Is it possible to bivouac at the lake?

No, bivouacs are not permitted on or near the Grande Léchère lake. Please contact the Montgellafrey Mairie for any queries on this subject: mairie.accueil@saintfrancoislongchamp.fr 04 79 59 44 47

Is fishing permitted?

Yes, the Grande Léchère lake is a 1st category high altitude lake . You may be lucky enough to fish for rainbow trout. It is part of the area covered by the Amicale des Pêcheurs de l’Arc. For more information, visit www.savoiepeche.com

Are there any guard dogs around the lake?

The AuRA Pastoral Network, together with the Lessem laboratory at INRAE Grenoble, have developed an interactive map to help locate areas where guard dogs are likely to be present , and to help you adopt the right reflexes in the event of an encounter. The map can be viewed at www.pasto-kezako.fr

Is it possible to drive to the lake in winter?

In winter, you can access the lake by car as far as the hamlet of Le Mollaret , in Montgellafrey. Once you reach the hamlet, you will need to park your vehicle. You can then access the lake on foot or on snowshoes for around 1? hours, depending on snow conditions.

Grande Léchère lake | Explore Maurienne

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Hiking and picnicking at Lac De La Lechere 12 Copy 2
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Thibaut Blais

Grande Léchère lake

Perched at an altitude of 1680m, the Grande Léchère lake is sure to win you over with its Canadian flair.

Getting there

A set film

Set between mountains and forest, the Lac de la Grande Léchère offers an exceptional natural backdrop.

A setting so inspiring that it has been chosen on several occasions for film shoots, including “Les Choses simples” starring Lambert Wilson and Grégory Gadebois.

It is just a few kilometres from the charming, authentic village of Montgellafrey.

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Lac De La Grande Lechere 2026
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OTITerresdemaurienne

A mountain lake to discover while hiking

Alternating between undergrowth paths and wide open spaces, the access to the Grande Léchère lake offers a breathtaking view of the Belledonne mountain range and the Aiguilles d’Arves.

Whether you set off from Saint François Longchamp (in summer) or Montgellafrey (in summer and winter), on foot or with snowshoes, your steps will tread on marked trails for experienced hikers.

A little extra: the Lac de la Grande Léchère refuge welcomes you for a snack, a meal or a night in the heart of the mountains.

Find out more

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Lac De La Grande Lechere2 2026
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OTITerresdemaurienne

A little paradise accessible to all

Rest assured, the lake is accessible to as many people as possible!

People with reduced mobility can drive to the refuge located right next to the lake, to enjoy the scenery and the peace and quiet.

Beginner hikers, or walkers looking for simplicity, will appreciate the short walk of around 1 km. A 10 to 15 minute walk along a pleasant path with no major changes in altitude will reveal the lake, inviting you to pause and contemplate.