Lac du Vallon

Lac du Vallon is a mountain lake sitting within the commune of Chantepérier, in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right at the edge of the Ecrins massif. Perched at an altitude close to 2,500 metres, it is ringed by rocky ridgelines that keep this corner of the French Alps quiet and rarely crowded, even in high season. Reaching it takes real effort, but the reward is a wide-open alpine panorama few day-trippers ever see.

Where exactly is Lac du Vallon?

The lake lies on the territory of Chantepérier, though most hikers set off from the neighbouring village of Chantelouve, which serves as the main trailhead. Both villages sit in Isère, close to the boundary of Ecrins National Park, in a stretch of the Alps known for stark, rocky terrain and far fewer visitors than the better-known Oisans valleys nearby.

How do you get there on foot?

A marked trail leads up to Lac du Vallon, and it is a steep one — from Chantelouve, plan on roughly three hours of climbing to reach the lake. Hikers aiming for a full loop around the surrounding ridges should expect a route stretching well over ten kilometres and a full day out on the mountain. This is not a stroll for casual walkers; it suits people already comfortable with long, high-altitude hikes and significant elevation gain.

What views does the lake offer?

Lac du Vallon sits at the foot of the Rochail summit, framed by rocky crests on several sides. From its shores, the panorama opens onto the Oisans massif and the Taillefer peak, two of the defining landmarks of this part of the Dauphiné Alps. The scenery shifts from bare rock and scree near the water to alpine meadows lower down the trail, giving the hike a varied character from start to finish.

Who should plan this hike?

Given the altitude, the length of the approach, and the exposed terrain, Lac du Vallon is best suited to experienced mountain hikers used to long days with substantial elevation gain. An early start is worth planning for, along with gear suited to the fast-changing weather typical of high alpine terrain, and it is wise to check current trail conditions before setting out, particularly outside the summer months.

FAQ

Where is Lac du Vallon located? The lake lies within the commune of Chantepérier in the Isère department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the edge of the Ecrins massif, close to the village of Chantelouve.

How long does the hike to the lake take? From Chantelouve, the climb takes around three hours one way. A full loop around the surrounding trails runs well over ten kilometres and takes most of a day.

Is the trail difficult? Yes. The route involves significant elevation gain over high-mountain terrain, so it is recommended for experienced hikers rather than beginners.

What can you see from the lake? The lake offers views of the Rochail summit along with a wider panorama taking in the Oisans massif and the Taillefer peak, making it a rewarding destination for lovers of high-alpine scenery.

Is there another lake with a similar name nearby? France has another lake with a very similar name in Haute-Savoie, formed by a landslide, but it is an entirely separate body of water in a different region, unrelated to the Lac du Vallon in Isère.