Croix de Chamrousse - Refuge de la Pra

The starting point is at the top of the Croix de Chamrousse cable car and is accessible by public transport. Alight at Chamrousse 1600.

(S) Head straight down towards the Roberts Lakes chairlift. Pass underneath the lift line and follow a ski run for about a hundred metres. Reach the Col des Trois Fontaines, then take the path on the right to reach the Col de la Botte.

(1) Take a path to the left across the slope to reach the Col des Lessines; ‘take in the magnificent view of the Lacs Roberts here’.
Continue down a fairly steep path. Some sections may require you to use your hands, but there are plenty of handholds and the difficulty is low. You’ll emerge at the Lacs Robert.

(3) Turn right and join the^GR®®738(Haute Traversée de Belledone), following it northwards. Pass the lakes and continue right along the^GR®®. Reach the junction at the Cascade de l’Oursière.

(4) Leave the waterfall path on your left and continue downhill through woods and meadows before a short climb up to Lac Léama.

(5) Walk along the left side of the lake and climb up a valley to reach Lac Longet. Walk along its left side and then reach Lac Claret.

(6) Walk past it and complete the ascent to reach the Refuge de la Pra, today’s stop (E).

(S) Croix de Chamrousse cable car: €7.50 one-way for an adult (2022 prices)
This generally operates daily in July/August and on certain weekends at the start and end of the season (see updated timetables and fares). If the cable car is not operating and/or you are undertaking this hike in mid-season, you can make your way to the Roberts Lakes (see the route) and continue this hike from point (3).

(S) Travelling by public transport: as of July 2022, the 707 bus service offers two departures from Grenoble and takes you to the heart of the resort (summer timetable). Get off at Chamrousse 1600.

A slightly steep but not very exposed section sometimes requires you to use your hands when descending from the Col des Lessines (2); it is possible to avoid this by taking the ski run on your left down towards the lakes.

(E) The refuge serves dinner at 7 pm; please ensure you arrive at least 1–2 hours beforehand to enjoy the magnificent terrace and to freshen up before the night (cold water is better before rather than after dinner).

(E) Camping near the Refuge de la Pra and the surrounding lakes is regulated by prefectural decree depending on the season; information is available and updated on the refuge’s website.

(5) Picnic spot on the shores of Lake Léama, sheltered by trees. The turquoise water of the lake, though freezing cold, is mesmerising.
(5) and (6) Swimming is possible in Lakes Longet and Claret for those who aren’t too cold-sensitive.
(E) A spacious terrace to enjoy the end of the day at the Pra refuge.

La Pra mountain pasture
Special arrangements for the period from 14 July to 31 August, which coincides with the presence of the herd and peak visitor numbers in the La Pra mountain pasture area: Bivouacking is prohibited throughout this zone. It is restricted to designated sites located near the refuge (please enquire with the refuge wardens).

Livestock grazing in the La Pra mountain pasture area: the herd is protected by Patou-type dogs.
See the link for the interactive map: Pasto Kézako.

Lacs Roberts
Camping permitted: from 7.00 pm to 9.00 am
Fire ban: Isère Prefectural Order
Swimming not recommended: please do not swim to protect the area from human pollution.
Fishing permitted with a fishing licence.

Lake Léama – Longet
Camping permitted: from 7.00 pm to 9.00 am.
No open fires: Prefectural Order No. 38-2017-04-28-007 of Isère
Swimming prohibited: Municipal Order No. 2024-92 of the commune of Revel
Fishing permitted with a fishing licence.

Lake Claret

Camping prohibited: within a 50-metre radius of the lake to protect fragile wetlands
Municipal Order No. 53-2020 of the municipality of Revel
No open fires: Prefectural Order No. 38-2017-04-28-007 of Isère
Swimming prohibited: Municipal by-law No. 2024-92 of the municipality of Revel
Fishing permitted with a fishing licence.