Lac d’Allos, Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur, France

Also known as:  Lac Allos, Allos Lake

Lac d’Allos, also known as Allos Lake, is situated in the middle of the Reserve de Chasse du Mercantour (Mercantour National Park) in the Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur region on southeastern France. This small glacial lake has a surface area of 150 acres and a maximum depth of 157 feet. At 7,316 feet above sea level, Allos Lake is the largest natural high-altitude body of water on the European…
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    • All About Lac d'Allos, France

    Lake Locations: France - Southern France Region - Provence-Alps-Cote d'Azur Region, Southern France -

    Lac d’Allos, also known as Allos Lake, is situated in the middle of the Reserve de Chasse du Mercantour (Mercantour National Park) in the Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur region on southeastern France. This small glacial lake has a surface area of 150 acres and a maximum depth of 157 feet. At 7,316 feet above sea level, Allos Lake is the largest natural high-altitude body of water on the European continent. The lake is fed by snow and ice from the surrounding mountains; water escapes through an underground passage to a glacial stream and eventually to the Verdon River. Surrounded by towering mountains, there are no roads leading directly to Lac d’Allos; however, hiking there doesn’t take more than an hour, and it is definitely worth the trek. The closest place to park your vehicle is at the Maison Forestier du Laus, about 45 minutes away from Lac d’Allos by foot. It is a beautiful walk that affords plenty of sightseeing opportunities; however, it is important to note that this road is closed during the winter.

    With over 600 miles of trails in the Val de Allos, alpine walking holidays in this area are extremely popular. Perhaps the most traversed is a five-hour loop that passes by Lac de la Petite Cayolle, Lac des Garets and Lac d’Allos. Hikers can continue on the Col de la Cayolle from la Petite Cayolle for a full-day excursion.

    Animal and birdwatching at Lac d’Allos is sensational. Marmot, chamois, ermine, ibex and mouflon inhabit the area, as do stags, roebucks, hares, and Italian wolves. Wolf-lovers should not miss the visitors’ center in Saint-Martin-Vesubie, which is dedicated to this majestic canine. You can also expect to spot a range of vegetation along nearby trails, such as holm oak, rhododendrons, firs, Swiss pines and larches. At least 2,000 types of flowering plants thrive in Mercantour National Park, including the rare edelweiss and martagon lily. The European Distributed Institute of Taxonomy monitors all of the park’s plant species through an ongoing program.

    Lac d’Allos is also known for its phenomenal mountain biking; the Tour de France progressed through the Allos Pass in 2000. Adventure-lovers enjoy exploring the stunning Verdon Gorges, commonly known as “the Grand Canyon du Verdon,” which are up to 2,300 feet deep. Wintertime activities in the area include snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

    Lac d’Allos is especially well maintained because it is nestled within Mercantour National Park, one of nine pristine refuges in France. Established in 1979, the preserve features a varied terrain that is speckled with olive groves, thick pine forests and waterfalls. One moment you are hiking along a steep gorge, and the next you are in front of a vast prairie of wildflowers – all within the span of just a couple of miles. Most of all, the 170,000-acre park is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, which attract over 800,000 visitors per year. Mercantour is also home to the Vallee des Merveilles Historical Monument, an area decorated with petroglyphs from the stone-age.

    Because Lac d’Allos is within a national park, you won’t find any real estate or vacation rentals directly on the lake. However, the charming town of Allos lies about 7.5 miles west of the lake. There are two ski resorts here, both founded in the early 20th century. A nearby community park, Paradis des Enfants, is the perfect family excursion because it provides countless recreational activities like pedal boating, canoeing, and rock climbing. Children love the archery targets, trampolines, mini golf course and giant chess board here – not to mention the enormous man-made lake complete with water slide.

    Peppered with various bodies of water, the Lac d’Allos area is a lake lover’s paradise. Lac de L’Encombrette is situated to the south of Lac d’Allos, and Le Lausson to the east. To the north you’ll also find Lac Du Trou de l’Aigle, Lac de la Petite Cavolle, and Lac des Garrets.

    Here at Lac d’Allos you can simultaneously commune with nature, experience French culture and cuisine, and practice speaking the musical French language. Lake Allos is the perfect place to come for a tiny taste of France.

    Things to Do at Lac d’Allos

    These are some activities in the Lac d’Allos, France area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Boating
    • Canoeing
    • Golf
    • Hiking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Waterfall
    • Birding
    • National Park
    • Miniature Golf
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    Find Places to Stay at Lac d’Allos

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    More Sites to Book a Lac d’Allos Vacation

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    Lac d’Allos Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 150 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 7,316 feet

    Maximum Depth: 157 feet

    Lac d’Allos Map

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