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The Robert Lakes are one of the most beautiful sites in Belledonne. This iconic hike takes you on a journey of discovery through a series of glacial lakes surrounded by majestic peaks and offers spectacular views of the Grenoble valley. The combination of lakes, rocks, and alpine pastures makes it a popular outing for hikers of all levels. The hike can be done entirely by soft mobility from Grenoble, making it an ideal option for a car-free day in nature.
Useful information
Starting altitude : 1,650 m (Chamrousse – Recoin)
Altitude of the lakes : ~1,990 m
Elevation gain : +550 to +600 m
Round trip distance : 7–10 km depending on the route
Average duration : 3 to 4.5 hours
Difficulty : Medium
Markings : yellow and red (PR)
Itinerary
From Chamrousse 1650 – Recoin, the trail climbs gradually through alpine pastures and forest areas. The first part of the hike crosses Lac des Pourettes, offering an initial panorama of the surrounding mountains.
The trail then continues towards the Lacs Robert lakes, winding between rocks and alpine meadows. The climb is steady but accessible, and the path is well marked. The landscape becomes more open as you approach the lakes, offering magnificent views of Belledonne, Taillefer, and the Grésivaudan valley.
For the more athletic, it is possible to extend the outing to the Croix de Chamrousse, offering an even more extensive panorama of the massif and the valley. For hikers who prefer tranquility, a simple round trip to the Robert Lakes is enough to fully enjoy the beauty of the site.
The round trip distance varies between 7 and 8 km for the classic route and around 10 km for the routes via Lac des Pourettes or Croix de Chamrousse. The elevation gain is around 550 to 600 meters, with an average walking time of 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the route chosen.
Access by soft mobility
From Grenoble, take the TouGo bus 601 from the bus station or City Hall, heading towards Chamrousse 1650 – Recoin. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and the ticket costs around €4 to €5. Timetables are available at tougo.fr
When you arrive, the trail starts right from the station.
Good to know
• The hike can also be done by mountain bike or electric bike for the climb up to Chamrousse 1650, then continued on foot.
• The best time to enjoy the Robert Lakes is from June to October, before the first snowfall.
• There are no drinking water sources on the trail.
• Some areas around the lakes can be slippery, especially after rain or at the beginning of the season.
• Stay on the marked trails to protect the fragile alpine flora and avoid disturbing natural habitats.
• Always check the weather before setting off, especially if you want to extend your hike to Croix de Chamrousse.