Lac des Monges

The Monges lake is a must-see destination, featuring a mountain hut right by the water. The unobstructed view of the Reynier Valley takes in the entire Baronnies region.


From the parking lot near the church in Esparron-la-Bâtie, take the trail (GR®6) that runs along the southwestern side of the church. After a 850-meter climb, leave the very rocky trail.
At the intersection (1,317 m), follow the path to the right, which quickly leads to a pass and then to the Beaudinard Cross.
At the Beaudinard Cross (1,340 m), continue along the trail, descending toward the hamlet of Beaudinard.
Cross the village below the chapel and take a trail, then quickly switch to a path heading east. A series of switchbacks leads through a pine forest to a spring and, 5 minutes later, to the famous Lac des Monges.
From Lac des Monges (1,544 m), take the trail (GR®6) to reach the new Retrouvance refuge, located slightly above the old one (500 m).
At an elevation of 1,566 m, a new trail begins the descent to a trail junction.
Take the left track to its end (1.2 km).
At around 1,534 m, a trail leads back to Esparron after rejoining the ascent track.