In the Taillefer massif, in the Livet-et-Gavet area, Lac Fourchu is a mountain hiking area at the gateway to the Écrins National Park. It takes its name from its highly recognizable shape, reminiscent of the letter Y. At an altitude of over 2,000 metres, it is completely frozen and snow-covered in winter. In summer, the scenery is that of an alpine lawn punctuated by rocky areas and flowered with typical mountain varieties: rhododendrons, gentian and saponaria. Accessible via a number of hiking trails, it is a popular destination for Sunday walkers and hikers, as well as for nature enthusiasts.
Hiking at Lac de Livet is also popular with anglers, who are not averse to climbing the slopes of the hiking trails to catch rainbow and fario trout in an enchanting setting surrounded by rocky peaks and snow-capped mountains. Because hiking is also about breathing! On the massif, the Plateau des Lacs is home to several bodies of water, offering further opportunities for walks and hikes with family and friends. Lac Fourchu is the largest, with a discovery trail running alongside the lake, making it an ideal place to discover the flora and fauna of the massifs. Other nearby attractions include Lac Noir, Lac de l’Agneau and Lac de la Veche, all of which can be explored via various hiking trails.
Hikingat Lac Fourchu
View and panorama
Lac Fourchu is very popular with hikers for its sublime setting and the different itineraries it offers. From the Poursollet chalets, the usual starting point for hikes to Taillefer, Lac Fourchu is just an hour’s walk away: the round trip is a walk accessible to all ages, with a sublime panorama as the reward. You can then explore the plateau at your leisure if you wish to walk further. There’s also a loop around the lake from Lac de Poursollet, which is less popular than the classic out-and-back route. Return via the Chalets de la Barrière trail. With a distance of 10 km, this loop takes 3h30 to 4 hours to complete, i.e. a half-day’s hike. This is no longer a family outing or an easy stroll, but a major hike for well-equipped walkers. Whether short or long, the hikes to Lac Fourchu are seductive for the breathtaking views of the Taillefer that can be enjoyed while walking on the plateau. The scenery is particularly exotic, evoking both Scotland and the wide open spaces of New Zealand. In the distance, the Oisans massif stands out. Both those used to long-distance hiking trails and those who prefer more leisurely routes will enjoy this stroll along the trail around the lake, which is suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. As you follow the signposts, the ridge crossings offer splendid panoramic views. A bit of ascent and a bit of descent on the program, taking care not to trip over a rock, all for one of the most beautiful walks in the region. As most of these are marked trails, we remind the novice hiker that the markings are the property of the French Hiking Federation.
Are you tempted to make hiking the highlight of your vacation or weekend? Pack your rucksack and set off for a short hike or mountain bike ride on trails with the lowest gradients! Cycling and walking are great for your health! Short hikes and mountain biking tours are also available. Walking the path is safer for young children, who will enjoy walking in the mountains if they’re not used to it. Perhaps they’ll develop a taste for long walks and become real hiking enthusiasts!
Find out more in the hiking guide or at nearby tourist offices, including recommended bivouac areas, refuges, and other useful information if you’re looking to hike in the mountains, whether medium or high, over several days! You’ll also find information on cycling routes, including mountain bike and cycle touring routes. Trekking and trail enthusiasts will also appreciate these signposted itineraries.