Lago Lauvitel

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juanma0695

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Trail stats

Distance: 3.73 mi
Elevation gain: 1,864 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 1,864 ft
Max elevation: 5,020 ft
TrailRank: 23
Min elevation: 3,202 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 456
Uploaded: July 30, 2018
Recorded: July 2018

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near La Danchère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (France)

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Itinerary description

Cross the Danchère and continue along a good track to the crossroads near to the Lauvitel stream (Ecrins National Park noticeboard). Go up the paved path on the left, on the right bank of the stream. The track is bordered by dry stone walls which separate them from the cultivated fields. Cross the Selles stream near to the catchment area then follow the bends through the deciduous trees and the spruce trees. Cross numerous springs which are really resurgences from the lake. After having crossed a clearing with beautiful prairies, come out on to a lower shelf which leads to the edge of the Lauvitel (1530 m). For the return treck, follow the lake towards the cabins. At the fork, take the path to the right which goes down to the Danchère on the left bank of the stream. For the return journey along the lake towards the huts. At the fork, take the right path to reach halfway through the trailhead on the right bank of the creek. Down to Danchère, through the hamlet in reverse to reach the parking.

Waypoints

Danchère Chapel

Dedicated to Saint Louis and to Saint Claude, Danchère Chapel displays its agreeable proportions to visitors. The stones forming the arc of a circle above the entrance and the window do not only have aesthetic value. They are rightly called "a relieving structure" because they help to redistribute the weight of the facade on both sides of the openings. In the recess hidden behind wire netting is a ceramic statue of Saint Louis created in the Tarn region.

Danchère Hamlet

With its paved lanes, its fountains and its stone wash-house, the Danchère offers an ideal starting point for going to Lauvitel which attracts 30 000 visitors every year. It is one of the numerous hamlets that make up the commune of Vénosc.

Lauvitel Lake

Lauvitel Lake is the biggest (around 25-35 ha) and the deepest (40-65 m) in the Ecrins National Park. A rocky landslide around 4000 years ago, added to an existing glacial moraine to form a natural dam capable of retaining such a volume of water. The waters of the lake are cold and well oxygenated. They suit several species of fish including the Arctic Char or the Brown Trout which were introduced for anglers. Today the Lake Lauvitel is the subject of numerous scientific studies: physical parameters, sediment, phyto et zooplankton are collected and analyzed.

Natural Dam

Around 4000 years ago, a rocky landslide added to an existing glacial moraine to form a natural dam capable of retaining this large volume of water. The seasonal variation of the level of the lake of 20 to 25 m is due to the permeability of the materials making the dam. In fact the lake does not have a spillway and the water infiltrates the boulders of the dam. It offers a beautiful view of the lake which infact inspired the painters at l'Abbé Guétal.

Chalets at altitude

On the Lauvitel dam are ancient prairie chalets as well as chalets that were built between the two World Wars to welcome hunters and anglers. Formally a private property, this valley was rented out to the ‘Bourgeoisie Dauphinoise’ for hunting. Angling, on the other hand, is still practised: it is managed by the Lauvitel Society for private angling. One of the chalets is still used to today to house agents from the Ecrins National Park and scientists from the nature reserve.

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