Lac de Gers
A breathtaking alpine lake reached by a scenic hike, offering stunning mountain views and a charming refuge with delicious local food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Lac de Gers
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking alpine lake reached by a scenic hike, offering stunning mountain views and a charming refuge with delicious local food.
"The hike is challenging but the lake and the refuge's blueberry tart are absolutely worth it!"
🥾 Trekking Poles Essential
Bring poles for the steep ascent and descent; they're a lifesaver!
🍎 Don't Miss the Tart!
The blueberry tart at the refuge is legendary and worth the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lac de Gers
Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
A stunning mountain lake offering breathtaking views and a peaceful alpine escape.
Gîte d'étape du Lac de Gers
At the lake
Enjoy delicious local food, including sausages and a must-try blueberry tart, with a view.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Steep Ascent
Pack for a Mountain Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Trekking Poles Essential
Bring poles for the steep ascent and descent; they're a lifesaver!
🍎 Don't Miss the Tart!
The blueberry tart at the refuge is legendary and worth the hike.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
While the refuge has food, it's wise to carry your own hydration and snacks.
☀️ Forest Shade
Two-thirds of the hike is through the forest, offering welcome shade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Trekking Poles Essential
Bring poles for the steep ascent and descent; they're a lifesaver!
🍎 Don't Miss the Tart!
The blueberry tart at the refuge is legendary and worth the hike.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
While the refuge has food, it's wise to carry your own hydration and snacks.
☀️ Forest Shade
Two-thirds of the hike is through the forest, offering welcome shade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning beauty of Lac de Gers and the rewarding nature of the hike. The mountain refuge is a highlight, offering delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, especially its famous blueberry tart. Some find the initial ascent challenging, but most agree the views and experience are well worth the effort.
"Initial hike is quiet steep and then it flattens. Very good for a half day hike!! Lake is beautiful too but don't think you can take a dip inside"
Siddarth Rupani
"Beautifull views"
Lucian Sadacliev
"A beautiful view from the lake, the refuge allows us to take a short break overlooking the lake.
From Samoëns, departing from the Pont du Giffre, allow 3.5 hours each way. Be careful, the hike begins with an uphill section (over an hour). Two-thirds of the hike begins in the forest, which provides shade. Bring poles, essential for both the ascent and descent, as this is a fairly difficult hike."
Pauline O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access is via a round-trip hike starting from the Lédédian bridge near Samoëns. The trail is approximately 14.4 km and takes about 4 hours each way.
The hike is considered moderately difficult due to an initial steep ascent lasting over an hour. Trekking poles are highly recommended.
The hike involves approximately 400 meters of elevation gain and loss.
No, Lac de Gers is primarily accessed by hiking. There are no roads directly to the lake.
Parking is available near the Lédédian bridge, the common starting point for the hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees or tickets required to access Lac de Gers or hike to it.
Lac de Gers is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The refuge has specific operating hours.
There is no admission fee for the refuge itself, but you will pay for any food or drinks you consume there.
Visiting in winter is possible but requires appropriate winter hiking gear and knowledge of avalanche risks, as conditions can be severe.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always practice Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While the lake is beautiful, swimming is generally not advised due to cold temperatures and the natural environment.
There is a mountain refuge (gîte d'étape) at the lake that offers food, drinks, and potentially accommodation.
The hike's initial steepness might be challenging for very young children, but older children who are used to hiking can manage it.
Expect stunning panoramic mountain views surrounding the serene alpine lake.
Allow at least 4 hours for the round-trip hike, plus additional time to enjoy the lake and the refuge. A half-day trip is common.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The refuge is known for serving delicious local specialties, including sausages and a highly recommended blueberry tart.
If you plan to stay overnight, reservations are essential. For day visits, it's advisable to check their availability, especially during peak season.
You can picnic around the lake, but it's best to pack out all your trash. The refuge also offers a place to relax and eat.
Prices are typical for mountain refuges, offering good value for the quality and location.
Yes, the refuge typically sells a range of drinks, from water to local beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lake's reflection with the surrounding peaks, the refuge itself, and the winding trail leading up to it.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer people, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour hues.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for great shots, but a wide-angle lens can help capture the expansive mountain scenery.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and respect the natural environment and other visitors.
Capture the challenging trail, the forest canopy, and glimpses of the valley below as you ascend.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the landscape. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Lac de Gers: A Traveler's Guide
Many visitors find the hike to be accessible to all with a reasonable level of fitness, though the steep start requires some effort.
Trail Conditions and Best Practices
Trail conditions can vary with the season. In summer, the path is generally well-maintained, but can be dusty. In spring and autumn, expect cooler temperatures and potentially muddy sections. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
The Alpine Gem: Lac de Gers
The Gîte d'étape du Lac de Gers is a key feature of the destination. This mountain refuge provides a welcome respite for hikers, offering delicious food and a place to rest.
Experiencing the Lake and Refuge
Visitors often spend time simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the lake, taking in the panoramic views, and perhaps enjoying a meal at the refuge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit