Les trois lacs - Hiking trail

Below the Galibier, the jagged mountains of the Cerces are split by several passes that give access to the “département” of Les Hautes Alpes. The Lacs de Cerces are undoubtedly the brightest jewel in the area’s crown.

All around you are vast meadows where sheep can be seen moving in the distance, in a white wave whose advance follows the movements of the relief.

When you reach Granges des Mottets, leave the track and follow the path up the mountainside. Look up and you'll surely spot vultures circling over the tapering ridges of the Massif des Cerces.

A little further on, Lac des Cerces appears, curled up in its stone nest. The blue of its waters, reflecting the clear sky, stands out against the charcoal grey of the rocks and the soft green of the grass. Take the time to pause here.

Further on, a second and then a third lake dot the trail, like pearls in a jewel.

After the Col des Rochilles, you'll discover a different atmosphere as you cross the military camp. Discover the Maginot works at Les Rochilles (1931/1940) and spend a night in the shoes of a soldier, sleeping in the building transformed into a refuge! To activate geolocation, click on the map icon.

Start: From the Plan Lachat parking lot at 1980 m altitude, take the military trail to the Mottets barns.
1/ Take the path on the right towards Lac des Cerces.
2/ At the lake, turn left on the GR 57 towards the Col des Cerces. 3/ Once over the pass, the path descends between Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban.
4/ Skirt both lakes on the right, then continue towards the Col des Rochilles.
5/ At the Rochilles camp, join the Plan Lachat parking lot, descending along the hiking trail.
6/ Cross the small Jargette stream and continue down to Plan Lachat.
7/ At the end of the trail, follow the Mottet track to the Plan Lachat parking lot.