Crots combines a distinctive architectural heritage with opportunities for days spent enjoying nature and sports. In the village, you’ll find the Église Saint-Laurent; the Abbaye de Boscodon, Château de Picomtal and Chapelle Notre-Dame du Lauzerot offer further cultural highlights. Activities range from a circular walk at Lac du Lauzerot to cross-country ski trails, snowshoe routes and water sports. If you’re looking for a hotel in Crots, it helps to first decide whether culture, winter activities or a lakeside stay is the deciding factor.

Architectural history and religious sites

The Abbaye de Boscodon is a remarkable 12th-century monument. It was the most important house of the monastic Order of Chalais in the region. In the village of Crots, the Église Saint-Laurent features a different architectural influence: its bell tower reflects Lombard influence. The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Lauzerot adds another story to this collection of sites. Built in 1873, it was once an important pilgrimage destination.

Château de Picomtal can also be dated by its architectural features: a keep dates from the 12th century, while the square castle with four towers was built in the 14th century. Guided tours introduce the château’s thousand-year history, remarkable architecture and richly decorated interiors. At the Abbaye de Boscodon, admission to the abbey church and Chapelle Saint-Firmin is free. As visiting arrangements may change seasonally, check access before your visit.

Hiking and nature

The Forêt de Boscodon has been awarded the Forêt d’Exception® designation and is considered a natural area for hikes and reflective walks. The nature experiences described here include both active outings and more peaceful trails. At Lac du Lauzerot, there is a very easy 2.4-kilometre circular walk. It takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes; this is an estimate and depends on conditions. This lets you consider the loop as a hiking option in its own right, rather than infer a walking time from the distance.

Winter activities and water experiences

In the highlands of Crots and Baratier, the La Draye Nordic area offers several distinct activities: 14 kilometres of trails for classic cross-country skiing and skating, five snowshoe loops totalling 20 kilometres, two fatbike loops totalling 8 kilometres, two dog-sledding loops, and a toboggan run for children. Cross-country skiing is therefore just one part of the offering; snowshoeing, fatbike rides, dog-sledding loops and tobogganing round out the options. Some of the distances listed refer to the combined lengths of the respective loops.

The Plage des Eaux Douces in Crots is a well-known spot for kitesurfers and other wind-powered water sports. On summer afternoons, thermal winds shape conditions on the lake. At Plage de Chanterenne, the shallow water lets even small children cool off peacefully. The two beaches therefore suit different interests: kitesurfing and other water sports are the focus at one, while the other offers a peaceful dip in shallow water. A route passes through the Chanterenne pine forest to a footbridge over the Boscodon stream and continues to Plage des Eaux Douces. It links a forest passage, stream crossing and beach destination in a clear sequence.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Trescléoux, Puy-Saint-Pierre, Châteauroux-Les-Alpes, Rosans, Le Glaizil, Saint-Bonnet-En-Champsaur, Sainte-Colombe, Furmeyer

To the main travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.