Lac Fourchu

Lac Fourchu is a mountain lake sitting at roughly 2,048 metres above sea level on the Taillefer plateau, within the commune of Livet-et-Gavet in the Isère department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It lies less than an hour's drive south of Grenoble, deep in the Belledonne-Taillefer range, and forms part of a cluster of high-altitude lakes scattered across the plateau — the best known neighbour being Lac de Poursollet.

Where does the lake's name come from?

The French word "fourchu" means forked or fork-shaped. The name describes the lake's outline, which splits into two distinct arms resembling the letter Y or a pitchfork — a shape best appreciated from the slopes surrounding it. This forked silhouette is what sets Lac Fourchu apart from the rounder lakes nearby on the same plateau.

What is the surrounding landscape like?

Lac Fourchu sits on a broad plateau covered in alpine grassland, dotted with peat bogs and wetlands that hold meltwater for much of the year. This section of the Taillefer massif falls under Natura 2000 protection, recognised for its heathland, peatland and rocky habitats. The scenery is stark and high-mountain in character — open pastures, rocky ridgelines, and the Taillefer summit rising above the plateau.

How do you get to Lac Fourchu?

The most common starting point is the car park near the Poursollet chalets, at around 1,650 metres. From there, the trail to the lake takes roughly one to one and a half hours, gaining about 400 metres of elevation — a route generally considered manageable for most hikers, including families, though it still calls for the fitness needed for high-altitude walking. A longer and tougher alternative starts from the village of Les Clots, regarded as one of the more demanding approaches to the Taillefer lakes plateau, following steeper, rockier ground.

What should you know before heading out?

Because of the altitude and exposed terrain, weather on the plateau can shift quickly, so checking the forecast and packing wind and rain protection is worthwhile even in summer. Most of the trail runs above the tree line, offering clear views but little shelter if a storm rolls in. The area carries nature-protection status, so hikers are expected to stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing the peatland vegetation and nesting birds.

FAQ

Where exactly is Lac Fourchu located? On the Taillefer plateau, within the commune of Livet-et-Gavet (Isère), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, at an altitude of around 2,048 metres.

Where does the lake's name come from? From the French word "fourchu" (forked), describing its Y-shaped, forked outline.

What is the most popular route to the lake? Starting from the Poursollet car park (around 1,650 m), from which the lake is roughly a one to one-and-a-half-hour walk.

Is this hike suitable for beginners? The Poursollet approach is relatively gentle and manageable for most reasonably fit walkers; the route via Les Clots is significantly harder.

Is there another lake nearby? Yes — Lac de Poursollet sits on the same plateau and is a common starting point or waypoint on the way to Lac Fourchu.

Is the area protected? Yes, it falls within the Natura 2000 network due to the peatlands and heathland habitats of the Taillefer massif, so visitors should keep to marked trails.