Lac de la Sitre

Lac de la Sitre is a small mountain lake in the Belledonne range, sitting at 1,952 metres above sea level within the commune of La Combe-de-Lancey, in the Isère department of France. It occupies a rocky cirque below the Pointe de la Sitre, surrounded by the bare ridgelines and alpine terrain typical of this part of Belledonne.

Where is the lake located?

The lake lies in the upper reaches of the valley above La Combe-de-Lancey, on the flank of the Belledonne range that overlooks the Grésivaudan valley. The commune's territory spans every alpine level found in the massif, from forest at the bottom to mountain pasture and bare rock higher up. Lac de la Sitre sits close to other lakes of the same chain, including Lac du Crozet and Lac du Loup, which means several bodies of water can be combined into a single outing.

How do you get to Lac de la Sitre?

Most hikers start from La Combe-de-Lancey itself. The path climbs through forest before opening onto mountain pasture, passing the Pré du Mollard refuge along the way. The first stretch up to the refuge is the steepest part of the walk; beyond it the gradient eases across open pastureland. From the Habert de la Sitre, walkers can branch off toward the neighbouring Grande Sitre lake or continue on a loop that takes in the Col du Loup, Lac du Loup and Lac du Crozet. That loop involves no technical climbing, though its length and elevation gain call for a reasonable level of fitness.

Hikers after a longer day can continue up to the Pointe de la Sitre, the peak overlooking the lake, which opens onto views of the Grésivaudan valley and the Grand Pic de Belledonne.

What should you know before setting out?

The route runs through high mountain terrain, where weather can shift quickly and shaded sections can hold snow well into late spring. Sturdy hiking boots and a check of the forecast beforehand are standard practice for any outing in Belledonne. Summer is the most reliable season to visit, when the trails are clear and fully passable.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de la Sitre? The lake sits at 1,952 metres above sea level, in the Belledonne massif.

Where should you start the hike? La Combe-de-Lancey is the natural starting point. From there the trail climbs through forest and pasture to the Pré du Mollard refuge before reaching the lake.

Is the trail technically difficult? The loop connecting Lac de la Sitre with the nearby Lac du Loup and Lac du Crozet involves no technical climbing, though its distance and elevation gain require decent fitness. The initial climb to the Pré du Mollard refuge is the steepest section.

Are there other lakes nearby worth visiting? Yes — Lac du Crozet and Lac du Loup lie in the same part of Belledonne, making it easy to plan a longer hike linking several lakes in one trip.

Can you see other Belledonne peaks from the trail? Yes. The climb toward the Pointe de la Sitre opens onto views of the Grésivaudan valley and the Grand Pic de Belledonne, the massif's highest summit.