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The walk is situated in the south-western part of the Belledonne Massif. To get there by car, drive via Domène, Revel and then Saint-Martin d’Uriage. Take the Route de la Gâte, which is clearly signposted before the hairpin bend on the D111. A large, spacious car park means you can park your car with no trouble.
(S/E) Set off on foot along the Route de la Gâte (you’ll also see ‘Gafe’ on some signs…) at the far end of the car park.
(1) At the 1140 m – Pierre Molle signpost, follow the signs for the Oursière waterfall.
(2) At the sign for 1,489 m – Waterfall de l’Oursière, follow the signs for the Refuge de la Pra.
(3) At the sign for 1,610 m – L’Oursière, follow the signs for the Refuge de la Pra.
(4) A few metres before an unmarked fork at the 1948-metre mark, take the path leading uphill to the right. This route allows you to climb up and enjoy the view of Lakes Bernard, Longet and Claret.
You will soon catch sight of the Refuge de la Pra (do not take the path that crosses the Domènon stream).
(5) At the sign for 2078 m – Roc de l’Hôpital, continue towards the Refuge de la Pra.
(6) At the sign for 2109 m – Refuge de la Pra, carry on towards the Col de la Pra.
(7) At the sign for 2186 m – Col de la Pra, follow the signs for the Pic de Belledonne.
(8) At Lac du Petit Domènon – 2,355 m, walk along its left-hand side.
(9) At Lac du Grand Domènon – 2,385 m, continue with the lake on your right.
(10) At the 2,474-metre mark – at the foot of the Névé de la Grande Pente – head firmly towards the Col de Freydane before beginning the ascent up the scree slope on the right. Please note that in the height of summer, the snowfield is sometimes completely absent. The path is just about visible in the scree. Caution: this is certainly one of the most technical sections; the slope is steep and can reach 40% in places!
(11) At an altitude of 2,640 m, continue towards the Croix de Belledonne.
Please note, for those wishing to reach Lac Blanc, that there is a pass hidden here leading to the Col de Freydane at Isoplèthe. The route presents no technical difficulties but is very exposed in places.
(12) At the Croix de Belledonne – 2,926 m – you’ve made it! Take in the view. A 360° view of the Écrins, the Chartreuse and the Vercors; below, Lac Blanc. In the height of summer, you’ll be able to see, here too, the ravages of global warming: the Freydane Glacier had disappeared by mid-August 2022.
Turn back towards the 2078 m sign – Roc de l’Hôpital.
(5) On the descent, follow the signs to the right towards the Oursière waterfall (a refreshing alternative route for the return journey). Reach the unmarked junction at an elevation of 1,948 metres.
(4) Continue straight downhill, following the route in reverse to the one taken on the way up, to reach the car park on Route de la Gâte (S/E).
Lake Claret and Merlat
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Moderate 
