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At Roche Béranger, park on the Route de la Croisette, near the residential complex of the same name. The start of the walks is marked by signposts next to the Croisette chairlift.
(S/E) Head east along the track that passes by a bar-restaurant and leads to an artificial lake recently built in 2020: Lac de la Lauze (or Lac de Roche).
(1) Turn left onto the stony track that climbs northwards towards the Croix de Chamrousse, signposted by a sign. Keep to the right at the Fork in the road.
(2) At a left-hand bend (near the 2072 mark), admire Lac Achard below and the Arselle plateau. Continue on to the Croix de Chamrousse.
(3) Then head east towards the Lacs Robert. You’ll reach the Col des Trois Fontaines.
(4) Turn left and head down the steep, stony path which joins the Lacs Robert chairlift further down. You’ll reach a crossroads near a hut and a signpost (elevation 2005).
(5) Head towards Brèche Nord and walk alongside the lakes on either side until you reach a Y-junction and a signpost. This is Brèche Nord (2,008 m).
(6) Keep to the right and head towards the Refuge de la Pra, following theGR® 738. The path descends and becomes more rugged. You’ll reach a Fork in the road and a signpost.
(7) Keep to the right and head towards the Refuge de la Pra (leave the path to the Waterfall de l’Oursière on your left). About 100 m further on, you’ll reach a Y-junction and a cairn.
(8) Keep to the left, heading due north. The path winds its way through woods and meadows. On the left, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Waterfall de l’Oursière. After a short but steep climb and crossing a stream (via a footbridge), you’ll reach Lac Léama. Walk along the left-hand side of the lake, then head up the Combe de Jasse Bralard.
(9) In the middle of the valley, turn left at the signpost, then emerge into a mountain pasture leading to Lac Longet. Walk along the left side of the lake. To the left of the path lies Lac Bernard, which is much smaller and often dry in the height of summer.
(10) Carry on to reach Lac Claret and, at the far end of the mountain pasture, you’ll see the Refuge de la Pra.
(11) Cross the meadow. Take the opportunity to have a break or carry on towards Lac David.
(12) Before reaching the refuge, turn right to follow a path heading south-east, which is barely visible at first. This path becomes clearer as it crosses a scree slope on the mountainside. You’ll arrive at Lac David.
(13) Walk past the lake. What follows is a series of very steep ascents and descents and narrow gullies to cross, where you’ll need to use your hands to help you along. This is the most gruelling part of the route. You’ll eventually reach the junction you passed on the way out.
(8) Follow the path back along the same route as on the way out until you reach the signpost (elevation 2005).
(5) Head south-west towards the Col des Lessines (2,100 m), signposted by a signpost. This ascent involves a significant elevation gain and ends with a climb over a large boulder to reach the pass. This is the final challenge of this route.
(14) At the pass, turn right, heading north-east. Take in the view of the Lacs Robert. Follow the deserted path along the mountainside to reach the Col de la Botte (2,166 m).
(15) Descend westwards and then northwards towards Lac Achard, signposted by a signpost. Along the way, there are numerous small, unnamed lakes. The largest is on the left at the Col de l’Infernet, before descending towards Lac Achard.
(16) At the 994-metre mark, turn right and follow the path that takes you round the west side of Lac Achard. At its southern end, follow the signposted path heading south-west to reach a Y-junction (1,914 metres).
(17) Keep to the right, heading west, and follow the signposted path which winds its way through the Swiss stone pines.
Take care not to stray off course: there are exposed rocks and tree roots. You’ll reach the Ours ski run and then come close to the junction you passed at the start of the hike.
(1) Walk past Lac de la Lauze (de Roche) and join the Route de la Croisette (S/E).
Lake Achard
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Easy 
