Lac du Cimon

Lac du Cimon is a high-altitude lake sitting at roughly 2,645 m above sea level in the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, in the Alpes-Maritimes department. It lies in the Haute-Tinée valley, inside Mercantour National Park — one of the wildest and least-crowded ranges in the French Alps.

Where exactly is Lac du Cimon?

The lake occupies a high mountain cirque just above Lac de Rabuons, right next to another small lake, Lac Chaffour, which sits slightly lower at around 2,621 m. Together these lakes form a chain typical of the granite, rock-strewn terrain of Haute-Tinée: bare stone, sparse alpine vegetation, and open views of the surrounding ridgelines. Lac du Cimon's coordinates are approximately 44.28°N, 6.9883°E.

How do you get there?

The classic approach starts in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (about 1,144 m) and follows the "chemin de l'énergie," a trail climbing the valley toward Refuge de Rabuons. From the refuge, the path continues past Lac de Rabuons and Lac Chaffour before reaching Lac du Cimon. The full there-and-back covers roughly 20 km with about 1,580 m of elevation gain — a full day out, typically 7.5 to 8 hours of walking. It's a demanding but rewarding route, popular with hikers exploring Haute-Tinée once the trails clear of snow in summer.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

From the Chaffour and Cimon lakes, trails continue toward Pas de Rabuons and Mont Ténibre (3,031 m), the highest summit in the entire Tinée valley and a common objective for hikers venturing deeper into this part of Mercantour. Lac de la Montagnette lies in the same area. The surrounding landscape is stark and mineral — bare granite slopes and scree that contrast with the greener, lower stretches of the Tinée valley further down.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the altitude — well above 2,600 m — Lac du Cimon is realistically reachable on foot mainly from June/July through September, once snow has cleared from the passes. Outside that window, the route can demand winter mountaineering gear and experience.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac du Cimon? The lake sits at roughly 2,645 m above sea level, in the high mountain section of the Haute-Tinée valley.

Is Lac du Cimon inside Mercantour National Park? Yes. The lake lies within Mercantour National Park, in the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.

How long is the hike to Lac du Cimon? The popular route from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée is about 20 km round trip with roughly 1,580 m of elevation gain, usually taking 7.5 to 8 hours.

Is Lac du Cimon the same lake as Lac Chaffour? No — they are two separate lakes close together in the same high cirque. Lac Chaffour sits slightly lower, at about 2,621 m, while Lac du Cimon sits higher, at about 2,645 m.

What peaks can you see from the lake? Mont Ténibre (3,031 m), the highest point in the Tinée valley, rises nearby, reached via trails that start from the Chaffour and Cimon lakes area.

Is this hike suitable for beginners? It's a demanding, full-day mountain hike with substantial elevation gain — best suited to hikers with high-mountain experience and solid fitness.