Refine your search for walks in Cerces
Cerces walks
Lac Laramon - Lac du Serpent
Visorando Member
5.66 mi
+2,044 ft
-2,044 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A classic of the upper Clarée Valley with a magnificent panorama of the Cerces and Ecrins massifs.
Lac des Cerces and other lakes
7.49 mi
+2,172 ft
-2,142 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
A fantastic hike which, when the weather is fine, allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes dotted with lakes in infinite shades of blue.
The Lac de l'Oule circuit
4.02 mi
+932 ft
-919 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Chaffrey (Hautes-Alpes)
A family hike starting from the Col du Granon, which allows you to discover a beautiful lake and, on the way back, magnificent views of the Ecrins.
The Long and Rond Lakes
5.57 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,467 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A family loop in the bottom of the Clarée valley to discover two beautiful mountain lakes.
Important note: During the summer (14 July to 15 August), access by private car from Névache Ville Haute to the car park at the Laval terminus is impossible between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A shuttle bus runs regularly to allow everyone to enjoy this beautiful valley. It is advisable to park your vehicle in the car parks at the entrance to Névache (Roubion).
The Cerces tour
10.62 mi
+3,261 ft
-3,235 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful, challenging hike that takes you around the Cerces Massif, from lake to lake...
There are a few tricky sections for those who are afraid of heights
The Grand Lac and the Lac de la Ponsonnière
7.20 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,835 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
20 minutes from the town of Monêtier-les-Bains. A lovely day’s hike with a magnificent view at the end. Views over the Grand Lac and the Écrins massif.Return to the car park via the same route.
The Belvédère du Grand Aréa
5.58 mi
+2,346 ft
-2,339 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Salle-les-Alpes (Hautes-Alpes)
Almost perfectly pyramid-shaped when viewed from Briançon, the summit of the Grand Aréa attracts all the tourists in the valley. This means that we are never alone at the top.
The Cime des Conchiers at the start of the Monêtier-les-Bains trail
4.05 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,463 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A pleasant walk above the large village of Monêtier, famous for its hot springs and ski resort.
Peyrolle ridges
7.72 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,942 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Chaffrey (Hautes-Alpes)
A hike to one of the most beautiful ridges in the Briançonnais region, starting from the Col du Granon, taking in four peaks and offering a stunning panorama of the Écrins and the Cerces.A trail route with sections that may be daunting for hikers prone to vertigo.
The Pointe des Cerces
8.82 mi
+4,003 ft
-3,993 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Near the Grand Galibier, another stunning peak in the Cerces massif offering an exceptional 360° panorama of the Ecrins, the Thabor, the Aiguilles d’Arves, Mont Blanc, the Viso, etc.A summit that has to be earned but is well worth the detour.An absolutely magnificent hike with a surprise at the summit that invites contemplation.
Col du Chardonnet - Lac de la Mine
7.28 mi
+2,585 ft
-2,585 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A very pleasant and varied hike in a valley that has remained fairly wild. At the pass, there is a magnificent view of the Écrins Massif, the Cerces and the Grand Galibier Massif.
Chaberton
8.80 mi
+4,229 ft
-4,229 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Montgenèvre (Hautes-Alpes)
This summit overlooks Montgenèvre, as well as the entire Petite Durance valley and Briançon in particular. A fort with eight turrets supporting eight cannons was built here. This colossal work, carried out by the Italian army and intended to fire heavy shells at Briançon, was useless because, at the start of the war, French artillery fire destroyed this magnificent structure. But today, the ruins, now French, stand the test of time and offer a surprising view.
Col des Muandes - Rond, Muandes, Madeleine and Long lakes
9.13 mi
+2,930 ft
-2,900 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Enjoy a beautiful walk in the Haute-Clarée valley, which offers a festival of lakes reflecting the peaks of the Cerces (the Pointe des Cerces, the Roches de Crépin, the Pointe du Riou Blanc and the Pointe des Banchets). The Col des Muandes (2,828 m) offers a view of the Etroite valley and Mont Thabor.
Pic du Lac Blanc - Laramon, Serpent and Gardioles lakes
8.74 mi
+3,652 ft
-3,652 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
After admiring the beautiful lakes of Laramon and Serpent, and the Pic du Lac Blanc (2,980 m) in a mineral landscape, this circuit offers a stunning view of the Écrins and the Thabor massif. On the way back, you will discover the various small lakes of Les Gardioles.
The Green Lake
2.46 mi
+338 ft
-318 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a short walk to an easily accessible lake that is well worth a visit. At the foot of a huge scree slope, Lac Vert is a gem of exceptional colour.
Chavillon and Bellety lakes
6.10 mi
+2,270 ft
-2,274 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit two pretty lakes located on the link between the Névache Valley and the Vallée Etroite. The Lac de Chavillon is located at the Col des Thures, the crossing point between the two valleys mentioned above. The Lac Bellety above is on the border between the former provinces of Dauphiné and Savoie.
Mont Thabor from Les Granges de la Vallée Etroite
11.40 mi
+4,672 ft
-4,672 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
From its height of 3,178 metres, enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama that Mont Thabor offers over the Alps, as well as its small chapel, Notre-Dame des-Sept-Douleurs.
La Clarée with its banks and the Débaret waterfall
5.18 mi
+846 ft
-840 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Discover La Clarée from the right and left banks.
A pleasant walk, sometimes a little difficult but so enjoyable in the cool air.
A route close to the river, with flowers and vegetation depending on the season.
And, of course, the beautiful and impressive Débaret waterfall.
You start by walking through part of an authentic village, with its weathered, exposed timber houses.
Then, get up close and personal with nature at its most charming.
Lac de l'Oule via La Gardiole
5.25 mi
+1,506 ft
-1,490 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Chaffrey (Hautes-Alpes)
This circuit has two attractions: a high point and a beautiful mountain lake. Close to the Serre-Chevalier resort. Family-friendly circuit.
Le Grand Galibier
11.85 mi
+4,252 ft
-4,236 ft
9h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This legendary summit offers spectacular views of the Écrins mountains dominated by La Barre and La Meije, Goléon, the Aiguilles d'Arves, Mont Blanc, Viso, Queyras and the Swiss Valais, where Liskamm and Monte Rosa rise up. It is also a popular area for ibex.
Grands Lacs via the Terre Rouge refuge
8.66 mi
+2,559 ft
-2,559 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
This hike consists of two loops that meet at the Terre Rouge refuge.
The lower loop allows you to admire the Neuvache valley from a balcony trail as you climb. On the descent, the route often runs alongside the torrent itself.
The upper loop takes place in a more mineral environment at the base of the western slope of Mont Thabor.
The markings for these loops are varied.
The Cross of Toulouse
3.60 mi
+2,018 ft
-1,998 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Briançon (Hautes-Alpes)
For those who love aerial views, the Croix de Toulouse offers a spectacular view of Briançon.
La Clarée right bank: from Névache to the Laval car park
6.13 mi
+1,444 ft
-49 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Between forest, mountain pastures and the banks of the Clarée, this walk takes you gently from Névache to the upper Clarée valley. It is also an opportunity to discover the hamlets and isolated chalets scattered throughout the valley. Don't forget to admire the pretty Fontcouverte waterfall on the way!
Please note that if you do this hike outside the shuttle bus operating period (information available from the tourist office), you will have to walk back to the starting point along the same route!
The Lake and the Porte de Cristol
8.07 mi
+3,064 ft
-3,035 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful, not very difficult walk starting from Névache. It will take you from the larch forest to the very mineral landscape that forms the setting for this lake. The place is quiet and imbued with a great serenity, which is lacking in most of the lakes in the region, which are often very busy.
Loop in Vallée Étroite
5.18 mi
+778 ft
-778 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a very easy hike that allows you to discover the beautiful Vallée Étroite, ending in a grand finale at the famous Lac Vert.
The Pain de Sucre at the start of Valloire
7.17 mi
+2,277 ft
-2,260 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
A classic hike around the Valloire ski resort.
This is a circular starting and ending in Valloire.
comment from a hiker on 02/08/2023
A sign after the hamlet of Poingt Ravier indicates that the return route from Albanette to Valloire is closed.
At (10), only a pedestrian crossing remains. On arrival in Valloire, a municipal decree is displayed indicating that traffic on this road is prohibited, particularly for pedestrians, and that failure to comply with this decree may result in a fine.
Tour of the Gardioles Lakes
6.78 mi
+2,310 ft
-2,313 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A classic hike in the Clarée Valley, set against the magnificent backdrop of one of France’s most beautiful landscapes.This easy walk allows you to admire the reflections of the Cerces and Écrins mountains in the crystal-clear waters of the many Gardioles lakes. The scenery is so breathtaking that you should allow at least an hour or two longer than the scheduled time to complete the circular walk.Much of the route takes you far from the beaten track, sometimes off any path at all.
Aiguille Rouge - Col des Thures - Chavillon and Bellety Lakes
7.79 mi
+3,291 ft
-3,291 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike that takes you from a larch forest to a mineral world. We tackle the summit of the Aiguille Rouge with its splendid panorama, then the vast mountain pasture of the Col des Thures and Lake Chavillon, under the watchful eye of the three Wise Men of the Vallée Étroite. We extend the hike to Lake Bellety, which is less frequented but well worth the detour.
Route to the Sainte-Marguerite Lakes
7.63 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,100 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Modane (Savoie)
The Lacs Sainte-Marguerite are two pretty lakes a stone's throw from the Mont Thabor refuge. The Lac Rond and Lac Long are set in a very mineral environment at the foot of the Cheval Blanc.
Lac de la Cula circular
3.81 mi
+1,542 ft
-1,542 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Here is a short hike, with a section off the beaten track, to a magnificent lake, a real vantage point over the Cerces massif. I recommend using the Visorando app.
Cascade de la Pisse - Bois des Rousses - Bois de l'Ours in Saint-Chaffrey
4.92 mi
+1,798 ft
-1,801 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Chaffrey (Hautes-Alpes)
A very pleasant route through a pine forest. Panoramic views of the Serre Chevalier valley, the village of Saint-Chaffrey and the Écrins mountain range.
Crête de Chalvet via the Tête des Fournéous
7.57 mi
+2,782 ft
-2,782 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Montgenèvre (Hautes-Alpes)
Hike to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Écrins, from Sirac to Meije and Cerces. Panoramic view of the Italian peaks of Piedmont and some of the peaks of Queyras.
From Grange Bernard to the Refuge de Terre Rouge
Association / Club / Walk leader
5.14 mi
+1,896 ft
-33 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
First stage of the Petit tour du Mont Thabor hike
Circular of the lakes in the Cerces massif
9.15 mi
+2,881 ft
-2,884 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This hike takes you on a lovely tour of several lakes in the Cerces massif. Most of the route is above 2,000 metres in altitude.
Circular Cerces via the Col de la Ponsonnière
8.09 mi
+2,661 ft
-2,654 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
From Plan Lachat, a circular takes you over three passes (La Ponsonnière, Cerces and Rochilles) and past five lakes (Ponsonnière, Grand Lac, Cerces, Grand Ban and Rond).
The view of Lautaret and the Aiguilles d'Arves is splendid, and the rocks of Pic de la Moulinière and Pointe des Cerces are impressive.
Lac et Col de la Ponsonnière via the Grand Lac
8.33 mi
+3,084 ft
-3,087 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
An alternative route for the round trip to Le Grand Lac and Lac de la Ponsonnière allows for a circular route involving a chimney passage, but this restricts access to those with at least some mountain experience.A breathtaking, panoramic view of the Écrins Massif: Mont Pelvoux, the Barre des Écrins, the Pic de Neige Cordier, the Meije, the Rateau and more.
The Conchiers tour via Puy Jaumar
4.77 mi
+1,588 ft
-1,591 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A short, unpretentious walk, best done in spring, on foot or with snowshoes depending on conditions, with a good chance of encountering ibex and/or mouflon.
Circular of Alpe du Lauzet
3.44 mi
+1,207 ft
-1,207 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A post-lunch stroll at the foot of the Aiguillette du Lauzet overlooking the Lautaret sector of the great mountain passes.
The Cave of the Fifty Donkeys
7.11 mi
+1,749 ft
-1,745 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Val-des-Prés (Hautes-Alpes)
A very pleasant route along the banks of the Clarée with the discovery of a historic cave.
(Please note: the path through the Ravin des Sables is currently completely destroyed, so it is advisable to reverse the direction of the hike to reach the cave.)
Lakes of the upper Clarée Valley via Les Rochilles
8.35 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,470 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This is an easy route that allows you to see the three most accessible lakes in the upper Clarée Valley. If the weather is fine, you won't be able to resist the temptation to cool off in the many pools created by the torrent, and the surroundings are majestic.
Fort de l'Olive
4.75 mi
+2,530 ft
-2,513 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit one of the many forts covering the Briançonnais region, unfortunately now in ruins. This fort overlooks the Clarée Valley and in particular the Cols de l'Échelle and Cols des Acles passes on the Italian border.
The Gardiole route
8.58 mi
+3,937 ft
-3,937 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit a summit renowned for ski touring, but also in summer for the historical heritage associated with this place.
Mont Thabor from the Chalets de Laval
11.79 mi
+4,416 ft
-4,403 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
It's a round trip, but a magnificent one, where the trail winds its way among high-altitude lakes and takes you to the highest point, the area's iconic summit: Mont Thabor.
You will sometimes follow theGR® trail, sometimes unmarked paths, marked by almost too many cairns. Trust your map and your sense of direction, but still check your position before entering dangerous areas.
Chavillon and Bellety lakes
6.86 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,398 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike offering views of the Rois Mages massif and Mont Thabor, with most of the climb taking place in the forest.
Lake Cristol
5.57 mi
+2,329 ft
-2,303 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit a particularly pleasant lake nestled in the large cirque at the foot of the Gardiole.
In the Clarée Valley, Fontcouverte
7.33 mi
+974 ft
-961 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Route along the right and left banks of the Clarée, to discover the hamlet of Fontcouverte, in the heart of the Cerces Massif.
Foncouverte Waterfall
0.63 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
0h 20
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A family hike that allows you to discover the beautiful Fontcouverte waterfall in a short round trip.
Valloire - Les Verneys par le Parcours Vert
4.40 mi
+1,161 ft
-1,155 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This loop, with a reasonable elevation gain for the region, will take you along paths to discover the magnificent landscapes of Valloire.This hike is offered as a trail run by the Valloire Tourist Office.The Devil's Bridge is broken. However, a replacement footbridge has been put in place, allowing you to follow the original route.
4 days in the Clarée Valley (Cerces and Thabor)
30.15 mi
+12,549 ft
-12,520 ft
4 days
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This 4-day circular bivouac is for experienced hikers.
It does, of course, follow sections of marked trails (GR®,GRP®), but the nature of the terrain when off-trail requires extreme caution (rock falls) and a solid knowledge of navigation, especially in unpredictable weather. The daily summit climb is obviously dependent on your equipment (crampons?), weather conditions (snowfields?) and your physical fitness.
In the Mortavieille valley at the start of Bonnenuit
5.80 mi
+1,362 ft
-1,362 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This is a short hike with little elevation gain in the barren environment around the Col du Galibier, just for the pleasure of walking along a pretty valley and lazing around for a few hours in the afternoon in absolute calm. Rejuvenation guaranteed.