Lac de Belledonne (by the Chazeau hut) – Hiking

This circular walk takes you up to the Belledonne lake and is one of the unmissable hikes of the Eau d'Olle valley. The scenery is magnificent and untamed, with lovely panoramic views over the Belledonne mountain chain (Croix de Belledonne and Les Sept Laux), the Grandes Rousses and the Massif du Rissiou.


TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Starting point: Coteyssart car park, above Allemond.
Elevation gain: 916 m
Duration: 3 1/4 hours (one way)
Distance: 5.3 km
Level: Difficult


MAP
IGN TOP 25 n°3335 ET - Bourg d'Oisans, Alpe d'Huez
OBP no.2 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds): Paths 201, 202 and 209


ROUTE
From Allemond, follow the Route de la Traverse to the Coteyssart car park and on up to the Cabane de Chazeau, which provides a shelter for shepherds in the summer. The path then goes through pastureland and blueberry bushes, climbing up to the Pas du Bessey. It then goes over a rockfall and up to the lake via some steep switchbacks, before continuing steeply up to the Cabane du Chazeau through a forest of spruce trees, with some lovely views over the Pic Blanc, Pic Bayle and Pic de l'Etendard. The hut is halfway up and always open. The path then opens up, crossing through rhododendron bushes. The start of the walk is in woods, continuing along a balcony path after the Cabane du Chazeau and finishes in a rocky environment.

DURING THE HIKE
Chamois are often seen on this hike in the summer.
- The forest hut known as the Cabane du Chazeau
- The Pas du Bessay, at an altitude of 2000 m
- The Lac de Belledonne, nestled on a rocky plateau