
Lago di Cignana
A breathtaking artificial lake in Valtournenche, known for its vibrant blue waters and dramatic alpine setting, guarded by a charming chapel.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Clear skies, best light

Lago di Cignana
Best Time
Clear skies, best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking artificial lake in Valtournenche, known for its vibrant blue waters and dramatic alpine setting, guarded by a charming chapel.
"A beautiful artificial lake in a stunning setting, accessible via scenic trails that reward with spectacular views."

Choose Your Trail Wisely
Options from Torgnon (long dirt road), Fontanaz (scenic trail), or Crepin (via Cignana window). Each offers unique views! :hiking_boot:
Prepare for Wind
The area can be windy, even on clear days. Bring layers to stay comfortable. :windblowingface:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Azure Waters
The lake itself
A stunning artificial lake with vibrant blue waters, nestled in a breathtaking mountain valley.

Madonna delle Nevi Chapel
Lakeside
A picturesque chapel standing guard over the lake, adding a serene and iconic landmark.

Cignana Window View
Above the lake
Spectacular panoramic views of the lake and the Matterhorn from this vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit Lago di Cignana
Getting to Lago di Cignana
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Trail Wisely
Options from Torgnon (long dirt road), Fontanaz (scenic trail), or Crepin (via Cignana window). Each offers unique views! :hiking_boot:
Prepare for Wind
The area can be windy, even on clear days. Bring layers to stay comfortable. :windblowingface:
Consider a Bike
The dirt road from Torgnon is long but manageable with a pedal-assist e-bike. :mountain_bicyclist:
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! Some suggest stopping at a Rifugio for lunch too. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Trail Wisely
Options from Torgnon (long dirt road), Fontanaz (scenic trail), or Crepin (via Cignana window). Each offers unique views! :hiking_boot:
Prepare for Wind
The area can be windy, even on clear days. Bring layers to stay comfortable. :windblowingface:
Consider a Bike
The dirt road from Torgnon is long but manageable with a pedal-assist e-bike. :mountain_bicyclist:
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! Some suggest stopping at a Rifugio for lunch too. :sandwich:
Don't Miss the Chapel
The Madonna delle Nevi chapel is a beautiful, serene spot right by the lake. :church:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lago di Cignana's stunning artificial blue waters and dramatic mountain setting, calling it a must-see for nature lovers. The scenic trails, including the rewarding Cignana window route, are highly praised, though some note the long dirt road access. The serene atmosphere and picturesque chapel add to its charm.
"For those who love nature and the mountains, a place to admire in silence, filling the soul with such beauty...❤️VDA"
Giorgio Lissoni
"A beautiful artificial lake in a stunning setting, accessible from Torgnon via a very long dirt road, or from the hamlet of Fontanaz via a beautiful trail that leads beneath the dam, or from the hamlet of Crepin through the Cignana window. A must-see for the stunning views."
luciano aimone
"Wonderful place, the path to get there is a bit challenging, I chose to do the one passing through the Cignana window, but once you get to the Cignana window all the effort is rewarded, spectacular view of the lake and also of Mount Matterhorn. I will be back!"
Iulian Trifan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have several options! From Torgnon, there's a long dirt road, best suited for bikes (especially e-bikes). Alternatively, a beautiful trail starts from Fontanaz, leading you beneath the dam. Another route is from Crepin, passing through the Cignana window for spectacular views.
While a dirt road exists from Torgnon, it's very long and not ideal for standard cars. Many visitors opt for hiking or cycling to reach the lake.
The trail via the Cignana window is highly recommended for its rewarding views of the lake and the Matterhorn. The path from Fontanaz is also praised for its scenic beauty.
Yes, you can reach it from Valtournenche, arriving from below near the dam. It's not visible until the very last moment.
Yes, Rifugio Barmasse and Rifugio Perucca-Vuilliermoz are mentioned as being in the vicinity or accessible from routes leading to the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Lago di Cignana. It's a natural attraction accessible to all.
Lago di Cignana is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round. However, hiking trails may be affected by weather conditions in winter.
No, tickets are not required as it's a natural site. However, if you plan to stay at a nearby refuge, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Swimming is generally not advised in artificial mountain lakes like Lago di Cignana due to cold temperatures and potential safety concerns. It's best enjoyed for its scenic beauty.
As a natural area, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Pack out what you pack in and stay on marked trails where applicable.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers stunning photographic opportunities. Key spots include the lakeside with the Madonna delle Nevi chapel, the panoramic views from the Cignana window, and the vibrant blue waters themselves.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The 'golden hour' can be particularly magical.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain peaks like the Matterhorn. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing the blue of the water.
The reflection of the mountains in the lake on a calm day is a classic shot. The contrast between the blue water, green slopes, and the chapel is also very photogenic.
🎫 🥾 Hiking & Activities
There are various hiking options, from moderate trails to more challenging routes. Many visitors enjoy day hikes that incorporate the lake and surrounding peaks.
Hiking times vary greatly depending on the starting point and your pace. A 6-hour round trip is mentioned for a route from Cervinia. Other routes might be shorter or longer.
Some trails, like the one from Fontanaz, are described as beautiful and potentially manageable for families. However, always assess trail difficulty based on your children's age and experience.
The area is rich with lakes! Nearby options include Lago del Miage, Lago del Monte Dragone, Grande Lago, and Lago di Balanselmo, often visited on longer treks.
Yes, the dirt road from Torgnon is a popular route for cyclists, especially those with electric bikes due to its length.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists
🚶 Hikers & Trekkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artificial Nature of Lago di Cignana
Despite being artificial, the lake has become an integral part of the Valtournenche scenery. Its vibrant blue color, often described as 'blu' or 'azure', is a major draw for visitors. The surrounding mountains, including views towards the Matterhorn from certain vantage points, enhance its picturesque quality. It's a testament to how human intervention can sometimes create breathtaking natural-looking landscapes.
Many visitors enjoy the scenic beauty and the opportunity for relaxation it offers, even with the wind that can sometimes blow through the valley. The presence of the Madonna delle Nevi chapel adds a unique spiritual and visual element to the lakeside experience.
Navigating the Trails to Cignana
For hikers seeking a more traditional mountain trail, the path from Fontanaz is highly recommended. This route leads you beneath the dam, offering a dramatic approach to the lake and is described as beautiful and scenic. It's a great option for those who enjoy a more immersive hiking experience.
Another highly praised route is via the Cignana window (Finestra di Cignana), accessible from Crepin. This path is noted for its challenging but incredibly rewarding effort, culminating in spectacular panoramic views of the lake and the iconic Matterhorn. This option is ideal for hikers looking for breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Beyond the Lake: Rifugios and Peaks
For the more adventurous, the area provides opportunities to ascend nearby peaks. The trek to Monte Rous is mentioned, indicating the potential for more strenuous hikes with rewarding summit views. These higher-altitude excursions offer a different perspective on the landscape, with expansive panoramas of the valleys and surrounding mountain ranges.
Many visitors combine a visit to Lago di Cignana with exploring other nearby alpine lakes, such as Lago del Miage, Lago del Monte Dragone, and Grande Lago, creating multi-day trekking itineraries. This makes Lago di Cignana a fantastic base or waypoint for a more comprehensive exploration of the Valtournenche region.
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