Laval Refuge – Lac Blanc

Park in the car park just past the Laval refuge. In high season, the road is closed to cars from 10.00 (check the timetable with the Tourist Office). Make sure you arrive before then or plan to take the shuttle bus provided from Névache.

(S/E) Walk along the edge overlooking the Clarée (left bank; do not cross the bridge).

(1) At the fork, take the path leading uphill to the right towards the Col des Muandes / Mont Thabor. The path then climbs gently through the mountain pastures to reach Lac Long.

(2) Continue on to Lac Rond.

(3) Turn right and continue the gentle climb, passing by Lac des Muandes. This spot is ideal for a picnic or a swim for those who aren’t too cold-sensitive.

(4) From Lac des Muandes, continue the ascent towards the pass of the same name (2,828 m), through increasingly rocky terrain along a winding path that presents no particular difficulty.

(5) Once at the Col des Muandes, turn right and descend through a moderately steep scree slope over a vertical drop of around 200 m, where walking poles are recommended. Pass close to Lac Chardonnet.

(6) At the 2,460-metre mark, do not follow the valley floor but head up a grassy slope on the left. The path climbs 200 metres in altitude and opens out onto the magnificent setting of Lac Blanc, with views of Mont Thabor.

Head down to the lake to set up camp in one of the many available spots (E).

During peak season (July/August), the road from Névache to the Refuge de Laval car park is closed to traffic from 10.00 to 17.00 (check the timetable with the Névache Tourist Office). Make sure you arrive before then or plan to use the shuttle bus provided. A departure around 9 am or 10 am, arriving at Lac Blanc in the middle of the afternoon, is recommended to make the most of the campsite’s location.

As the campsite is at high altitude (2,600 m), it is strongly recommended that you bring suitable equipment.

- Laval Refuge.
- Lac Rond.
- Lac Blanc.