Combeynot Lake

The habitat of Guisane valley is characterized by the small hamlets with character (Le Lauzet, Le Casset, etc.). Here, the small hamlet of Boussardes charms visitors with its houses with typical architecture squeezed against one another.

Around Boussardes hamlet, the hayfields are maintained, by the agricultors, sheltering in the summer exceptional biodiversity: Whinchat, red backed shrikes, Mountain Apollo butterflies.

The larch is the only European resinous tree to lose its needles in winter. Its wood is red brown. In the landscape, its colours are striking going from tender green in the Springtime to the colours of Autumn. Its pink flowers seduce the naturalists and the photographers in Springtime. If it puts up with harsh mountain conditions the larch does not tolerate competition from other trees. Just above Boussardes hamlet you can observe the installation of the forest in the ancient pastures and hayfields.

Fontenil valley represents a quiet territory for the chamois. Situated in the heart of the national park outside the pastoral areas, this itinerary is only used by hikers. The National Parc national carries out annual health monitoring on the chamois population.

Arriving at Combeynot lake is a reward for the eyes. Facing you is, the Tête du Vallon (3059 m) which dominates the lake. Turn around and make the most of the view of the Briançonnais, with Pic de Rochebrune as a backdrop.

Combeynot Lake is a glacial lake, metres deep, behind a cross cliff. Sometimes the water disappears in Autumn, like in 1976, and more regularly in these last few years. These waters are unusual in that they do not shelter any aquatic species. What a hostile environment!