Lac de Gers

Lac de Gers is a small mountain lake above Samoëns, in Haute-Savoie, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sitting at the foot of the Grand Massif. It is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the area, combining a manageable approach with the kind of scenery typical of high-altitude tarns — open pastures ringed by rocky ridges.

Where exactly is the lake?

Lac de Gers lies in a side valley known as the Combe de Gers, at an altitude of a bit over 1,500 metres, not far from other well-known spots in this part of the Alps, including the Cascade du Rouget waterfall and the Gorges des Tines. Its coordinates are roughly 46.03 N, 6.73 E. The lake itself is modest in size, with a maximum surface area of around 6.5 hectares, and its water level shifts noticeably over the course of the year — the gap between high and low levels can reach roughly 2 metres, depending on snowmelt and rainfall.

How do you get to Lac de Gers?

There are two main ways to reach it. The classic approach is on foot, usually starting from the Pont de Lédédian car park, with a trail running through the Combe de Gers that takes several hours round trip depending on pace and fitness. The second, much shorter option uses the Télécabine du Grand Massif Express cable car: from its upper station, only a relatively easy, short stretch of walking remains to reach the lake, which makes the destination realistic for less experienced hikers and families with children. At one point the trail runs beneath the cable car line, so the two routes partly overlap.

What is there to find at the lake?

Right by the water stands the Refuge du Lac de Gers, a mountain gîte d'étape at roughly 1,533 metres, looking directly out over the lake. It offers rooms for 3 to 6 people, some with private bathrooms, along with meals served both to overnight guests and to hikers who stop only for lunch or dinner along a longer route. The refuge runs seasonally, typically from late May to late September, though the area also sees visitors in winter, when it becomes terrain for snowshoeing and ski touring.

Who is this area suited to?

In summer and early autumn, the Lac de Gers area draws hikers as well as mountain bikers, since the surrounding trails also form part of MTB routes running through the Grand Massif. In winter, once regular foot traffic around the cable car eases off, the terrain shifts toward ski touring and snowshoe outings, though reaching the lake at that time of year calls for proper experience and equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de Gers? The lake itself sits a little above 1,500 metres, while the refuge overlooking it stands at around 1,533 metres.

Can you reach it by cable car? Partly, yes. The Télécabine du Grand Massif Express shortens the approach considerably — from its upper station only a short walk remains, unlike the full hike from the Pont de Lédédian car park.

Is it possible to stay overnight at the lake? Yes. The Refuge du Lac de Gers offers rooms for 3 to 6 people plus meals, and operates on a seasonal basis, mainly from late spring to early autumn.

Does the lake's water level actually change? Yes, noticeably — the difference between high and low water can reach around 2 metres over the year, typical for a small lake fed largely by melting snow.

Is the hike suitable for families with children? The cable-car option is considerably shorter and easier than the full walking approach, which is why it tends to be the choice for families and less experienced walkers.