Saint-Apollinaire: Glacier Lake, Peaks and Hiking Trails

Lac de Saint-Apollinaire combines a remarkable altitude with a distinctive landscape: the protected glacier lake lies at an elevation of 1,452 metres and is lined with larches. Purpose-built picnic tables are available along the shore, and swimming is also possible in the clear water. As a well-known destination for no-kill fly fishing, the lake appeals to different interests and complements the peaceful aspects of a stay with a clearly defined activity.

Nature

Above the village, the Aiguilles de Chabrières form a limestone formation rising to 2,403 metres. Its steep sections are accessible to hikers, and the Aiguilles de Chabrières can be reached from Saint-Apollinaire. From there, there are sweeping views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The lakeshore, larch landscape and rocky high-altitude terrain thus stand alongside one another as distinct natural settings.

Other peaks and mountains add to this landscape. Chabrières is a peak in the vicinity of Saint-Apollinaire. Croix de Colly is a peak in the area around the village, as is La Pusterle. Mont Saint-Guillaume is a mountain in the vicinity of Saint-Apollinaire. The different names show that the landscape is not limited to a single viewpoint or a uniform type of terrain.

Hiking

Hiking trail no. 4 passes a large round rock from which Lac de Serre-Ponçon can be seen. After the Belvédère, the same hiking trail joins the GR de Compostelle. The route thus connects a specific viewpoint with a continuation onto a well-known long-distance hiking trail. Trail no. 2 can be continued via a path directly to the Réallon resort.

For planning purposes, the trails can be distinguished by their stated features: hiking trail no. 4 is characterised by the round rock, the view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the section after the Belvédère; hiking trail no. 2 continues to the Réallon resort. These different points along the routes give each hiking option its own profile.

Culture

The wider surrounding area also contains destinations with various historical and religious connections. Château de Picomtal is a château in the wider area around Saint-Apollinaire. Fort de Dormillouse is a fortress in the wider regional surroundings of the village. Abbaye de Boscodon and Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Réal are churches in the wider area around Saint-Apollinaire.

The château, fortress and churches therefore provide a distinct complement to the lake, rock formations and hiking trails. Those wishing to explore natural and cultural themes side by side will find different points of interest among these named destinations, without the individual places acquiring the same character.

When travelling to Saint-Apollinaire, the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions for a holiday apartment can be considered as separate selection criteria. This information stands alongside the area's landscape, hiking and cultural themes and forms a separate framework for personal planning.

Other Places

You can also take these place names into account when planning your trip: Ceillac, Saint-André-Dʼembrun, Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières, Neffes, Laragne-Montéglin, Abries, Villar-Saint-Pancrace and Saint-Léger-Les-Mélèzes.

To the overarching travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.