The Lac de Belledonne itinerary is one of the must-do hikes in the Eau d'Olle valley. The atmosphere is wild and the scenery magnificent, with the Belledonne range dominating the trail, including the Croix de Belledonne, and facing the Grandes Rousses and Rissiou massifs.
Marking : Yellow/Green. White/Red for the GR®549. Yellow for the lake.
Good plans : It is sometimes possible to spot chamois in the scree area during the summer.

Admission fee : Free access.

Opening : From 13/06 to 15/10 daily. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Step by step description : From Allemond, head toward the church, then take Route de la Traverse to the Coteyssard parking lot. The trail starts at the bend above the track; further up, it crosses the Coteyssard stream and continues through the forest of the same name to reach the Chazeau hut (unmanned). This hut provides shelter for transhumant shepherds during the summer. After the hut, the trail crosses alpine pastures and blueberry thickets before climbing up to the Pas du Bessey via a moraine. The trail then descends slightly and crosses a vast scree field—evidence of glacial activity—below the Grand Charnier. Once you reach the trail junction, turn left for the final ascent to the lake. You’ll pass two small lakes and a waterfall flowing down from the lake. The lake is nestled on this natural promontory.

Warning : As this route is potentially subject to severe damage due to major weather events and its viability may be uncertain, please enquire before embarking on it.

Area : Oisans