La Lac Nègre

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
823 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the La Lac Nègre hike in Mercantour National Park, France''

This hike is a classic. "La Lac Nègre" is yours to discover all 12 hectares of this magnificent lake surrounded by ochre granite cliffs. A well - marked and shaded trail - this walk presents no difficulties.

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Route Description for La Lac Nègre

From the parking area, take the path on the left between the larch and pine forest and continue up, for 1h or more, until the Col de Salèse, 2,013 m. It’s the ridge in the valley of the two mountains on either side of you.

A few hundred meters past the Col de Saliése you’ll reach the dirt road. You’ll follow this down. Take the path on the right, marked with a yellow mark.

From here, you continue on the path, you’ll go across a nice wood bridge and, in a few minutes, you’ll take the path on the right. You’ll find a pole (number 269) with a direction panel here.

The path continues through the sparse larch forest. You’ll find the path to Col de Fremamorta, 2,270 m (pole number 270). Turn left, and then keep right, in a few minutes you’ll reach La Lac Négre.

Behind the lake is the crest of Cime de Bresses and the Pas de Prefouns, which dominates the valley.

You return on the path you came in on.

Insider Hints for La Lac Nègre

  • If you still have energy, you can continue to Pas de Prefouns. Walk along the right side of the lake, taking the path for the Pas de Prefouns. It’ll take 1-2h.
  • From the pass, you have a spectacular view on the Lac Négre Valley and on the Valasco Valley, on the Italian side of this Alps.
  • Vesubie is a great place to use as your base camp. Their info page can suggest some places to stay and eat.

Getting to the La Lac Nègre Trailhead

Get to Le Boréon. Continue past the Alpha Wolf Centre and cross the bridge on the left to Col de Salèse. After 3.0 km, you will arrive to the parking area where the hike starts.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June to early October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Yes. In Saint-Martin-Vésubie or from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. on site

  • Toilets

    Yes, at Le Boréon

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

La Lac Nègre Elevation Graph

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La Lac Nègre Reviews

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