The Lac Bleu
The small lake at Breuil that reflects the Matterhorn
Just before you reach Breuil-Cervinia, the Valtournenche road runs alongside a small lake with very clear water. This is the Lac Bleu, the Lago Blu of Italian maps. On a calm day the whole of the Matterhorn is reflected in it. This view draws many visitors and photographers every year.
Where its colour comes from
The water is clear and shallow near the edges. It takes on a blue-green tint that gave the lake its name. According to some explanations, the lake formed behind an old landslide, and minerals from the surrounding rocks contribute to its colour. These theories have not been confirmed.
Larches and meadows
The shores are lined with larch, spruce and Swiss stone pine. In spring and early summer the surrounding meadows are covered in flowers. Small crustaceans and amphibians live in the water.
A starting point
A path goes round the lake. It is short and flat, and suitable for everyone. Other paths lead from the area to the high pastures and the peaks of the upper Valtournenche.
A busy spot
The lake is very popular in summer, as it is easy to reach from the road. This success has a downside: the shores are trampled and the environment is fragile. Protective measures have therefore been taken. Signs explain to walkers how to behave to protect the banks, the plants and the lake’s small animals.
For the reflection of the Matterhorn, it is best to come early in the morning, when the air is still and the surface of the water does not move.
