Lac d'Orcières-Merlette, body of water
Lac d'Orcières-Merlette is a reservoir located high in the mountains at about 2500 meters elevation with clear water that reflects the sky and surrounding slopes. The lake is one of six in the area, each fed by mountain streams and melting snow, surrounded by rocky terrain and green pastures.
The lake was created to store water for surrounding areas and ensure supply during dry periods. Historically, local communities used the lakes for fishing and watering livestock, with remnants of these mountain traditions still visible in old structures near the water.
The lake is accessible via a network of mountain trails that are generally easy to walk, though some sections can be rocky and slippery. In summer, ski lifts operate to bring you to higher starting points, saving energy and offering sweeping views of the landscape.
The lake sits within a group of five other lakes at varying elevations, all connected by mountain trails that allow visitors to walk from one to the next. Marmots are commonly spotted scurrying across the grass, and you may catch glimpses of ibex on rocky ridges or vultures soaring overhead.
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