Col des Lauzes

Circular route from the 1,800-metre resort along the Col des Lauzes path, returning via Narreyroux.
The start climbs steeply to the top of the Bergerie chairlift.
If it’s running, it’s best to take it, especially with children.
Otherwise, follow the path which winds its way up through the ski run.
For the more fit, head straight up alongside the ski run.
The circular loop turns just before the waterfalls.

Details

662403
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.99 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,266 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,280 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,854 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,597 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts at the top of the resort, at 1,800 m, at Clot des Léothauds. Follow the road to the first ski run, known as ‘Le Clot d’Aval’.
To take the Bergerie chairlift, if it is operating, the start is at the bottom of the resort’s slopes at 1,600 m.
It does not operate every summer.

(S/E) Leave the road and turn right onto the piste to climb directly to the top of the Bergerie ski lift. You can also take the path that climbs beneath the ski lift cables.

(1) Just before the top station of the Bergerie chairlift, turn right, pass under the Bruyères chairlift and then the Lauzes chairlift to reach the nature trail leading towards the Col des Lauzes.
Here you’ll find the first information board about the mountain’s flora and fauna. Follow the path north-west to the Col des Lauzes.

(2) After crossing the ski run (the Bois des Coqs), you’ll reach the pass. Take the path on the left (heading west) which descends towards the waterfalls.
Here you’ll reach the Combe de Narreyroux stream, just before the waterfall.

(3) To reach the foot of the waterfall, turn left and follow the path for about 500 metres (allow 30 minutes for the round trip).
You then need to head back down and take the path that runs alongside the stream on the right bank.

(4) At the fork, turn right, moving away from the stream, onto the Discovery Trail which leads back to the 1,800-metre station.

(5) Just before you cross the ski run (La Balme), leave the main track and turn right onto a small woodland path to avoid a bend in the road. For those who have come up by chairlift from La Bergerie, continue along the main track and return directly to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,840 ft - Resort 1,800 m
  2. 1 : mi 1.13 - alt. 6,765 ft - La Bergerie chairlift
  3. 2 : mi 1.74 - alt. 6,663 ft - Col des Lauzes
  4. 3 : mi 2.62 - alt. 6,207 ft - Narreyroux
  5. 4 : mi 3.76 - alt. 5,696 ft - Canal
  6. 5 : mi 4.45 - alt. 5,604 ft - La Balme
  7. S/E : mi 4.99 - alt. 5,837 ft - Resort 1,800 m

Notes

No difficulty; you can have a picnic near the stream at the second bridge.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Information boards on local flora and fauna.
Narreyroux waterfalls and stream.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
DENISFRAN
DENISFRAN

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

As the Bergerie chairlift wasn't working this summer, we took the one at Crête des Bans. In the end, it was perfect because we were able to enjoy superb views in all directions, which isn't the case at Col des Lauzes. We were so happy to be on the ridge that we followed it for a while before heading back down to Col des Lauzes to start our hike. It was a beautiful descent through the woods to the Narreyroux valley, with a quick stop for some blueberry pie before returning to the 1600 station. There were lots of blueberries to pick in the woods near the Col des Lauzes!

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jp11
jp11

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The uphill section along the tracks is demoralising. From the Col des Lauzes, it's nice and, above all, very flowery (in early July) once you're in the valley. The descent is easy.

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edeliah
edeliah

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I can confirm that you should take the chairlift up; if there are children… take the ski runs – the slope is steep!
Otherwise, it’s a lovely walk; in mid-July, the Narreyroux valley is a riot of flowers in every colour.

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