Lac de la Sassière - Image 1
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Lac de la Sassière

4.8
·107 reviews·Tignes, France

A stunning turquoise alpine lake at 2460m, offering easy hikes, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Easier parking, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lac de la Sassière - Image 1

Lac de la Sassière

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Easier parking, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning turquoise alpine lake at 2460m, offering easy hikes, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

4.8
(107 reviews)

"A very beautiful and easy hike, the most complicated thing for us was parking!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive before 9:30 AM in August or visit in autumn for easier parking at Saut Dam. :car:

☀️ Shade & Hydration

No shade here! Bring water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for your picnic. :umbrellawithrain_drops:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lac de la Sassière

Lac de la Sassière

Sassière Nature Reserve

A stunning turquoise lake at 2460m, perfect for picnics with breathtaking mountain views.

Instagram
Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Bailletaz rock face

Keep an eye out for cows, marmots, and even chamois on the surrounding slopes. Binoculars recommended!

Reddit
Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Saut Dam car park

Choose between a wide path suitable for strollers or a charming hiking trail for a memorable walk.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pointers

Parking at Saut Dam can fill up fast, especially in August! Arrive by 9:30 AM or consider visiting in autumn for easier access. The mountain road can be tricky for larger vehicles during peak times. Reddit

Sun Protection is Key

This high-altitude spot offers stunning views but zero shade. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially for summer picnics. Reddit

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Easier parking, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer early mornings
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#skitignes #tignesski #skibungee
@peterfelton1
88.4K likes • 3M views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive before 9:30 AM in August or visit in autumn for easier parking at Saut Dam. Reddit :car:

☀️ Shade & Hydration

No shade here! Bring water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for your picnic. Reddit :umbrellawithrain_drops:

Our top picks for Tignes 👀 Comment what resort you want to see next 🏔️ #tignes #skiseason #winter #frenchalps #season2425
@nucotravel
10.4K likes • 294.6K views
Vue à 360° au départ de la rando 🚶 le Lac de la Sassière (alt 2460m). #tignes #lacdelasassiere #savoie #savoietourisme #hautetarentaise #montagne #paysage #paysagedemontagne #landscape #mountainlandscape #jpeuxpasjaimontagne #jpeuxpasjairando
mickabrouazin
6 likes • 176 views

🥾 Trail Choices

Opt for the wide path for strollers or the scenic trail for a classic hike. Reddit :hiking_boot:

🔭 Wildlife Watch

Look for marmots and chamois on the rocks. Binoculars enhance the experience! Reddit :binoculars:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive before 9:30 AM in August or visit in autumn for easier parking at Saut Dam. Reddit :car:

☀️ Shade & Hydration

No shade here! Bring water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for your picnic. Reddit :umbrellawithrain_drops:

🥾 Trail Choices

Opt for the wide path for strollers or the scenic trail for a classic hike. Reddit :hiking_boot:

🔭 Wildlife Watch

Look for marmots and chamois on the rocks. Binoculars enhance the experience! Reddit :binoculars:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(107 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain scenery of Lac de la Sassière, calling it an idyllic spot for a picnic. The hike is praised for being beautiful and easy, with opportunities for wildlife spotting. However, parking can be a significant challenge during peak season, and the lack of shade requires visitors to come well-prepared for sun exposure. Reddit

"Very impressive"

Alan Green

"A very beautiful and easy hike, the most complicated thing for us was parking (week of August 15, parking lot already full at 9:30 a.m.!). We understand why the walk is popular. To get to the lake, there are two options (you can choose one on the way there and the other on the way back): a wide path that is passable even with an all-terrain stroller on the left and a small hiking trail on the right. We saw cows, marmots and even chamois (visible with binoculars) on the rock face of the Bailletaz on the left as you climb. The lake behind the dam is turquoise blue, an idyllic place for a picnic. On the other hand, there is no shade at all: go equipped if the weather is nice (water, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen)."

Marine Gawron

"Very beautiful lake surrounded by snow also in summer 🙏🏻 with breathtaking views. Enough to make a nice picnic 😎"

Ludovic Surian

What People Like

Beautiful turquoise lake
Easy, scenic hike
Wildlife spotting opportunities

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
No shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common access point is the Saut Dam car park (2264m). From there, it's a hike to the lake. Be aware that the mountain road can be challenging for larger vehicles during peak hours. Reddit

Yes, there is parking at the Saut Dam, but it fills up very quickly, especially in August. Aim to arrive by 9:30 AM or consider visiting in the shoulder seasons. Reddit

You can drive to the Saut Dam car park, which is the starting point for the hike. The road leading up can be narrow and challenging, particularly for trucks and camper vans. Reddit

The hike from the Saut Dam car park is the primary way to reach the lake. You can choose between a wider, more accessible path or a narrower hiking trail. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to the Saut Dam car park is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange private transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Lac de la Sassière. It's a natural reserve accessible to hikers. Instagram

Lac de la Sassière is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, access may be affected by snow in winter. Instagram

There is no admission fee for the Sassière Nature Reserve. The focus is on enjoying the natural beauty responsibly. Instagram

While not mandatory, guided tours may be available through local Tignes tourism offices or outdoor activity providers. Check with local resources for options. TikTok

As it's a nature reserve, visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and not disturb wildlife. Pack out everything you pack in. Instagram

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The hike is generally considered easy and beautiful, approximately 8km round trip with minimal elevation gain from the Saut Dam. You can choose a wider path or a narrower trail. Reddit

Yes, the wider path is passable with an all-terrain stroller, making it family-friendly. The scenery and wildlife spotting add to the appeal for children. Reddit

Visitors often spot cows, marmots, and even chamois on the rock faces. Binoculars are recommended for better viewing. Reddit

There are no facilities like restrooms or shops directly at the lake. It's a natural setting, so come prepared with everything you need. Reddit

Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy trainers. Given the high altitude and potential for sun exposure, layers, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The turquoise lake itself is the main attraction. Capture panoramic views from the surrounding slopes and look for wildlife opportunities. Instagram

Absolutely! The combination of the vibrant blue lake, snow-capped peaks (even in summer), and dramatic rock formations offers stunning landscape photography potential. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting for your photos. Midday sun can be harsh due to the lack of shade. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and regulations for flying drones in nature reserves before your visit. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget extra batteries! Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lac de la Sassière is a fantastic destination for families. The hike from the Saut Dam is manageable, with a wider path suitable for strollers, making it accessible for even the youngest adventurers. Reddit The chance to spot marmots and other wildlife is a huge hit with children, turning the walk into an exciting nature safari. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities at the lake itself. The stunning turquoise water and mountain backdrop provide a magical setting for a family picnic. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers

For those who love a good hike with a spectacular payoff, Lac de la Sassière is a must-visit. The relatively easy 8km round trip from Saut Dam offers breathtaking alpine scenery without extreme exertion. Instagram The reward is a pristine turquoise lake surrounded by dramatic peaks, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. The opportunity to see diverse wildlife like marmots and chamois adds an extra layer of appeal for nature enthusiasts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hike to the Lake

The journey to Lac de la Sassière is as rewarding as the destination. Starting from the Saut Dam car park, hikers have a choice of two main paths. The wider path is more accessible, even suitable for those with an all-terrain stroller, making it a great option for families. For a more traditional hiking experience, a narrower trail winds its way up, offering different perspectives of the valley. Both routes are approximately 8km round trip and are characterized by a gentle ascent, making it a manageable hike for most fitness levels. Reddit

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the local fauna. The Sassière Nature Reserve is known for its diverse wildlife. Many visitors report seeing cows grazing peacefully, the ubiquitous and charming marmots whistling from their burrows, and if you're lucky, even elusive chamois on the rocky outcrops. Bringing binoculars can significantly enhance your wildlife spotting opportunities. Reddit

Remember that this is a high-altitude environment. While the hike itself isn't overly strenuous, the sun can be intense due to the lack of shade. Proper preparation with water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters

Lac de la Sassière is a haven for alpine wildlife, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature. The most commonly sighted creatures are the marmots, whose distinctive whistles often echo through the valley. These social rodents are usually seen basking in the sun or darting between their burrows. Reddit

Beyond the marmots, keep an eye on the higher rocky slopes for chamois. These agile mountain goats are masters of their environment and can be quite shy. Spotting them often requires patience and a good pair of binoculars. The presence of cows is also common, adding to the pastoral charm of the landscape. Reddit

It's important to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed them. This ensures their safety and preserves their natural behavior for future visitors. The Sassière Nature Reserve is a testament to the beauty of coexistence between humans and the natural world. Instagram

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