Lac du Lou

The Hike Up

The classic route to Lac du Lou starts from the Plan de l'Eau des Bruyères, a small artificial lake and parking area just below the resort village of Les Menuires. The trail, waymarked as Sentier été 12, climbs 292 metres over 5.2 km round-trip in about two hours. Official guides rate the difficulty as easy, and families with children aged six and up manage it comfortably, though some reviewers note stretches that feel more demanding.↗↗↗

The path passes a statue of the Béatified Paul at its starting point, then threads through classic alpine meadows dotted with interpretive signage about local flora, fauna, and pastoral traditions. Marmots are a frequent sight along the way — whistling and scurrying between burrows — and several reviewers highlight them as a delightful bonus of the walk. The trail crosses open summer pastures, so Livestock guardian dogs (Patous) may be present; the local tourism office maintains an interactive map showing where herds and protection dogs are active.↗↗

At the Lake

Upon reaching the lake, the Refuge du Lac du Lou sits in the basin, offering food and drinks — the ideal place to recharge before heading back down. Hikers who want more can attempt the full circuit around the lake, though this involves scrambling over rocks up to 75 centimetres high and some wading through water, making it genuinely technical and not recommended for young children or those uncomfortable on uneven terrain.↗↗

The setting itself is the main reward: the lake mirrors the surrounding peaks, the air is crisp, and the sense of wildness is remarkable for a walk that begins from a major ski resort. It is popular on clear summer days, so arriving early helps if you prefer a quieter experience.↗

Practical Information

The trail is accessible from late June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Parking at the Plan de l'Eau trailhead is straightforward. In winter, the lake is accessible via a different descent from a higher elevation near the Balcons du Lou area, with a net drop of 319 metres — a route more suited to experienced mountain walkers.↗↗↗

For trip planning and up-to-date trail conditions, contact the Maison du Tourisme de Saint-Martin-de-Belleville at 54 rue du Clocher, 73440 Les Belleville, or the Les Menuires tourist office at +33 4 79 00 73 00. Both offices are equipped to assist visitors with reduced mobility.↗↗

Getting There

Lac du Lou lies within the commune of Les Belleville in Savoie, France, above the twin resort villages of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Les Menuires. The trailhead at Plan de l'Eau des Bruyères is reached by road from either village. From Chambéry, the drive takes roughly an hour via the N90 and D902 through the Maurienne and up into the Tarentaise valley.↗↗