From the Maison du Valier to the Col de la Core – update to the GR®10 route

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Since the fire in July 2026, the terrain has been very unstable (frequent rockfalls) on the GR®10 towards the Ayes Lake, and this section of the path is therefore closed. Consequently, the ONF recommends an alternative route, the details of which are given below, between the Maison du Valier and the Col de la Core. The start and finish points of this stage are accessible by car.

Details

n°103877288
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.66 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,692 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,192 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,346 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,074 ft
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Description of the walk

The start and end points of the GR®10 route are accessible by car.

Following the fire in July 2026, this section of the GR®10 towards the Ayes Pond is closed. Consequently, the ONF has proposed an alternative route, the details of which are given below, between the Maison du Valier and the Col de la Core.

(S) Fill up with plenty of water at the spring at the Maison du Valier. Cross the Ribérot straight away via small wooden footbridges, then begin the ascent through the forest on the right bank. The Muscadet stream, which you also follow on the right bank, offers views of beautiful waterfalls before you leave the forest heading north.

(2) You can top up your water bottles at the Fontaine d’Aouen.

(3) The GR®10 to the left, at Cap des Lauses, is closed to northbound traffic towards the Étang d’Ayes. Leave the old GR®10 and continue straight ahead, heading south, following the new red and white markings.

(4) At the Cabane du Taus du Valier, leave the path heading south towards the Étang de Milouga. Take the path on the left, heading east (still marked GR® (white and red)).

(5) At the Cabane d’Espugues, take the path on the left heading north towards Cap d’Auternac.

(6) Cross the Col de la Crouzette, the highest point at an altitude of 2,244 metres.

(7) The Cabane d’Eychelle offers shelter, subject to availability.

(8) The Étang d’Eychelle is a good spot to cool off. Continue for a further 250 m.

(9) Turn right, heading north-east, and rejoin the GR®10 route as it was before the fires.

(10) Follow it to the right, heading east, until you reach the Col de la Core car park (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 3,074 ft - Stopover lodge: La Maison du Valier. Cross the - Ribérot (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Lez
  2. 1 : mi 1.36 - alt. 4,167 ft - Muscadet (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Ribérot
  3. 2 : mi 2.66 - alt. 5,597 ft - Aouen Fountain - Aouen (ruisseau) - Affluent du Muscadet
  4. 3 : mi 3.31 - alt. 6,243 ft - Cap des Lauses: heading north is PROHIBITED
  5. 4 : mi 3.65 - alt. 6,214 ft - Cabane du Taus du Valier (1898 m)
  6. 5 : mi 4.49 - alt. 6,932 ft - Cabane d'Espagues (2113 m)
  7. 6 : mi 5.13 - alt. 7,346 ft - Col de la Crouzette (2244m)
  8. 7 : mi 6.06 - alt. 6,460 ft - Cabane d'Eychelle
  9. 8 : mi 6.48 - alt. 6,214 ft - Etang d'Eychelle
  10. 9 : mi 6.66 - alt. 5,984 ft - Junction
  11. 10 : mi 7.01 - alt. 5,623 ft - GR10 junction
  12. E : mi 8.66 - alt. 4,573 ft - Col de la Corse (1395m)

Notes

(S) A source of drinking water is available at the Maison du Valier

(2) Aouen spring

(3) Cap des Lauses: the northern section of the GR®10 towards Ayes Pond is closed.

(4) Traus du Valier hut

(5) Espugues Hut

(7) Eychelle Hut

(8) Eychelle Lake

(10) GR®10 signposting

Worth a visit

Fill up with plenty of drinking water at the (monitored) spring at the Maison du Valier.

You should also carry water purification tablets, as the water in the rivers along the route may contain significant levels of bacteria.

There are several shelters along this route.

Eychelle Pond is a good place to cool off.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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