Circular route around Serre Cocu

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A very beautiful walk, shaded for much of the way, with superb views of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains. Plenty of flowering plants and butterflies in July.

Details

n°100878419
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.22 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 568 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 541 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,373 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,805 ft
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Photos

The lake fades into the distance
Then coniferous woodland
Still leafy, but you never tire of the view
Forest

Description of the walk

Take the D3 towards Col Lebraut. The route starts at the ONF marker at Clot des Marelles: there is a small car park opposite, at the side of the road, which is shaded in the morning.

(S/E) Cross the D3 carefully and take the path opposite. You’ll reach a junction about fifty metres further on: there’s a signpost there.

(1) Turn left towards Serre Cocu, walk for about a hundred metres, then take the path on the right. Walk through a deciduous forest, then a coniferous forest. You’ll reach a climb amongst the slate outcrops: a lovely view of Lake Serre Ponçon.

(2) Continue along the path, keeping uphill.

(3) At the Clot Chauvin signpost, head towards Le Fein, to the right.

(4) At the crossroads, follow the path on the right that leads downhill. You’ll then enjoy some lovely views of the Chorges mountains.

(5) At the Clot Minet signpost, carry on straight ahead to head back towards Clot des Marelles.

(1) Keep to the left to return to the D3; cross it, taking the same care, to reach the car park opposite (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,805 ft - Car park D3
  2. 1 : mi 0.06 - alt. 2,835 ft - Clôt des Marelles
  3. 2 : mi 0.49 - alt. 3,087 ft - Passage through the slate formations
  4. 3 : mi 0.79 - alt. 3,182 ft - Clôt Chauvin
  5. 4 : mi 1.06 - alt. 3,340 ft - Junction, turn right
  6. 5 : mi 1.5 - alt. 3,097 ft - Clôt Minet
  7. S/E : mi 2.22 - alt. 2,831 ft - Car park D3

Notes

Set off early to avoid the scorching sun on the return journey.

Worth a visit

Serre-Ponçon Lake, mountains around Chorges.

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