Lac de Sainte-Marguerite

Lac de Sainte-Marguerite is a mountain lake within the commune of Les Orres, sitting inside the boundaries of the Les Orres ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. Its strikingly turquoise water fills a rocky basin at 2,227 metres of altitude, ringed by the peaks of Aupillon and Pouzenc. The shoreline opens onto views of the Écrins massif, which is a large part of why this lake ranks among the most visited natural spots in the area.

Where exactly is the lake and how do you get there?

The easiest access is by riding the Les Orres resort's mechanical lifts, which keep running through the summer season. Hikers who prefer to walk the whole way can start from the Pra Paisset car park or directly from the Les Orres 1800 station. The waymarked trail crosses the Bois Méan forest and the Eissalete valley before opening onto flower-covered pastures near the lake. Reaching it on foot takes roughly two hours one way, with around 600 metres of elevation gain — a route generally rated as a classic family outing rather than a technical climb.

What will you see along the way?

The approach shifts through several distinct landscapes: dense conifer forest, mountain streams, and finally open alpine meadows grazed by cattle. Marmots are a common sight in this stretch, and hikers occasionally spot chamois higher on the slopes. Picnic tables are set up both along the trail and by the lakeshore, making it easy to plan a longer stop.

What can you do once you reach the lake?

Lac de Sainte-Marguerite is primarily a picnic destination — the combination of turquoise water and the Écrins skyline draws both families and more seasoned hikers. The surrounding land is privately owned, so camping and overnight bivouacking are not permitted. For those wanting to continue further, the lake also works as a starting point for longer routes toward Col de l'Âne, Col de l'Aupillon, or the Jérusalem springs, all of which open onto wider views over the Serre-Ponçon valley.

When is the best time to visit?

The trail is busiest during the peak of the summer holidays, so visitors looking for a quieter walk should aim for the shoulder weeks of the season. The pastures around the lake are usually at their best before mid-July, before the summer crowds and drier conditions set in. Outside the summer season, when snow covers the area, the lake and its access trails are largely inaccessible.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de Sainte-Marguerite? The lake sits at 2,227 metres of altitude, in a basin framed by the Aupillon and Pouzenc peaks.

How long does the hike take? Walking from the Pra Paisset car park or Les Orres 1800 takes about two hours, with roughly 600 metres of elevation gain.

Can you camp by the lake? No. The land around Lac de Sainte-Marguerite is private property, and camping or bivouacking is not allowed.

Is the hike suitable for children? Yes. It is considered one of the classic family hikes in Les Orres, following a waymarked trail of moderate difficulty.

What wildlife might you see on the way? Cattle graze the alpine pastures, marmots are commonly seen, and chamois occasionally appear on the higher slopes.

Can you shorten the walk by using the lifts? Yes, the Les Orres resort's summer lifts cut down the approach considerably compared with walking the entire route from the valley.