From Chorges to Baie-Saint-Michel

Key facts

Distance: 14.4 km
Ascent: +290 m
Descent: −260 m
Estimated time: 3 hr 45; hiking
Difficulty: Easy; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 63%
Dirt & gravel 36%
Unknown 1%
Path types: Trail 8%
Track 29%
Road 63%

Description

A route accessible to all to the lake and the magnificent Baie Saint Michel from the village of Chorges. Don't be fooled by the surrounding high peaks - you can expect some Mediterranean vegetation on this route! Pines and shrubs stretch to the shores of the lake, which finally reveals its emerald waters as you approach the bay. - From the station car park, head along the railway line as far as the Intermarché supermarket. Then cross the railway tracks and immediately turn left onto a small road. Go straight on for 400m, then cross the lane to the left and follow the road. Once you reach the main road, turn right onto the main road and then left again 400m further on, towards the hamlet of Miamellon. Continue along this small road past the bridge over the railway line and past the farm. - 200m after the farm, leave the road and take a track on the left. Continue on the track at the first intersection. - At the junction with another track, turn right towards Baie Saint Michel and left onto a small track 100m further up. Follow the small path through the woods and continue straight on to Mareisson. Cross the track and head towards Bair Saint Michel. Keep left at the next two intersections. - Travel along the railway line along the field. Do not cross the bridge. Join a small road and turn right. Pass the veterans' memorial and continue along the road towards the beaches of Baie-Saint-Michel. The return journey then takes the same route.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Parking de la Gare, Chorges, Chorges (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/991185-De-Chorges-a-la-Baie-Saint-Michel). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
Official elevation gain: 290 m, Parc national des Écrins