Malrif lakes
Three lakes for three atmospheres, the first, the Grand Laus is a prerequisite of the GR58, it offers panoramic views of Mount Viso. The second, Lake Mezan is smaller and much friendlier. The greenery and the cottongrass around it give a feeling of comfort and flexibility. And finally the Petit Laus, the smallest, is characterized by an alpine and mineral environment.
4 points of interest
Elevage et pastoralismePastoralism and biodiversity
Sheeps play a key role in maintaining the biodiversity. Indeed, the landscapes have been shaped by their presence and their needs in grazing areas and in mowing meadows. The environment has gradually evolved, the large forests have lost in land by giving way to grasslands and biodiversities. Today, without pastoralism, the areas tend to close up and lose their diversity. Careful, excessive exploitation also causes a decrease in biodiversity. A good organization of pastures requires regular monitoring and respecting the life cycle of plants.
PanoramaThe Guil valley
From the slope, the view opens up to the lower valley of the Guil. To the left we see the snow-covered Roche des Clots and following on is the Sommet Bucher. At the back, the Point de la Saume and the Pic d'Escreins are also visible.
Patrimony and historyThe Saint Louis Chapel
Following the donation of Louis XIV to embed Catholicism in the Queyras, several chapels were built. They are all built in the same style: the bell tower is built into a wall, the choir is to the east. They are built on an elongated ground plan, with an A-frame roof in schist.
FaunaChamois
In spring, the chamois leave the forest which fed and protected them during the winter. Little by little, they go in search of the first tufts of grass. The males find their solitary life they will lead until the rutting (early November). As for the females, they isolate themselves in June to give birth. They prefer ridges and steep and difficult places of access where predators will have a hard time getting to. After a week, the female and the kid join the herd.
Description
From the top of the car park, turn right and cross a bridge.
1 - Go left between the houses and leave the village. Take the left path and continue on the main road until you reach a house. Cross the road to access the house and go up a steep path for a few metres before reaching a track.
2 - Turn left on the track and a fast right onto a path. Move up the curves, leave the ruins of Eygliers on the right and continue the ascent. Cross a track and a path, keep climbing until you reach the crest of the Serre de l'Aigle.
3 - Pass through the valley of Malrif, turn left on the levelled path at the beginning and at the ascent to reach the end which leads to the first of the lakes of Malrif: Grand Laus (many cattle tracks make orientation a little difficult to follow the red and white marks of the GR). When reaching this first lake, turn left to reach the other two. The same route is used for the return.
- Departure : Aiguilles
- Arrival : Aiguilles
- Towns crossed : Aiguilles and Abriès-Ristolas
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Information desks
House of the Queyras Regional Nature Park
3580 Route de l’Izoard, 05350 Arvieux
The House of the Queyras Regional Nature Park is closed to the public.
OTI du Guillestrois et du Queyras
Maison du Tourisme du Queyras, 05350 Château-Ville-Vieille
Transport
05 Voyageur: 04 92 502 505 Tourist Office of Queyras: 04 92 46 76 18
Access and parking
Go through Aiguilles by the D 947 until crossing the bridge over the stream of Lombard. Turn left and go to the village. Take the first road to the left and go back across the Lombard. The car park is right after the bridge, on the right.
More information
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