Etape 9 L'alpe du grand Serre Laffrey .

Overlooking Séchilienne and the Romanche Valley, this small family-friendly resort offers a good selection of hikes in lush green surroundings during the summer. It is the Alpe du Grand Serre, in the commune of La Morte. This walk takes us to Lac du Prévourey and then on to Lac Claret, through an environment almost entirely covered in forest.

This is a pleasant short hike in the Taillefer Massif, which takes you to the edge of a small lake. The return trip offers a bird's-eye view of the valleys, the Matheysine, the Vercors and Belledonne.

Ascent of the Petit and Grand Taillefer, the first peaks of the Belledonne range, clearly visible from the city of Grenoble. The view from the summit is magnificent, taking in Mont Blanc, the peaks of the Écrins Massif (Barre des Écrins, Roc de la Muzelle, etc.) as well as the Aiguilles d'Arves to the east and the peaks of the Vercors and Dévoluy to the west.

Access to Lac de Brouffier via the route with the least elevation gain.

All levels of the mountain up to the Pas de la Mine at 2,500 metres: forest, stubble and then red rocks. Cool temperatures near Lac Brouffier.

A climb to the Grand Serre from the village of Le Sapey, following the ridge of the Grande Cuche.Steep sections and several unmarked stretches.

A walk at the foot of the Taillefer massif among the many lakes. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

Two central viewing points offer views of the massifs of the Northern French Alps, from Mont Blanc to the limestone Pre-Alps of Chartreuse and Vercors, to Belledonne, the Grandes Rousses, the Cerces, Oisans and Dévoluy. Numerous lakes dot the vast “tundra” plateau separating the Taillefer from the Grand Galbert like sapphires. Part of the hike is off-trail, though this does not add to the difficulty: only the elevation gain and distance justify the rating. See practical information.