Lac Lauvitel is a prominent region located within the Ecrins National Park in the French Alps, characterized by its glacial lake, steep mountain slopes, and diverse natural features. The landscape is defined by towering peaks, coniferous forests, and open meadows, providing varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. This area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and more, set against a backdrop of significant geological formations and rich biodiversity. The region's status as part of…
95
Routes
4.4
(528)
Average rating
8392
People visited

4.8
(231)
1,722
hikers
7.78km
03:43
570m
570m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.5
(16)
419
hikers
22.3km
11:17
1,770m
1,770m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.5
(21)
322
hikers
16.3km
09:40
1,580m
1,580m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.4
(18)
274
hikers
5.61km
03:15
590m
590m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.7
(11)
235
riders
23.6km
03:51
1,610m
1,610m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(13)
122
riders
26.5km
01:55
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.8
(4)
87
riders
17.0km
01:45
450m
450m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
66
riders
32.6km
04:10
1,600m
1,600m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.1
(7)
788
riders
52.3km
03:29
1,640m
1,640m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.3
(3)
319
riders
21.0km
01:23
660m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
145
riders
35.4km
02:09
930m
930m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

78
riders
97.8km
05:37
2,070m
2,070m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.8
(4)
196
riders
39.5km
03:00
970m
970m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(12)
156
riders
24.7km
01:52
400m
400m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(4)
172
riders
86.3km
05:56
1,430m
1,430m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
142
riders
12.7km
01:23
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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140
runners
5.03km
01:04
440m
440m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
136
runners
7.47km
01:41
710m
710m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
34
runners
21.3km
02:38
520m
520m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

17
runners
13.9km
02:52
1,160m
1,160m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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3
hikers
10.0km
03:29
450m
450m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

1
hikers
10.1km
04:05
590m
590m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

2
hikers
4.75km
03:37
500m
490m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Lac Lauvitel is a prominent glacial lake located within the Ecrins National Park in the French Alps. It is the largest and deepest lake in the park, situated at an elevation of 1,530 meters. The lake was formed approximately 4,000 years ago by a natural dam created from a rockslide and glacial moraine. Its water level can fluctuate significantly, varying by 20 to 25 meters seasonally.
The Lac Lauvitel region offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. These include hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. The area also provides opportunities for jogging and mountaineering, catering to various interests and skill levels.
Yes, Lac Lauvitel features hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. Options range from moderate family hikes to more challenging ascents. Paths include varied terrain, from rocky sections to forest tracks, often with significant elevation changes. For easier options, consult guides like Easy hikes around Lac Lauvitel.
Popular hiking routes include the "Lac du Lauvitel — loop in the Écrins National Park," a moderate 4.8-mile (7.8 km) path. Another option is the "Small loud cascade – Lake Lauvitel loop," a 2.9-mile (4.7 km) trail offering views of the lake and a waterfall. More routes are detailed in Hiking around Lac Lauvitel.
Yes, the Lac Lauvitel region offers family-friendly hiking options. These routes are generally moderate and provide an accessible way to experience the alpine scenery. Specific trails and tips can be found in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Lac Lauvitel.
The broader Oisans valley, where Lac Lauvitel is located, is a popular cycling destination. Road cyclists can tackle iconic mountain passes like Alpe d'Huez. Various routes are available for touring cycling, with some traffic-free options. Information is available in Cycling around Lac Lauvitel and Traffic-free bike rides around Lac Lauvitel.
Mountain biking is available in the Lac Lauvitel area, with trails ranging from easy to hard. Some routes may require good to very good fitness levels, and certain sections might necessitate pushing the bike. Detailed information on trails can be found in MTB Trails around Lac Lauvitel.
Lac Lauvitel is characterized by its prominent glacial lake, surrounded by steep mountain slopes, coniferous forests, and open meadows. Towering peaks such as Rochail (3,022 m) and Tête de la Muraillette (3,019 m) frame the valley. The area also features a restless mountain river with cascading streams feeding the lake.
Yes, Lac Lauvitel is situated within the Ecrins National Park, which is known for its exceptional natural heritage. The southern part of the lake and its valley have been classified as an "integral nature reserve" since 1995. This area is closed to the public and dedicated to scientific research, ensuring its preservation.
Lac Lauvitel is located within the Ecrins National Park, which has specific regulations regarding dogs. Generally, dogs are not permitted on trails within the core zone of the National Park, even on a leash. It is advisable to check the Ecrins National Park website for current and specific rules before visiting.
Komoot offers several guides for the Lac Lauvitel region, covering various sports and interests. These include Hiking around Lac Lauvitel, Cycling around Lac Lauvitel, and Family-friendly hikes around Lac Lauvitel. Additional guides cover mountain biking, road cycling, and running trails.
For official information regarding Lac Lauvitel and its regulations, the Ecrins National Park is the primary resource. Their phone number is +33 4 92 40 20 10. The Isère Tourism board also provides regional information and can be reached at +33 4 76 80 06 82.
Hiking terrain around Lac Lauvitel is varied, including rocky paths, forest tracks, and sometimes paved sections. Hikers can expect significant elevation changes due to the alpine environment. The lake itself sits at 1,530 meters, with surrounding peaks reaching over 3,000 meters.
Lac Lauvitel is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 107,000 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the region have an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users exploring the area.

