From the larch forest to the lunar peaks of the Tête du Rissace

From Ceillac, head towards L'Ochette, Le Villard and Les Chalmettes. The narrow road is dotted with unusual cairns and ends at a track leading to the Claux car park (Bois-Noir) at a crossroads (information and direction signs).

(S/E) From the car park, continue along the track to the south-east, cross the Roussettes torrent and reach a fork in the road.

(1) Leave the return route on your left and stay on the track heading south-east. At the ford, cross the two footbridges, then continue through the woods to the Cabane de la Lavine.

(2) Continue straight ahead towards Lac de Clausis and pass between the two buildings heading south. The route gradually turns south-southeast and approaches the left bank of the Torrent de Cristillan. After a 90° left turn, it crosses to the right bank and reaches the lake.

(3) Admire Lake Clausis, visible at the last minute, then continue along the track which turns 150° and then heads due south. Numerous small posts mark the route to the foot of the climb to the Col de Clausis.

(4) At the pass, turn right and follow the ridge line, then follow the path sloping down into the small scree. Reach a crossroads below the Tête du Rissace.

(5) Turn right heading due north to climb the last few metres to the Tête du Rissace.

(6) Enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama, then retrace your steps to return to the previous crossroads.

(5) Continue straight ahead, heading south, then gradually southwest to reach Col Albert below, which offers a superb view of the majestic Rocher de l'Eissassa.

(7) Turn back to the previous crossroads below the Tête du Rissace.

(5) Turn right and head back the way you came to Col de Clausis.

(4) Take the same path back in the opposite direction to the crossroads below the Lavine hut.

(2) Turn right and walk about 100 metres east towards the Torrent de Cristillan.

(8) Cross the new footbridge and continue on the track that climbs to the left in a north-westerly direction through the larch trees. The path more or less follows the right bank of the Torrent de Cristillan, then meets a track coming from the right, just before the Torrent des Prises.

(9) Do not take this track, which goes in the opposite direction, but cross the stream towards Les Claux, continuing north-west. You will reach a three-way junction about 500 metres further on.

(10) Leave the path that branches off to the right towards the hamlet of Bois Noir, visible in the distance. Head left to return to the junction you encountered on the way there.

(1) Turn right and head back to the car park (S/E).

It is advisable to start the hike around 8:00 a.m.

There is very little vegetation from the lake onwards, so take enough water with you in summer.