Lake and river: Monges lake
Lake des Monges is an artificial lake created in 1970 when the forest road was opened. Originally, the site was a marsh, and with the construction of the dam, the lake gradually formed (fed by snowmelt and rainfall).
Its depth varies significantly, ranging from 1.80 m to 2 m.
The Sisteron Fishing Association has carried out numerous stocking efforts (with various species: trout, Arctic char, carp, etc.), but only the tench have survived.
Fishing is permitted (standard fishing license required).

Fauna: Golden Eagle (Aigle royal)
This “king of birds” or bird of Zeus regularly soars over the entire mountain range, leaving no animal indifferent. Marmots whistle if he gives them the chance, other birds flutter about, while the chough or, at times, the raven, scolds him.
The royal attribute, beyond its appearance, its flight, the stern gaze it seems to possess, and the strength of its beak and talons, has long been associated with the power of the one it seems to embody: the monarch. Yet, in ornithological terminology, this term means nothing other than “true” or “real.” The Golden Eagle is therefore above all the true eagle, the genuine eagle. Capable of living for over 25 years, this “king of birds” possesses vision eight times more acute than that of a human. Its nesting site generally consists of several nests or roosts in which one or two young attempt to survive. Very often, a lack of food proves fatal to the youngest chick. Once it leaves the nest, the young eagle is easily recognizable by the clearly visible white spots on and under its wings and tail: the distinctive markings clearly visible in our photo.

Panorama: Orientation table
At the summit of Coste Belle, located just a few meters from the highest point of the Monges hike, a semi-circular orientation table was installed in 2017, highlighting the many peaks visible on the horizon. From this panoramic viewpoint, you can spot the peaks of the Vercors, Dévoluy, Ecrins, Queyras, Ubaye, Mercantour, Verdon, and Luberon mountain ranges.

[Trek] Sommet des Monges (from the Monges lake)
From the parking lot, go through the ONF gate and follow the trail for 400 m to Lac des Monges.
From Lac des Monges (1,544 m), follow the forest trail to the left until you reach the hamlet known as “Le Pradon.”
At the “Le Pradon” junction, continue along the trail on the right, staying in the forest, until it ends.
At the end of the trail, continue along the path that winds through the larch forest. Upon exiting the forest, a long traverse across the slope below the summit of Coste Belle leads to the Raus ridge.
From the Raus ridge (1,892 m), take a steep trail to reach the summit of Coste Belle and its orientation markers.
At Coste Belle (2,106 m), the trail continues along the ridge (entering a pasture guarded by Patou sheepdogs) to the summit of Les Monges.
From the summit of Les Monges (2,115 m), head due east (no trail) and follow the markers while staying on the ridge. From a final outcrop, descend directly down a very steep grassy slope to the Col de la Croix de Veyre.
At the Col de la Croix de Veyre (1,886 m), join the GR®6 and follow it north to the Col de Clapouse.
At the Col de Clapouse (1,692 m), follow the GR®6 toward Le Pradon through pastures and forest. Finally, rejoin the ascent route and follow it in the opposite direction to return to the starting point.
Modified: 2 weeks ago