Lac des Rouies

Lac des Rouies is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Écrins massif, within the commune of Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans in the Isère department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region). Sitting at 2,722 metres above sea level, it fills a cirque that formed after the retreat of the La Lavey glacier, flanked by the peaks of Cime du Vallon (3,406 m) and Olan (3,564 m). The lake covers roughly 7.3 hectares.

Where does the lake's name come from?

The name comes from the nearby summit of Les Rouies (3,589 m), which straddles the border between the Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments and separates the Vénéon and Séveraisse valleys. The mountain is known for its broad, glaciated plateau above roughly 3,400 metres, which makes it one of the more approachable high-altitude mountaineering objectives in the southern part of the Écrins massif.

How did the lake form?

Lac des Rouies fills a glacial basin that was uncovered as the La Lavey glacier retreated during the 1950s. The same process produced several other high alpine lakes in the surrounding area, including Eychauda, Arsine and Quirlies - all shaped by shrinking ice in the Écrins over the course of the twentieth century.

How do you get to the lake?

The usual starting point is the Refuge de la Lavey, reached from Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans by taking the D530 road toward the hamlet of Champhorent. From the refuge, the trail follows the Vallon de la Lavey, also known locally as the Muande valley, climbing about 950 metres over roughly 5.5 kilometres one way; the full round trip takes around four hours. Lower down, the path crosses moorland covered in heather and rhododendron; higher up, it moves onto rockier terrain where cairns mark the way across a scree slope. The final stretch calls for sure footing and steady stamina, and the descent - particularly on the way back toward Champhorent - is long and can feel tiring on the knees.

Practical note: the Refuge de la Lavey closed on 15 July 2025 for a two-year renovation, with reopening planned for summer 2027. It is worth checking current access and lodging options in the area before setting out.

What should hikers know before setting off?

The route is not technically demanding, but the elevation gain and the rocky, scree-covered upper section call for reasonable fitness and sturdy trekking footwear. The lake lies within the Écrins National Park, so park regulations apply, including restrictions on wild camping outside designated zones.

FAQ

How high is Lac des Rouies? The lake sits at 2,722 metres above sea level, in a glacial cirque within the Écrins massif.

Where does the hike start? From Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, following the D530 road to Champhorent, the trailhead for the Refuge de la Lavey.

How long does the hike take? The round trip from the Lavey refuge takes about four hours, covering roughly 5.5 kilometres one way with about 950 metres of elevation gain.

Can you stay overnight near the lake? The closest option is the Refuge de la Lavey, but it is closed from July 2025 until summer 2027 for renovation work.

Where does the lake's name come from? It is named after the neighbouring peak of Les Rouies (3,589 m), which overlooks the valley from the Isère-Hautes-Alpes border.