Hiking - Le Lac Agnel

The Agnel glacial cirque, cradling one of the largest lakes in the range, offers a splendid panorama over the peaks of the Argentera, the highest point of the massif and the heart of the Parco Alpi Marittime.

Shimmering first snows, dizzying crystalline rock faces, flecks of mica on the lake's surface. Majestic and serene, the lord with arc-shaped horns appears, casting a questioning gaze upon the unwelcome visitor.

From the Pautamon car park (marker 394), take the track towards the Valmasque refuge. After about 30 minutes of walking, the track reaches the mountain stream; a sign on the right indicates the path to Lac Agnel (marker 393).

As you ascend, you cross the "zone de combat": the upper limit of tree growth. The scenery becomes increasingly rocky. After a 2h30 walk, the Agnel glacial cirque appears.

Some may be lucky enough to spot the lord of the peaks: the ibex. Experienced hikers can continue on to the Pas de l’Agnel, a pass on the border with Italy and the Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime. To do this, walk alongside the lake then climb up to the obvious pass.

From there, a splendid panorama opens up before you: Mt Clapier (3045m), Cime du Gélas (3143m), and Argentera (3297m).
The return journey is via the same route.