Fort de La Lausette from Le Laus

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A short hike to discover the fortified heritage of the Briançon region.

Details

n°289311
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 566 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 563 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,322 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,768 m
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Photos

View of the Écrins massif from the fort
The Fort de la Lausette
The ledge before the flat section below the fort
The two tricky sections of the route

Description of the walk

Start at the exit of Le Laus (Cervières), park on the right, next to the hut.

(S/E) Head north. Then turn south-west to climb up the Combe de Malazen through the woodland, keeping to the right.

(1) At the foot of the scree slope, climb the switchbacks heading north. Then cross the grassy area (west) to the spring.

(2) Continue to the right just after the spring (signposted).

(3) At the old road, turn left.

(4) At the 2289m mark, take the shortcut to the right and quickly reach the fort (superb view).

(5) The descent follows the same path back to Laus (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,768 m - On leaving Laus
  2. 1 : km 1.02 - alt. 1,924 m - Base of the scree slope
  3. 2 : km 1.87 - alt. 2,178 m - Signposted junction for the Izoard chalets
  4. 3 : km 2.35 - alt. 2,245 m - Access to the barracks
  5. 4 : km 2.79 - alt. 2,289 m - Access to the military ruins
  6. 5 : km 3.14 - alt. 2,322 m - Fort de la Lausette
  7. S/E : km 6.29 - alt. 1,768 m - On leaving Laus

Notes

Water source just before point (2).
A short hike in terms of elevation gain and walking time. Be careful, however, as between (1) and (2), the slope is steep and rocky. You must be very careful on the descent.
I do not recommend this hike for children or anyone who is not sure-footed.

Worth a visit

From the summit, there is a breathtaking view of the Guisane valley, Les Écrins, the fort of La Grand Maye, L’Infernet, Le Janus, Le Thabor, Le Chaberton, ... You can clearly make out La Cochette (barracks just to the right) and Le Poët Morand (hamlet below). It was from this latter location that the Fort du Chaberton (on the right) was destroyed in 1940 under the orders of Lieutenant Miguet.

On the way down, I recommend visiting the barracks and, in particular, the bakery (bread oven), which are accessible from the point (3). From this point, continue straight on for a few hundred metres. Return via the same route.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Bougnat63
Bougnat63

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A short but dangerous route involving crossing the scree slope and the ledge before reaching the flat area below the fort. On the way up, this section is very tricky, but on the way down it’s even worse and dangerous. I wouldn’t recommend this route to anyone who isn’t used to walking in the mountains.
The view from the top, however, is splendid.

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bonnegraine
bonnegraine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful trail, well-marked and steep in places. To minimise the elevation gain, though not the distance, you can start from the hamlets of Izoard, below the pass, and follow the path that follows the contour line and rejoins the route described below the fort. From the fort, there is a stunning 360° view.

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05-3130
05-3130

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello, I went for a walk today, and I really must stress how dangerous the section between the edge of the forest and the path leading to the flat area below the fort is. The path is exposed, narrow and unstable in places. It should be noted that the path starting a little further up on the D902, crossing the Bois des Talias, is just as dangerous when crossing the Combe de Malazen. The utmost caution is required.
As for the Lausette site, it is indeed magnificent for the views it offers and the numerous traces of military occupation

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topi
topi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A short hike starting from Le Laus; take care on the scree, but the views of the Ecrins and Chaberton are magnificent.

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