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Italy
Piedmont
Cuneo

Vernante

Top 20 Lakes around Vernante

Best lakes around Vernante are found in the Piedmont region of Italy, offering access to alpine lakes within the Alpi Marittime Natural Park. The area is characterized by its mountainous terrain, providing numerous hiking opportunities to glacial and artificial lakes. Vernante serves as a base for exploring these natural water bodies, which are set against a backdrop of rocky peaks and diverse landscapes.

Best lakes around Vernante

  • The most popular lakes is Lower Frisson Lake, an alpine lake that…

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Lake Mesches

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The Mesches dam, built by the Italians in 1917, is the largest dam in the Alpes-Maritimes. It is fed by the Inferno and Casterino valleys at their confluence.

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Lower Frisson Lake

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This beautiful alpine lake within the Alpi Marittime park can be reached via a path, always signposted, departing from Palanfrè

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Lago Vej del Bouc

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This is an enchanting lake, often little known. Somewhere on the surrounding rocky walls there are ancient rock engravings that recall those of the Valley of Wonders.

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Lake della Piastra

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An artificial basin in the municipality of Entracque, Lago della Piastra was created in the 1960s by blocking the San Giacomo branch of the Gesso stream. Not far away there is a hydroelectric plant named after Luigi Einaudi.

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Lake Terrasole

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Small blue jewel set in a rocky basin, accessible from the Severino Bottero cable car or even from Capanna Niculin.

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Popular around Vernante

GTA South Piedmont — Hiking in Italy's Occitan valleys

Car Free Piedmont – hiking face to face with nature

The STONE KING Route – adventure enduro from High Alps to the Med

Hiking around Vernante

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GTA South Piedmont — Hiking in Italy's Occitan valleys

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Tips from the Community

Dona&Leo
September 25, 2025, Lac de Terrasole

Walking along the path we suddenly find ourselves in front of this small lake with emerald green waters.

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Mandu73
August 29, 2025, Lac des Mesches

On the descent near the tunnel, I found a landslide, by bike it was passable, but by car no.

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Frank
August 18, 2025, Lago Vej del Bouc

https://youtu.be/rm1T5izm57A?si=Wjv8z7eOzrlJQNXL Nestled in the rocks, the path winds its way up the lake.

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Frank
August 18, 2025, Lac des Mesches

https://youtu.be/rm1T5izm57A?si=Wjv8z7eOzrlJQNXL A wonderful, shimmering green lake, which the locals also like to swim in. There are certainly a lot of cars parked along the road on weekends. The scenery is fantastic.

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Very beautifully situated reservoir, but the water is not inviting for swimming. The dam is definitely worth seeing.

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Beautiful alpine lake at just over 2000m with clear waters and a view of Mount Frisson

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Lago della Piastra is a lake in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy. It is used as a lower reservoir for the Entracque pumped storage hydroelectric power station.

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Excellent panoramic point that allows you to see the entire body of water from above

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Vernante?

The ideal period to visit the alpine lakes, such as the Laghi del Frisson, is generally from June to October. For lakes like Lago Vej del Bouc, late spring to early autumn is optimal, as trails are clear of snow and wildlife is active.

Are there family-friendly lakes near Vernante?

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lake Terrasole is easily accessible, and Rivoira Lake offers a picnic area and birdwatching station, making them great choices for a family outing.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the lakes near Vernante?

The lakes around Vernante are set amidst stunning alpine scenery, characterized by crystalline glacial waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, and varied landscapes. You'll find ancient beech woods, high-altitude pastures with rhododendrons and gentians, and rocks carved by ancient glaciers.

What wildlife can be observed around the lakes?

The area is rich in wildlife. Hikers frequently encounter marmots and chamois, especially around the Palanfrè lakes and Lago Vej del Bouc. Golden eagles can also be spotted, and in autumn, the bellowing of deer is common.

Are there challenging hikes to mountain lakes near Vernante?

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the 'Ring of the Palanfrè Lakes' is a medium-difficulty hike, typically taking 4-5 hours. The path from Lower Frisson Lake towards Lago degli Alberghi can be exposed and requires using your hands in certain points, so it's best avoided in bad weather or if you suffer from vertigo.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

Beyond hiking to the lakes themselves, the Vernante area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, mountain biking routes, and road cycling routes that wind through the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Are there any unique cultural or historical aspects near the lakes?

Vernante itself is famous for its 150 murals dedicated to Pinocchio, adding a unique cultural element. Near Lago Vej del Bouc, you can find ancient rock engravings on the surrounding rocky walls, reminiscent of those in the Valley of Wonders.

Where can I find local food and refreshments near the lakes?

The village of Palanfrè, a common starting point for hikes to the Laghi del Frisson, hosts Rifugio L'Arbergh, which offers local gastronomy including cured meats and cheeses. This provides a charming spot for refreshments before or after your hike.

What are the most popular lakes for hiking around Vernante?

The interconnected lakes of Palanfrè, including Lago degli Alberghi and the Laghi del Frisson, are highly popular for hiking, forming a scenic loop. Lago Vej del Bouc is also a highly recommended destination for a moderately difficult hike.

Can I find artificial lakes in the Vernante area?

Yes, the region features both natural alpine and glacial lakes, as well as artificial basins. Lake della Piastra, an artificial basin created by blocking the San Giacomo branch of the Gesso stream, is a spectacular example located above Entracque. Rivoira Lake is another artificial lake with amenities.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Vernante?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the clear glacial waters, and the dramatic mountain backdrops. The opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like ibex and chamois, combined with well-maintained hiking trails and the serene atmosphere, makes these lakes a memorable experience.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Vernante? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

ValdieriPontechianaleVinadioEntracqueCrissoloAisoneBellinoOncinoSampeyreCasteldelfinoAcceglioParco Naturale delle Alpi MarittimeSambucoParco Naturale Regionale del MonvisoPietraporzioArgenteraPrazzoDemonteCanosioOstanaRoccaforte MondovìChiusa Di PesioLimone PiemonteElvaFrabosa SottanaBriga AltaPeveragnoBagnolo PiemonteStroppoMagliano AlpiFrabosa SopranaBeinetteCastelmagnoBovesOrmeaVillanova MondovìPianfeiMarmoraRoaschiaPaesanaMargaritaMorozzoMondovìMacraSan Damiano MacraRoburentCastelletto SturaRobilanteMonastero Di VascoFossanoRocca De' BaldiGaressioCelle Di MacraBorgo San DalmazzoPamparatoMonterosso GranaCeresole AlbaCherascoBraMontaldo Di MondovìMoiolaRoccavioneBene VagiennaPradlevesSommariva Del BoscoBargeValgranaBernezzoCaraglioRittanaCentalloSaviglianoGenolaBaldissero D'AlbaVezza D'AlbaMontaldo RoeroMonteu RoeroSommariva PernoCavallermaggioreVerdunoLa MorraSanfrèPocapagliaValloriatePrieroBagnascoPerloCastelnuovo Di CevaVignoloCervascaGaiolaRoccasparveraMontaneraTrinitàSant'Albano SturaCarrù

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