Lac de Trécolpas et Refuge de Cougourde – loop in the Mercantour National Park

A wonderful high-altitude hike in the Mercantour. We climbed along the Boréon River to Lac de Trécolpas. It was beautifully situated in a magnificent setting. Then we continued at roughly the same altitude over many boulder fields and along a narrow path to the Refuge de Cougourde (still closed). A beautiful descent through an idyllic valley. There were many flowers blooming along the trail (lots of gentian). Most astonishing, however, were the many grazing ibexes we encountered repeatedly throughout the entire hike. Sometimes just 2 meters away from us. It was a fantastic hike.😍

Exceptional hike accessible to all, with good shoes all the same. The landscapes are breathtaking, and we could imagine ourselves sometimes in Switzerland, in the Rocky Mountains, in Bavaria, while Nice is 75 kilometers away. To do and redo, between emotion, enthusiasm, joy, and ecstasy. The Trecolpas lake will offer a refreshment that will be appreciated, in the middle of a magnificent mountainous circus.

Hike made on 08/23/2023 in 6h10 with stops. Renowned as a great classic, we understand why 😉 The climb to Lake Trécoupas was done in 1h30, the first part is not too difficult, but the sequence with the second (KM3.0 to 3.7), at 23% stings a bit. The arrival at the lake makes you forget the fatigue 😜. You can swim there (very cool water, estimated at 12°C, 15 max). The loop to the Lac des Sagnes is more difficult: scree, rare signage (thanks to fellow hikers for the cairns), and the (small) lake is almost dry. But the setting is beautiful. The return towards the Cougourde refuge (KM7.4) is more peaceful (thanks again to the cairns), with waterfall joy at KM7.0. The return to the starting point is pleasant but can be painful for the joints .....