Lac de l'Orceyrette and Bois des Ayes

A little corner of paradise awaits you, nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. Lake Orceyrette is easily accessible from Villard-Saint-Pancrace, near Briançon.

Discover the Orceyrette lake and the Bois des Ayes

Lake Orceyrette, a glacial lake, was remodeled in the 1950s with the creation of a small dam. Today, it is an ideal place for family outings. The reflection of the mountains in the crystal-clear water of the lake invites you to take a break.
Between the lake, the stream, and the woods, you will feel transported to another world for an afternoon in this enchanting place.

Lake Orceyrette a change of scenery guaranteed!

When you arrive at Lac de l'Orceyrette, you'll discover an emerald-clear lake. This jewel has been preserved by the inhabitants of Villard-Saint-Pancrace.

This place is a must-see in the Briançonnais region and ideal for a walk with the local family. A paved trail allows you to walk around Lake Orceyrette. It's also a great way to discover the local flora and fauna. The pontoons offer you the opportunity to take magnificent photos. It's a popular site for photographers and was used as a backdrop for the Alex Hugo series. The lake is a perfect place for picnics and fishing.

Hiking trails take you to the Chalets de la Taure, the Chalets d'Orcières and the Col des Ayes .

Don't forget to stop off at the Chalets des Ayes, where you can discover the Chapelle Sainte-Elisabeth. Its charm will satisfy your thirst for culture.

through the seasons at Lac de l'Orceyrette

Blais T.

Papa A.

Poinas T.

Balacé A.

The Bois des Ayes a listed nature reserve

The Bois des Ayes, a Natura 2000 nature reserve, extends over 882 hectares. It is home to numerous bird species, including the European owl, the Tengmalm's owl and the black grouse.

The Bois des Ayes is also one of the highest forests in France. Perched at an altitude of over 2000 m, it covers 400 hectares of land. It is one of the most beautiful cembra forests in Europe, with a high proportion of trees between 400 and 600 years old. The Bois des Ayes has been classified as a "controlled forest biological reserve" since 1990. At higher altitudes, the cembro pine gradually becomes the predominant species, until above 2100 m it becomes a pure cembra forest. The undergrowth of this forest is an ideal habitat for rhododendron and bilberry.

The botanical trail starting from the mountain center, will enable you to learn more about the emblematic cembro pine. From Plan Peyron, the Taure educational trail takes you up into the Bois des Ayes, with a return loop via the Lac de l'Orceyrette. A fun family outing to discover the biodiversity of the Bois des Ayes Reserve.

The plus to get organized

What's the ideal season?

Each season offers a new landscape. To enjoy the site to the full, opt for spring and autumn, when the colors are sumptuous and there are fewer crowds than in summer.

How to get here

In summer, a traffic ban is in place in the hamlet of Les Ayes (except for local residents). You can park in the Centre Montagne parking lot and access the lake on foot or by bike. Accessible by car (maximum height 2m10) from May to October from Villard-Saint-Pancrace via the Route des Costes. Follow the village of Les Ayes, then pass through Plan Peyron and follow the forest track to the lake. The old route des Ayes is only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. In winter, the lake is accessible on snowshoes or skis.

For whom?

With family or friends, mountain lovers or not, there's something for everyone.

Focus on the the little owl

The Eurasian pygmy owl is the smallest owl in Europe, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. With the retreat of the glaciers, it has chosen to migrate to higher altitudes to find a habitat that suits its needs. It is present in the Alps, but remains rare. Its population is particularly concentrated in the Bois des Ayes forest, just above Villard-Saint-Pancrace.

The little owl is buff-black to grayish-brown with whitish spots. At the base of its neck is a white collar. Its beak and eyes are yellow. This bird of prey feeds on field mice, voles and other small mammals. It hides food in natural cavities in case it can't hunt in winter. It often hunts during the day, as its eyesight is poor in complete darkness. If you want to hear its song, you're most likely to hear it at dawn or dusk.

The Bois des Ayes, home to a large population of Chevêchettes and other rare bird species, is classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds. Parks and Natura 2000 sometimes organize outings to track down this mountain species. Its main threat is the modification of its habitat due to forestry practices.

Find out more about the Little Owl