Lac de l'Hivernet
Description
From the car park, turn right onto the track.
- When you come to the Chalet des Fontainiers (after the cabin), turn left towards the « lac de l'Hivernet » via « Pré Clos » and « Pierre Pointue ».
- At the next intersection, turn right.
- When you reach Pré Clos, turn right towards the Lac de l'Hivernet.
- At the next intersection, continue straight ahead.
- At the gate, carry on straight ahead. Continue along the path until you reach the Lac de l'Hivernet. When you return to the gate, turn left towards the Cabane de l'Aiguille. Go past the the front of the Cabane de L'Aiguille and follow the track on the right which leads to the Chalet des Fontainiers.
- Departure : Forest car park, Embrun
- Arrival : Embrun
- Towns crossed : Embrun
12 points of interest
- Flora
The larch
The king of mountain trees in the Southern Alps, the larch is the only conifer to drop its needles in winter. In spring, its cones are a characteristic dark purple. The larch is one of the few European tree species that is imputrescible, that is to say, it does not rot. This is why, despite the fact that it twists as it dries out, it is widely use in frameworks, drinking troughs and other water holding vessels in the mountain villages. Incapable of germinating in its own undergrowth, it needs natural openings such as avalanche corridors for the young shoots to develop. It is found at altitudes in excess of 2,200 metres, adopting dwarf forms in these "combat" zones. The larch tree growing at this point on the trail is several hundred years old. - Pastoralism
Woodland grazing
The Embrun communal forest reconciles forestry and pastoral objectives. This 646 ha larch forest consists of a light wood enabling the growth of forage crops. 1200 sheep and 150 cows graze in one of the most beautiful larch forests in the Hautes-Alpes. This forest which protects the lower slopes from avalanches, from mud slides and from falling stones is a lovely example of a multifunctional forest where the production of wood for timber or for heating, coexists with grazing and for the general appreciation of the public.
- Flora
common nettle
Called the common nettle, this is a stinging plant. During difficult times in history – the Middle Ages or the world wars for instance, it was consumed to help survive periods of famine and scarcity. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, it is highly effective health cure and is taken as a soup, and added ingredient to various other dishes or as a soft drink. Apart from this usage, in the sixteenth century it was put to industrial use, in the manufacture of paper, garments etc. - Flora
Dyer’s Woad
Punctuating the edges of the paths, this green and blue-green biennial, is also known as « Saint Philippe’s herb ». A large robust plant topped with a parasol of yellow flowers, it has many uses. While its leaves provide a blue dye used to colour clothes, façades and carts (the famous « blue cart » which had the virtue of repelling flies), its roots are used against the mumps, infectious hepatitis, sore throat or the fever.
- Flora
Meadow buttercup
More commonly called the buttercup, this is a very familiar flower. It flowers from May to September, and commonly grows in grasslands and the edges of tracks. Its stems and leaves are slightly hairy. It is seldom eaten by livestock because it is toxic, and it only loses its toxicity when dried. This plant is a member of the large family Ranunculaceae. - Fauna
The roe deer
Slender, agile and quick-footed, the roe deer is very shy but leaves the imprint of its delicate hooves in the snow or mud, right up to the alpine zone. It can also be identified by its loud "vocalisation" because it utters a loud bark when disturbed. In the half-light, they are sometimes given away by their "mirror", the white mark under their tails, heart-shaped in the does and bean-shaped in the stags. When very young, the fawn is covered in white spots which camouflage it. This «bambi» very often lies concealed in the grass. If you see one, don't touch it. It hasn't been abandoned. - Flora
Dandelion
Called dandelion (from the French dent de lion - lion's tooth) with reference to its toothed leaves. Although despised by gardeners, this plant is actually a valuable ally. The use of the dandelion as a medicinal plant goes back to Ancient Greece. Young dandelion leaves are served as a salad or blanched like spinach. The flowers were traditionally used to make a wine reputed to be fortifying and they can also be infused in a sugar syrup, creating a kind of honey-like jam called cramaillotte. - Flora
Spring gentian
A member of the family of small perennial gentians, this gentian has a deep blue flower and can be recognised by its short stem bearing one or two pairs of opposing leaves. It can be identified in particular by its pointed leaves grouped in a rosette at the base, at least twice as long as they are wide. It is a plant capable of adapting to a very wide altitude range, from the hill level to the alpine level.. - Flora
Mountain holly fern
This species of fern develops its leaves in the spring. Its foliage is semi-evergreen and it is quite hardy, capable of withstanding frosts down to -20°C. The fern is one of the earliest plants to appear on earth. - Flora
Creeping thyme
A member of the large family of thymes, the creeping thyme has been known for its medicinal virtues since ancient times. It is a perennial plant whose stems spread across the ground. The flowers are grouped into spikes and are produced from June to October. It grows in dry habitats and can be found at altitudes of up to 2,400 metres. This plant is ideal taken as a tisane, for easing a cough and keeping the bronchial tubes clear. - Fauna
Marmot
A medium-sized rodent, the marmot is emblematic of high-altitude meadows. It has a massive, almost cylindrical body, short ears and stocky legs with strong claws. It emits a high-pitched, powerful whistle at the slightest danger. A true hibernator, it is only visible from April to October. Marmots live in families. There are many social relationships: grooming and games, while fights and bites also ensure the cohesion of the group and respect for the hierarchy. - Fauna
The Grey Cuckoo
This is a medium-sized migratory bird, identified by its "cuckoo" song, from April to July, between woodland and open spaces.
The females seek out the nests of small sparrows and eat one of the eggs of the occupied nest before laying their own. In the cuckooed nest, the cuckoo chick, which is born before the others, will eject all the other eggs so it can be raised by its adoptive parents.
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Information desks
Tourist office Embrun
Place Général Dosse - BP 49, 05202 Embrun
October to march : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 17.00.
April, may, june & september : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 12.30 & 14.30 - 18.00
July and August : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 19.00. Sundays, 10.00 - 12.30 & 16.00 - 19.00
On French national holidays (except 14th of July and 15th of August) : 9am to 1pm. Closed on the 1st of January, 1st of May, 25th December and 11th November
Closed on Thursdays outside French holidays’ periods
Transport
Public transport: www.pacamobilite.fr
Consider car-sharing: www.blablacar.fr
Access and parking
Parking :
Source
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