Lac Égorgeou

Lac Égorgeou is a high-altitude lake tucked into the Bouchouse valley, within the commune of Abriès-Ristolas and the Queyras Regional Natural Park in the Hautes-Alpes, French Alps. Sitting at the foot of the Taillante ridge, it's one of the classic lake stops on the long-distance GR58 trail circling the Queyras massif, close to the Italian border and the Monviso massif.

Where is the lake located?

Égorgeou sits at roughly 2,394–2,400 metres above sea level, on land that once belonged to the village of Ristolas before it merged with Abriès. It shares the upper valley with the smaller Lac Baricle, a well-known fishing lake right next door, and the two are usually visited together on the same outing. The setting is glacial in character: bare rock, moraine debris, and open alpine pasture above the treeline.

How do you get there?

Most visitors start from the hamlet of l'Échalp, reached by driving through Aiguilles, Abriès and Ristolas along the D947, with parking available near the Guil river. From there, the walk to the lake takes around two and a half hours and gains close to 700 metres in elevation. The path climbs through forest before opening onto the scenic Chalets de la Médille and Peyroun, landmarks that mark the transition from woodland to bare high-mountain terrain. The route follows the GR58 (Tour du Queyras) and the GRP Tour du Pain de Sucre, both well-marked and hard to lose even for less experienced hikers.

What is there to see and do around the lake?

Beyond the two lakes, the valley opens views toward the Pain de Sucre and Col Vieux peaks. Hikers who want to extend the walk can continue toward Lac Foréant, about 210 metres higher and roughly 9.5 km further along a route that also loses close to 940 metres elsewhere on the loop, a full day's outing of around four hours one-way. The Bouchouse valley is also ecologically sensitive: it holds relic marsh vegetation dating back to the last glaciation and is protected under a biotope conservation order, with roped-off sections marking areas hikers should not enter.

Is it accessible outside summer?

Yes — the trail up to Égorgeou can also be done on snowshoes or ski touring gear in winter. The stretch between the Médille chalets and the lake crosses avalanche-prone gullies, so a winter visit calls for checking snow conditions beforehand and going properly equipped.

Who is this hike suited for?

The route demands stamina rather than technical skill: no climbing gear is needed, but the elevation gain and multi-hour walking time mean it suits hikers already used to full-day mountain outings. It appeals equally to day-trippers based in the Queyras valleys and to long-distance walkers tackling the GR58 in stages.

FAQ

How high up is Lac Égorgeou? The lake sits at approximately 2,394 to 2,400 metres above sea level, in the Bouchouse valley.

Where does the hike start? Almost everyone starts from l'Échalp, near Abriès-Ristolas, reached via the D947 through Aiguilles, Abriès and Ristolas.

How long does the walk take? Roughly two and a half hours up from l'Échalp, covering about 700 metres of elevation gain.

Are there other lakes nearby? Yes — Lac Baricle sits right next to Égorgeou, and Lac Foréant lies further along the trail, about 210 metres higher.

Can you hike there in winter? Yes, on snowshoes or ski touring equipment, though the section near Médille crosses avalanche terrain and needs care.