Lac des Corbeaux, which the tourist office calls the “black pearl of the Vosges”, is a glacial lake surrounded by fir trees in La Bresse. The lakeside walk takes 20 to 30 minutes, in summer as in autumn. Swimming and water sports are prohibited, except regulated fishing.
A glacial lake in figures
The official pushchair-trail listing describes a glacial lake about 600 metres long, 200 metres wide and up to 27 metres deep. The waymarked path around it is 1.4 km long.
Walk around the lake
The tourist office describes the walk as easy, shaded, almost flat and lined with benches. Its walks page gives about 20 minutes, the official lake listing about 30 minutes: allow somewhere in between depending on stops and ground conditions.
Even on this short loop:
- stay on the path;
- wear shoes with grip when the ground is wet;
- keep children close to the water’s edge;
- take your litter home;
- respect the ban on fires and wild camping.
Families with pushchairs should judge the path on site: the official listing calls it accessible to all, but not every section suits every model.
Climb to the lake viewpoint
To extend the visit, a path leads to the roche du lac, a viewpoint over the site and surrounding hills. The official listing gives about 1h30 there and back and recommends suitable footwear. This path is not accessible in winter.
Walk from La Bresse
Several routes reach the lake from the town centre, Haut des Bluches campsite or Col du Brabant. The tourist office describes two variants from the campsite:
- a road option, waymarked with a green triangle;
- a more wooded option via Étang de Séchemer, then a green diamond.
Depending on the variant, the loop is 6.3 or 7.6 km, about 2 hours, with 356 to 442 m of ascent. These figures refer to the hike from the Esti’Van stop, not to the lakeside walk alone.
Car and shuttle access by season
In winter the Lac des Corbeaux road is closed to traffic, according to the official lake listing.
In summer 2026, from 11 July to 23 August, the road was closed to motor vehicles from 12.30 pm to 5 pm, except for people with reduced mobility, and the free Esti’Lac shuttle linked La Bresse centre with the lake. During the summer, motorhomes and vehicles over two metres high could not park on site from 8 pm to 7 am, and the Route de la Vieille Montagne towards Col de la Vierge was reserved for walkers and cyclists.
These arrangements are announced season by season on the summer shuttle page. Before visiting, call the tourist office on 03 29 25 41 29. Our Lac des Corbeaux shuttle guide covers the summer 2026 timetable, departure point and car parks.
Swimming ban and cyanobacteria
Swimming and all water sports are prohibited at Lac des Corbeaux, except fishing. The tourist office also reports that cyanobacteria are regularly found in summer and asks dog owners to be particularly careful.
For a swim nearby, the La Bresse swimming pool is an indoor option. See also our guide to swimming alternatives around La Bresse.
Plan your visit
- check road access for the season, closed in winter;
- look at the La Bresse weather;
- wear suitable footwear for the lake viewpoint;
- do not plan to swim;
- keep the last return in mind if you add a hike.
This page was checked on 23 September 2026 against official La Bresse Hautes Vosges information.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lac des Corbeaux?
No. Swimming and water sports are prohibited, except fishing under its regulations.
How long does the lakeside walk take?
Allow 20 to 30 minutes: the tourist office gives about 20 minutes on its walks page and about 30 minutes on the official lake listing, for an almost flat 1.4 km path.
Can you drive to the lake?
Not in winter: the official listing says the road is closed. In summer 2026, from 11 July to 23 August, it was closed to motor vehicles from 12.30 pm to 5 pm, except for people with reduced mobility, and open outside those hours.
Does the Esti'Lac shuttle run all year?
No. In 2026 the free Esti'Lac shuttle ran from 11 July to 23 August between La Bresse centre and the lake. Dates for the following summer had not been published on 23 September 2026.