Lac de Souliers

Lac de Souliers sits at roughly 2,492 metres above sea level in the commune of Château-Ville-Vieille, within the Queyras Regional Nature Park in the Hautes-Alpes. Locals call it "l'œil du Queyras" — the eye of Queyras — a nod to its striking, near-perfect circular outline set against green alpine pasture.

What makes the shape so unusual?

The lake didn't form the way most alpine tarns do. It sits inside a sinkhole created by the slow dissolution of an underground gypsum deposit, which left behind a funnel-shaped hollow that eventually filled with water. That geological quirk — uncommon in this part of the Alps — is exactly why the shoreline reads as such a clean circle rather than the jagged edges typical of glacial lakes.

The setting

Open grassy slopes surround the water on every side, grazed by cattle and sheep through the summer months. The panorama stretches across the wider Queyras massif, and on a clear day the distinctive peak of Mont Viso, the highest summit of the Cottian Alps, is visible from the shore. Because the site sits exposed to wind at altitude, it can feel noticeably cooler here than down in the valley, even in July.

How to get there

Two main hiking approaches lead to the lake, each starting from a different side of the massif.

From the hamlet of Souliers

The trailhead is by the Chapelle Saint-Pierre in Souliers, reached via the D544 (off the D902/D947 from Guillestre). The path climbs through forest before steepening toward the Col du Tronchet, then descends alongside the stream that flows out of the lake. It's a family-friendly walk without technical difficulty, though some stretches are fairly steep, and the climb takes about 2 hours 20 minutes one way. There are no water sources along the route, so it's worth carrying enough to drink.

From Col d'Izoard

A shorter option starts at the Casse Déserte car park near the Col d'Izoard, on the Arvieux side. With under 300 metres of elevation gain, the walk takes less than an hour — the quickest way to reach the lake, and a popular choice for families with children.

When to visit

The lake is fully accessible from July through September, once the snow has cleared and the surrounding pastures turn green. This is when the area is busiest with hikers stopping for a picnic or a rest during longer treks through Queyras.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac de Souliers? The lake lies at approximately 2,492 metres above sea level.

Why is it called the "eye of Queyras"? Because of its near-perfectly round shape, best appreciated from above or from the surrounding slopes.

Which route is easier? The approach from Col d'Izoard (Casse Déserte car park) is shorter and gentler — under an hour of walking with less than 300 metres of elevation gain. The hike from Souliers takes longer, around 2 hours 20 minutes, and includes steeper sections.

Is it suitable for families with children? Yes, both routes are considered manageable for families, though it's worth bringing enough water and warm layers given the wind at altitude.

Can you swim in the lake? Given the altitude, wind exposure and cold water, the lake is best treated as a scenic stop and picnic spot rather than a swimming destination.