Lac Scluos

Lac Scluos is a small mountain lake sitting at 2,132 metres above sea level, in the commune of Valdeblore in the Alpes-Maritimes department, within the boundaries of Mercantour National Park. Covering less than a hectare, the lake lies tucked among larch forests at the meeting point of the Vésubie and Tinée valleys, which means it can be reached from two distinct directions.

Where is Lac Scluos located?

The lake sits high in the Mercantour massif, near the Col de Salèse and Col de Mercière passes. Larch stands typical of this altitude surround the water, and the area sees far fewer visitors than the well-trodden trails lower in the Vésubie valley.

How do you get there?

The most common approach starts from Boréon, a hamlet in the commune of Saint-Martin-Vésubie. A road toward the Col de Salèse leads to a parking area at around 1,679 metres, from where a wide trail climbs through the forest toward the pass, passing the Chardole mineral spring at roughly 1,924 metres. The final stretch to the lake — about fifteen minutes — has no signposts, only cairns marking the way, so careful navigation is needed on this last section.

A second route climbs from the Tinée valley side, through the vallon de Mollières — a hamlet within the commune of Valdeblore — toward the Col de Mercière. Near that pass stands a stone memorial commemorating a plane crash, one of the few traces of history in this remote setting.

How long does the hike take?

From the Col de Salèse parking area, the climb takes about four and a half hours, with roughly three hours back down by the same route. Round trip, that adds up to close to seven and a half hours, with an elevation gain of around 450 metres. The trail poses no technical difficulty, but its length and partly unmarked final section make it a moderately demanding outing. May through October is the best window, once snow has cleared from the higher sections.

What wildlife might you see?

The surroundings host species typical of Mercantour's high country: chamois, mouflon, and rock ptarmigan. Because the area draws few hikers, quiet early-morning or late-afternoon visits offer good chances of spotting animals undisturbed.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac Scluos? The lake sits at an altitude of 2,132 metres.

Is the trail to Lac Scluos difficult? It requires no technical climbing skills, but it is long — up to seven and a half hours round trip — and the last stretch follows an unmarked path indicated only by cairns.

Where's the best starting point? The most popular trailhead is the parking area on the road to Col de Salèse, reached from Boréon in the commune of Saint-Martin-Vésubie. An alternative approach climbs from the vallon de Mollières in the commune of Valdeblore, via the Col de Mercière.

When is the best time to visit? Between May and October, once the upper sections of the trail are free of snow.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? The route passes the Chardole mineral spring, and a stone memorial near Col de Mercière commemorates victims of a plane crash.