Country:
City:
A day in the Vallée des Merveilles
This stage is shorter and easier than the previous day’s.
(S) Set off from the Refuge des Merveilles on the shores of Lac Long Supérieur.
(1) Walk up the lake and turn right, heading due north towards the Baisse de la Valmasque. Cross the famous valley amidst the archaeological wonders, which are within easy reach but where access is restricted. Without a guide, it is not permitted to approach the rock carvings.
(2) Carry on due north, passing Lac des Merveilles.
(3) Walk leisurely between the two giants – the Grand Capelet on the left and the Bégo on the right – before reaching the foot of the Baisse de la Valmasque, a steeper ascent that you’ll tackle via a series of beautiful hairpin bends.
(4) At the pass, the view is sublime: the succession of the three lakes – Basto, Noir and Vert – is unique, with the Vallée des Merveilles behind us. A short descent leads to the junction with the Baisse du Basto (marker 95).
(5). Take the path branching off to the left towards the north-west. Climb up the valley fairly easily along a lovely path where you may often spot ibex, before ascending the Baisse du Basto via a steeper, winding path.
(6) On the other side of the pass, the descent is steep at first and, as you head west, turns into gentle slopes amongst small lakes.
(7) Pass by Lac Niré, where it’s a more pleasant spot to have a bite to eat than at the summit of either of the two Baisses, which are often windy. Shortly afterwards, you reach the Refuge de Nice, which overlooks the magnificent Lac de la Fous (E).
Visorando Member
Very difficult 
Moderate 
