Lac de la Montagnette

Lac de la Montagnette is a high-altitude lake in the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, within the boundaries of Mercantour National Park. It sits in the Haute-Tinée valley at roughly 2755 m above sea level, inside a rocky glacial cirque that also holds several other lakes sharing part of the same name.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake occupies the upper section of a cirque that also contains Lac Chaffour and Lac du Cimon. Lac de la Montagnette sits above both of them, along the trail that climbs from Lac de Rabuons toward the Pas de Rabuons pass. This distinction matters: although the three lakes lie close together in the same rocky basin, they are three separate bodies of water, not different names for the same lake. Nearby, in the Vens lakes area, there is also a lake with a similar name — Lac de la Montagnette-de-Vens (about 2606 m) — which is easy to confuse with this one but is a distinct lake in a different valley cluster.

What does the surrounding landscape look like?

The setting is classic high-mountain, mineral terrain: bare rock, scree slopes and ridgelines, with views toward the peaks of the Haute-Tinée, including Mont Ténibre (3031 m). Marmots and chamois are regularly seen in the area. In summer, as snow patches melt around the shoreline, the water typically takes on the vivid turquoise or emerald tone common to glacial lakes at this altitude.

How do you get to Lac de la Montagnette?

Access runs through Mercantour National Park, most commonly starting from Lac de Rabuons, the largest lake in the Tinée valley, where a small stone refuge (refuge de Rabuons) stands on its shore. From there, the trail climbs past Lac Chaffour and Lac du Cimon before reaching Lac de la Montagnette, continuing further toward the Pas de Rabuons. The route is high-mountain terrain with substantial elevation gain and rocky sections, so it calls for good physical condition, proper footwear, and a check of weather conditions before setting out.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the altitude and long-lingering snow cover, the practical hiking season is essentially limited to summer and early autumn. Snow patches can persist on the trails into early summer, and weather in the higher reaches of the Mercantour can change quickly even in the warm months.

What rules apply inside the national park?

The area falls under Mercantour National Park regulations: camping is prohibited outside designated zones, picking plants and disturbing wildlife is forbidden, and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Breaking these rules can result in fines of up to 1500 euros, so it is worth reviewing the park's rules before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lac de la Montagnette the same lake as Lac du Cimon or Lac Chaffour? No. All three lie close together in the same mountain cirque, but they are separate lakes — Lac de la Montagnette sits higher up, along the trail toward the Pas de Rabuons.

Is there another lake with a similar name nearby? Yes — Lac de la Montagnette-de-Vens, located in the Vens lakes area at a somewhat lower altitude. It is a different lake from the one described here.

How long does it take to reach the lake? It depends on the starting point. The route runs through high-mountain terrain in the Mercantour and generally calls for a full-day itinerary, often with an overnight stay near Lac de Rabuons.

Is the trail difficult? Yes, the approach is considered demanding — it crosses rocky, high-altitude terrain with significant elevation gain, and suits hikers with prior mountain experience.

Can you fish in the lake? Lakes in this part of the Mercantour are sometimes stocked with trout, but local national park rules apply at all times — check current regulations on site before fishing.