Circular route in the Valgaudemar

This 5-day trek is aimed at hikers wishing to camp in tents. The route crosses the Valgaudémar valley and passes through the village of La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar, where you can stock up on supplies at the local grocery shop.

The route crosses the Écrins Massif and offers an optional ascent of Pic Turbat (3,028 m) for the most determined, whilst also providing accessible routes with mostly signposted sections.

Ideal for walkers in good physical condition, it offers a complete adventure combining forests, lakes and high peaks, with varied elevation changes and a few short off-trail sections requiring particular attention to navigation.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Villar Loubière – Sebeyras Lakes

   5.63 mi 4,511 ft 354 ft

   This first stage takes you along the GRP® Tour du Vieux Chaillol trail, linking Villar-Loubière to the Sebeyras Lakes. The route passes by the Pétarel Lakes, with a gradual climb through the Valgaudémar State Forest.

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2. 2
   

   Sebeyras Lakes – Les Prés de Lauplat

   7.56 mi 3,369 ft 3,970 ft

   This stage takes you from the Sebeyras Lakes to the Lauplat Meadows via the Col de Pétarel and the Col de la Béranne. The route then descends towards the hamlet of Navette and the Buchardet Waterfall, before a long climb along a more rugged path.

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3. 3
   

   Les Prés de Lauplat – Les Naizets

   6.38 mi 2,762 ft 3,547 ft

   This stage takes you from the Prés de Lauplat to the Naizets bivouac, passing through the village of La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar. The route follows the Oulles du Diable before climbing via the GR®54, passing the Combefroide Waterfall to reach a grassy plateau.

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4. 4
   

   Les Naizets – Lac du Lautier (via Pic Turbat)

   4.81 mi 4,209 ft 2,582 ft

   This stage takes you from Les Naizets to Lac du Lautier via the Col de Colombes. The route offers an optional detour to climb Pic Turbat before descending to the campsite by the lake.

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5. E
   

   Lautier Lake – Villar Loubière

   5.36 mi 259 ft 4,646 ft

   This stage takes you from Lac du Lautier to the Villar-Loubière car park, descending the valley along the GR®54. The descent passes through the Bois de Champat and goes past the Lautier Torrent Waterfall before reaching the village.

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