Lac de Roue

Lac de Roue is a small lake in the commune of Arvieux, within the Queyras Regional Nature Park in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. Sitting at just under 1,850 metres above sea level, it offers a gentler, more sheltered landscape than the bare rock and scree that dominate much of the surrounding valley.

Where is Lac de Roue located?

The lake lies within the territory of Arvieux, close to Château-Queyras, one of the area's historic villages. The whole site falls inside the Queyras Regional Nature Park, a protected area covering the upper valley of the Guil river. The lake was formerly known as Marais de la Motte Tremblante, a name pointing to its origin as a wetland that was later turned into open water.

What makes the setting distinctive?

Unlike most alpine lakes in Queyras, which sit exposed among rock and scree, Lac de Roue is ringed by trees and meadow. It lies inside a larch forest, giving the scenery a softer, almost North American feel rather than a typical high-alpine one. Nearby is Lac Miroir, the other lake in the area bordered by larch trees. Pic de Rochebrune is the only summit visible from the shore, since the surrounding forest screens off the rest of the skyline. In autumn the larches turn gold and orange, and at sunset the light reflects across the water, making the lake a favourite subject for photographers.

What can visitors do there?

A picnic area with tables and a barbecue spot has been set up in the shade of the trees, making the lake an easy destination for a family outing. Local residents often come here outside the peak tourist season, and long-distance hikers on the GR5 and GR58 trails use it as a stopping point along their route. The paths around the lake also attract mountain bikers in summer and snowshoers in winter.

How do you get to Lac de Roue?

Two routes lead to the lake. The first starts at Château-Queyras and follows the road toward Souliers before reaching the shore. The second begins at Chalp d'Arvieux and passes through the hamlet of Les Maisons; from there the walk to the lake takes around 50 minutes, covering 2.1 km with about 160 metres of elevation gain, an easy enough route for families with young children.

FAQ

Is Lac de Roue a natural or an artificial lake?

It is an artificial lake, created on the site of a former wetland known as Marais de la Motte Tremblante.

How high up is the lake?

Lac de Roue sits at just under 1,850 metres above sea level, in the commune of Arvieux within the Queyras Regional Nature Park.

Is the walk to the lake suitable for children?

Yes. The approach from Les Maisons is short, about 2.1 km with only 160 metres of climbing, making it a manageable family walk.

Can you have a picnic at the lake?

Yes, there is a dedicated picnic area by the shore with tables and a barbecue spot under the trees.

Does the lake lie on any long-distance hiking trails?

Yes, it serves as a stop along both the GR5 and GR58 long-distance trails.