Circular Col Lebraut above Lake Serre-Ponçon

Coming from Chorges or Espinasses, take the D3, then park carefully in the small car park in the bend near the Rocher Chabrand tunnel.

Please note: this hike is classified as difficult as some technical sections can be slippery depending on the weather.

(S/E)Cross the road to go through the barrier and follow the track that descends gently to Saut de Rolland.

(1) Continue upstream along the torrent. Please note that depending on the water level, the ground may be slippery. You must wear suitable footwear and take care. You will reach a crossroads at the edge of the torrent.

(2) Leave the Torrent de Rolland riverbed and turn right, following the blue dots. About 50 metres further on, leave the riverbed on the right. Be careful, as the start of the track is not well marked and is very steep. After a few bends, you will reach another stream.

(3) Be careful here: the track seems to continue straight ahead, but you need to turn right and cross the stream. The path is very steep. Continue, then descend until you reach the GRP® Tour du Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

(4) Take it to the left, which is also a forest track, then come out at a crossroads with several directions.

(5) Turn left at a 90° angle to stay on the GRP® and its yellow and red markings. Follow the D3 road and then, at a hairpin bend, you will find a trail junction.

(6) Leave the GRP® here and continue straight ahead, climbing gently to reach Col Lebraut.

(7) Carefully cross the road (D3), then the small car park, and continue along the path, which runs parallel to the road. At the three-way junction, climb to the right, then follow the ridge line. You will rejoin the D3.

(8) Take the downhill track on the right and stay on the ridge. You will reach a crossroads at a place called Les Fougas.

(9) Take the path on the left and, via a circular loop on the right, descend to a road. Turn right to reach the end of the road and a picnic area with tables.

(10) Here, begin crossing the black marl. At the end, you will find another crossroads.

(11) Continue straight ahead, cross the Torrent des Glaisoles before reaching the hamlet of Villard.

(12) Turn right onto the wide track to climb up and join the D3. Follow it to the right for a few metres, then cross it, go through the barrier, and you will find the GRP® crossroads you passed on the way there.

(5) Take the GRP® opposite, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, and a few hundred metres further on you will arrive at the crossroads you passed on the outward journey.

(4) Keep left on the GRP®, continue climbing and you will reach the summit of Rocher Chabrand.

(13) Start a new descent on the right, down a slippery scree slope made up of very small flat stones. Follow the numerous hairpin bends to reach the car park (S/E).

(10) Picnic area: make use of the picnic tables to enjoy a bite to eat.
(13) Rocher Chabrand: enjoy the view of the lake and dam.
(E) In summer, you can end your hike with a refreshing swim at the beaches of Bois Vieux.

We recommend visiting the Muséoscope du Lac, which will immerse you in the history of the dam's construction.
Near the Muséoscope, discover some superb fossils and enjoy a drink at the Panorama bar/restaurant.
If you are lucky and have booked in advance, you can visit the dam's power station, which is organised in summer by EDF's Maison des Énergies.