Lac Achard

Lac Achard is a mountain lake sitting at roughly 1,917 metres of altitude in the Belledonne massif, within the municipality of Chamrousse in the Isère department of the French Alps. It's one of the most accessible alpine lakes in the area, which makes it a favourite for families and for anyone after a short but rewarding walk with a genuine high-mountain feel.

Where is the lake located?

Lac Achard sits on a plateau in the upper part of the Chamrousse ski resort, close to two of the resort's main access points: Chamrousse 1750 (Roche-Béranger) and Chamrousse 1600 (plateau de l'Arselle). Its coordinates are approximately 45.114°N, 5.901°E. Chamrousse itself lies at the tip of the Belledonne range, about 30 km from Grenoble.

How do you get to Lac Achard?

The most popular approach starts from Roche-Béranger (Chamrousse 1750) and takes around an hour at a relaxed pace, which is why it's often chosen by families with children. A second route climbs from the plateau de l'Arselle (Chamrousse 1600), but it's steeper and better suited to hikers with a bit more stamina. In summer the path requires no special equipment, while in winter the area around the lake becomes a popular destination for snowshoe outings.

Are there any restrictions around the lake?

Lac Achard lies within a designated Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) known as "Plateau de l'Arselle et lac Achard," and the site also falls inside a Natura 2000 zone. As a result, several activities are banned here: lighting fires, collecting firewood, camping, foraging for plants, fishing, and swimming — the swimming ban applies to dogs as well. These rules exist to protect the fragile ecosystem of the high-altitude lake and the surrounding peat bogs.

What views and onward routes are worth knowing about?

The lake's distinctive, well-rounded shape is best appreciated from the Col de l'Infernet and from the Croix de Chamrousse, the resort's highest point at around 2,250 metres. On a clear day, both spots offer views across to the Taillefer massif. Lac Achard also works as a natural waypoint on a longer route that continues past the Lacs Robert all the way up to the Croix de Chamrousse summit — a popular option for hikers wanting to string together several of Belledonne's highlights in one outing.

What is Chamrousse best known for?

Chamrousse is a ski resort spread across three villages — Recoin, Roche-Béranger and l'Arselle — and it holds a distinctive place in Olympic history: it was the only French resort to host every alpine skiing event of the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. It was on the slopes of Chamrousse that Jean-Claude Killy won three gold medals and Marielle Goitschel took one of her own. That Olympic legacy remains a defining part of the resort's identity and is still proudly highlighted to visitors today.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Lac Achard? From Roche-Béranger (Chamrousse 1750), the walk takes about an hour at a moderate pace.

Can you swim in the lake? No. Because the area has protected status, swimming is banned, along with fishing, camping, and lighting fires.

Is the hike suitable for children? Yes, the approach from Roche-Béranger is considered easy and is popular with families.

Can the lake be visited in winter? Yes, the area around Lac Achard is a well-known destination for snowshoe outings during the winter season.

What can you see from the nearby Col de l'Infernet? The lake's characteristic shape, and on clear days, the Taillefer massif in the distance.