tips for Lake Laffrey mention superb views of the lake. Additionally, The Belvedere of Alpe du Grand Serre is a notable viewpoint in the wider area.
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