5 secret hikes overlooking Lac de Serre-Ponçon

1 Le sommet du Piolit: the must-see summit of Serre-Ponçon

A panoramic hike near Gap

The summit of Piolit is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes with a view of the Serre-Ponçon lake. Situated high above the Avance valley, this emblematic summit rises to an altitude of 2,464 metres and offers exceptional panoramic views over the southern part of the lake and the Écrins massif.

From the village of La Bâtie-Neuve, reach the Col de Moissière. After passing the maison forestière du Sapet, fork right onto a forest track. There's a parking lot a little further on. Lower vehicles can park further down the track.

The hike begins in the shade of the magnificent Sapet forest, before gradually joining a line of panoramic ridges leading to the summit. The Piolit - Chabrières range is classified as a Natura 2000 site

Practical info for the Piolit hike

• Start: La Bâtie-Neuve - Col de Moissière
• Distance: 10 km
• Ascent: 763 m D+ (gradient)
• Type : Round trip

• Youcan hike with a dog from the Forêt du Sapet. Herds and guard dogs can be found on the other route to the summit, in the Rouanne valley at Ancelle.

3 Mont Colombis: a breathtaking panorama between the Alps and Provence

A must-do hike above the lake

Perched at an altitude of 1,733 meters, Mont Colombis dominates Lac de Serre-Ponçon, offering a unique blend of Alpine and Provencal influences.

The route crosses the famous geological site of the Demoiselles Coiffées, a genuine natural curiosity of the Hautes-Alpes.

After pastures and antennae used for meteorological surveys in the Hautes-Alpes, the trail reaches a magnificent belvedere with spectacular views over the lake and the Durance valley.

Practical info on the Mont Colombis hike

• Herds of cows on alpine pastures
• Dogs only allowed on a leash
• Remember to close gates properly
• Start: village of Théus
• Distance: 15 km
• Ascent: 889 m D+ (gradient)

No-hike alternative

The summit can also be reached by road from the village of Théus, so you can enjoy the panorama without walking. The site is also well known for its paragliding area above Serre-Ponçon.

5 The summit of La Viste: the most beautiful secret viewpoint over Serre-Ponçon

A confidential nugget above the lake

This is probably one of the most beautiful lake view spots in Serre-Ponçon.

With its atypical shape reminiscent of a bird's nest, the summit of La Viste gives you no idea of the incredible panorama that awaits you at the top.

From the beautiful village of Rousset, you start out on a track that already offers a view of the Demoiselles Coiffées. The signposts then stop, but there are several well-marked paths to the summit:

• a steeper route to the right
• a second, more gradual route

The short but sustained ascent takes you through a spectacular forest before reaching a promontory with an exceptional view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

Practical info on the Viste hike

• Start: Rousset-Serre-Ponçon
• Distance: 6 km round trip
• Elevation gain: 450 m D+ Aerial passage

Aerial passage Final access off trail markers. Hiking under your own responsibility