Lacs Varicles

Lacs Varicles is a group of high-altitude lakes sitting at roughly 2,435 m, in the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée in the Alpes-Maritimes department. The lakes lie in the Haute-Tinée valley, inside Mercantour National Park — one of the wildest corners of the French Alpes-Maritimes — making this a destination for hikers looking to get away from the busier trails of the region.

Where exactly are the lakes?

Lacs Varicles sits in the upper reaches of the Mercantour massif, above the Plan de Ténibre (2,335 m), near the path known as the Chemin de l'Énergie. The area falls within the national park's core zone, meaning a stark alpine setting of rock, high pasture and small pools fed by snowmelt.

How do you get there?

The shortest approach starts from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (around 1,160 m) and involves more than 1,200 m of elevation gain. The route climbs steadily via the Chemin de l'Énergie, and the final stretch to the lakes themselves runs off the marked trail. This is a full-day outing that calls for solid fitness and some comfort navigating mountain terrain, since the last section isn't fully waymarked.

What else is there to see nearby?

Lacs Varicles works well as a base for exploring the wider high-altitude section of Haute-Tinée. Close by are:

• Lacs de Ténibre (about 2,572 m), sitting higher up and opening onto sweeping views of the Auron massif and surrounding peaks,
• Lacs Malignes, also known as Lacs de la Garotte,
• Refuge de Vens and Refuge de Rabuons, mountain huts used on longer, multi-day routes through the Haute-Tinée lake country.

Loop hikes linking the Malignes, Varicles and Pétrus lakes are a popular option for anyone planning a longer stay in this part of Mercantour, as are multi-day traverses between the refuges.

Who is this hike for?

Given the elevation gain and the partly unmarked final stretch, reaching Lacs Varicles suits experienced mountain hikers rather than beginners. In exchange, it offers something the region's better-known lakes — such as Lac du Rabuons — don't: quiet, and far fewer people on the trail.

FAQ

How high up are the Lacs Varicles? The lakes sit at around 2,435 m, in the upper part of Mercantour National Park.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The shortest approach begins in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (about 1,160 m), with more than 1,200 m of elevation gain to climb.

Is the hike difficult? Yes — it's a full-day trip with substantial elevation gain, and the last stretch to the lakes runs off-trail, so some mountain hiking experience is needed.

What else can you see beyond the Varicles lakes themselves? Nearby you'll find the Lacs de Ténibre, the Lacs Malignes (Lacs de la Garotte), and the Refuge de Vens and Refuge de Rabuons huts, which allow the trip to be extended over several days.

Are the lakes inside Mercantour National Park? Yes, Lacs Varicles lies within Mercantour National Park, in the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.