Lac du Laitelet

Lac du Laitelet is a small mountain lake sitting at 2,035 metres above sea level in the commune of Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, in the Maurienne valley of Savoie. It lies right beside the road leading up to the Col de la Croix de Fer, next to two other small lakes, Lac Guichard and Lac Potron. Together the three form a well-known loop walk, with views opening onto the jagged Aiguilles d'Arves.

Where exactly is the lake?

Lac du Laitelet sits on the Savoie side of the Arves massif, close to the Col de la Croix de Fer, one of the best-known mountain passes in the Grandes Rousses area. Only a short stretch separates the lake from the road, which makes it one of the easiest high-altitude lakes to reach around Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves.

How do you get there?

Access is via the road climbing toward the Col de la Croix de Fer — the lake sits directly alongside this route, so the walk in from the roadside parking is short and largely flat. That is why the spot draws not just hikers but also families with young children and visitors with limited mobility. The lake can technically be reached year-round, though in practice this depends on snow cover and whether the pass road has been cleared; in winter and early spring the area is often still under snow.

What can you do at Lac du Laitelet?

The lake is a place to slow down among high peaks — visitors picnic on the shore, watch the Aiguilles d'Arves reflected in the still water, and pick wild bilberries growing nearby in season. Anglers fish directly from the bank. It also works well as a starting point for a longer walk: the loop linking Lac du Laitelet with Lac Guichard and Lac Potron typically takes around an hour over flat, scenic ground.

What views does the lake offer?

The main draw is the view of the Aiguilles d'Arves, three sharp rock peaks of the massif, the tallest rising above 3,500 metres. Their outline reflects in the calm surface of the lake, especially on still mornings, making the spot a popular viewpoint and an easy short walk from Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves.

Who is this spot suited to?

Thanks to its easy access right off the road, Lac du Laitelet works as a family outing, a stop on the drive over the Col de la Croix de Fer, or a launch point for a longer walk around the nearby lakes. There is no steep approach here, just the kind of high-altitude Savoie scenery that draws people up to this pass in the first place.

FAQ

How high up is Lac du Laitelet? The lake sits at 2,035 metres above sea level.

Which commune is the lake in? Lac du Laitelet belongs to Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, in the Maurienne valley in Savoie.

Is the walk to the lake difficult? No — the lake lies right next to the road up to the Col de la Croix de Fer, so reaching it doesn't require a long or steep climb.

What other lakes are nearby? Lac Guichard and Lac Potron sit close by, and together with Lac du Laitelet they form a well-known three-lake loop walk.

What can you see from the lake? The shore offers views of the Aiguilles d'Arves, the three-peaked rock massif that defines this part of the Maurienne valley.

Is the lake accessible all year? Yes, depending on snow conditions — access depends on whether the pass road has been cleared.