Combe and lakes of the Grande Valloire

Park at the Valloire bridge car park.

(S/E) Take the path that climbs due east along the left bank of the Grande Valloire stream.

(1) Leave the footbridge, which you will use on the way back, and continue straight up, still following the stream. The well-marked trail then winds through the coniferous forest.

(2) Pass a viewpoint and reach a crossroads just after crossing a footbridge.

(3) Take the path on the right that runs alongside the stream: ignore the X mark on a stone. This path is relatively well marked except in the scree where you need to look for cairns. You will arrive at Lac Blanc.

(4) Head right, cross the rocks at the end of the lake and climb up the hillside to the viewpoint overlooking Lac de la Folle. The path is poorly marked and cairns guide you through the scree.

(5) Turn back to Lac Blanc.

(4) Opposite, in the valley, take the path that climbs up the north-east side. This path is moderately marked and cairns guide you through the scree. Reach Lac Noir and walk along its upper edge.

(6) Go around the cliff on the left and follow the path and cairns to Lac Glacé.

(7) To return, take the same route in reverse until you reach the intersection with the Ruisseau de la Grande Valloire.

(4) Turn right without crossing it and head towards the chalets.

(3) Then follow the trail that passes to the right of the Refuge Privé de la Grande Valloire: there is a water source here that was open when I passed by. The balcony trail is not technically difficult but may be slightly intimidating for people who are very sensitive to heights. You will come to a fork in the trail.

(8) Follow the well-marked path on your left. At the next intersection, turn left towards the Chalet de la Fouetterie.

(9) Walk past it and continue straight ahead: there is a water source at this point, but the chalet was closed when I passed by. Follow the path leading to the Premier Chalet de la Petite Valloire.

(10) Go around it on the right and continue downhill to a trail junction at Embarolin.

(11) Leave the wide path on your right and take the small path on your left that descends towards the Pont de la Valloire car park. This yellow-marked path crosses a forest track several times and joins the first footbridge encountered on the way up further down. Cross it.

(1) Turn right onto the wide path and retrace your steps to return to the car park (S/E).

This hike is classified as difficult due to the elevation gain and length of the circuit, but there are no technical difficulties. You can, of course, avoid the loop, but the balcony walk between the two refuges offers a beautiful view of the Haut Bréda valley.

The path around the lakes is not very well marked. However, cairns help you navigate the scree slopes.

There are water sources at various points along the route, unguarded chalets open for overnight stays, and dry toilets in the car park.