Lacs de Terre Rouge

Lacs de Terre Rouge is a cluster of five mountain lakes sitting at roughly 2,450 m above sea level in the commune of Isola, in the Alpes-Maritimes, just above the Isola 2000 ski resort. The lakes lie within the peripheral zone of Mercantour National Park, tucked into a quiet cirque enclosed by the granite walls of the Tavels massif and overlooked by Mont Malinvern, right on the Italian border. The name "Terre Rouge" ("red earth") comes from the strong rust-red tint of the surrounding rock.

How do you get there, and where does the hike start?

The trail begins near the Marano restaurant-hotel, on the small Rue Adrech de Barris in Isola 2000. From the top of the ski station, a service road leads toward the Hôtel Diva (2,070 m, waymark 90); after roughly 300 meters, a path breaks off to the left, marked 90a, heading straight for the lakes. Driving from Nice takes about one hour forty-five minutes; travelers without a car can take Lignes d'Azur bus line 92, a trip of around three hours.

How long and how hard is the trail?

The full loop covers about 8.4 km with an elevation gain of roughly 500 to 600 meters, translating into a four-to-five-hour round trip. It is rated a moderate hike — manageable for anyone with average fitness, but proper boots and preparation for changeable high-mountain weather are worth having. Along the way, walkers pass all five Terre Rouge lakes in succession before the trail climbs on to the Baisse du Druos pass, at 2,628 m.

What is there to see along the way?

From the Baisse du Druos, the view opens onto the numerous Lacs Supérieurs de Valscura on the far side of the ridge. The Terre Rouge lakes themselves sit within a stark, rocky high-alpine landscape, with the reddish stone that gave the site its name visible all around. The lakes are also stocked with trout and draw anglers during the summer season.

Wildlife

The surrounding slopes are home to alpine wildlife typical of the Mercantour, including chamois, mouflon, and ibex. Because the route runs through the park's peripheral zone rather than its core, dogs on a leash are permitted here — unlike in the central zone of Mercantour National Park, where they are banned outright.

When is the best time to go?

Given the altitude — above 2,400 m — snow lingers late into the season around Terre Rouge. The hike is best tackled in summer, from around June or July through September, once the trail is fully clear. Patches of snow can persist into early summer, especially on the higher stretch near the Baisse du Druos.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly are the Lacs de Terre Rouge? In the commune of Isola, Alpes-Maritimes, within the Mercantour massif, directly above the Isola 2000 ski resort.

How many lakes are there? Five lakes make up the Terre Rouge group, sitting at around 2,450 m altitude.

Is the hike difficult? At about 8.4 km with 500-600 m of elevation gain, it's a moderate hike suited to anyone with reasonable fitness.

Can I bring a dog? Yes — the trail lies in the peripheral zone of Mercantour National Park, where leashed dogs are allowed.

Can you fish in the lakes? Yes, the lakes are stocked with trout and are a popular spot for anglers.

Where does the trail start? At the Marano restaurant-hotel on Rue Adrech de Barris in Isola 2000, following the road toward the Hôtel Diva and then path 90a.