Lac des Cordes

Lac des Cordes is a small mountain lake in the commune of Cervières, in the Hautes-Alpes department, within the Briançonnais region of southeastern France. Sitting at 2,446 metres above sea level, right below the northern face of the Pic de Rochebrune, it covers a modest 0.02 square kilometres — closer to an alpine tarn than a large lake — yet its dramatic rock backdrop makes it one of the more rewarding day hikes above the Cerveyrette valley.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake sits in a side valley of the Cerveyrette torrent, on land belonging to Cervières, a few kilometres from Briançon. The surrounding terrain is classic high-Alpine: steep slopes, scattered larch woodland thinning out toward the rockline, and the sheer face of the Pic de Rochebrune rising almost directly above the water. Its altitude keeps it snowbound for much of the year, so a visit is realistically limited to summer and early autumn.

How do you reach Lac des Cordes on foot?

Most walkers start from the hamlet of Les Chalps, leaving the car at the Bourgea parking area. From there the trail first drops toward the Cerveyrette torrent, crossed on a footbridge. Beyond the bridge comes the toughest stretch: a steep, switchbacking climb through forest, including one short passage across a rock face fitted with a safety cable. After that obstacle the path threads past the last larches, levels out, and crosses a boggy alpine meadow before reaching the lakeshore. The outing calls for a reasonable level of fitness and sure footing, though no climbing gear is needed.

Is the area protected?

Yes. Lac des Cordes lies within the Natura 2000 site known as "Rochebrune – Izoard – Vallée de la Cerveyrette," which safeguards a mix of forest, wetland and alpine pasture habitats. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths, keep dogs on a leash, and carry out any rubbish. Tent camping and lighting fires are both prohibited, though a single night's bivouac without a tent is tolerated.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac des Cordes?

The lake lies at 2,446 metres above sea level, immediately below the northern face of the Pic de Rochebrune.

How big is the lake?

Its surface area is about 0.02 square kilometres, making it a small alpine lake rather than a large body of water.

Where does the hike start?

Most hikers begin at the Bourgea parking area near the hamlet of Les Chalps, in the commune of Cervières.

Is the trail difficult?

The approach includes a steep, switchbacking forest climb and a short cabled passage across a rock face, so it demands decent fitness, though no technical climbing skills.

Can you swim or camp there?

Because the site sits within a Natura 2000 protected area, tent camping and fires are banned; only a single night's unsheltered bivouac is allowed, and visitors should keep to the marked trails.