Walk

Ravin du Mal Infernet (formerly Lac de l'Écureuil)

Massif de l'Estérel, near Fréjus Updated 10 October 2026

Good to knowThe lake has been drained since 2009 (precaution against dam failure) — it's now a stream in a ravine, not a body of water

DogsWelcome on a leash

RouteAbout 8.5 km round trip, 150-156 m of elevation gain, 2h-2h30, rocky and slippery ground in places

ParkingCol de Belle Barbe, accessed via the D100 towards Agay from Fréjus (not always easy to spot)

Fire closureThe Estérel massif closes entirely on days of severe/very severe fire risk — map published every evening at 6pm on risque-prevention-incendie.fr/var

Verified on26 September 2026

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An important note upfront

The "Lac de l'Écureuil" no longer exists as a body of water: it was drained in 2009 as a precaution, because of a risk of dam failure. What you find today following the trail is the Ravin du Mal Infernet, where a stream winds (dry for part of the year, notably in summer) at the bottom of a cool, damp gorge, quite different from a swimming lake. The name "lac" is still used out of habit, but it's best not to expect a swim there.

What to know before you go

The route is about 8.5 km round trip, with 150 to 156 m of elevation gain, for a duration of 2h to 2h30. The terrain is rocky and uneven in places in the ravine, slippery after rain — good shoes are recommended for you and to help your dog over the technical sections. The start is at Col de Belle Barbe, accessible via the D100 towards Agay from Fréjus; the car park isn't always easy to spot, so be careful not to accidentally head towards the Gué du Grenouillet instead. Spring is the best time, as the stream can be completely dry in summer.

Coco's tip: the Estérel massif closes all of its access points entirely on days of severe or very severe fire risk — the map for the next day is published every evening at 6pm on risque-prevention-incendie.fr/var. Check it the evening before or the same morning before heading out in summer.

Nearby

The Pic du Cap Roux and its views over the Mediterranean are accessible from the same massif trails. Heading back down towards Fréjus, the Plage de Fréjus-Argens, a groomer and a vet on site make it easy to combine outings, and Lake Saint-Cassien rounds out the waterside walking options in the area.