Fort des Têtes walks

This section corresponds to the second stage of the crossing of France, following the 45th parallel. This stage is magnificent and can be a hike in its own right. You follow the Clarée valley and discover beautiful waterfalls before climbing up to the Refuge du Chardonnet.

This 7-day trek is for hikers who are used to camping in tents.Although there are a few refuges along the route, the stages are designed for those who wish to sleep in the heart of nature.The circuit crosses the Écrins massif and offers total immersion in the alpine landscape, where you can encounter local flora and fauna.Ideal for walkers who are used to the mountains, it is a complete adventure that will challenge you with its significant elevation changes and occasional technical or unmarked sections.

For this first stage, you will begin your journey at the Argentière-les-Écrins train station. The hike follows the GR®54A, taking you through the Fournel valley and the Deslioures biological reserve. You will finally arrive at a plateau that is ideal for camping. Please note: landslide in July 2025

Between forest, mountain pastures and the banks of the Clarée, this walk takes you gently from Névache to the upper Clarée valley. It is also an opportunity to discover the hamlets and isolated chalets scattered throughout the valley. Don't forget to admire the pretty Fontcouverte waterfall on the way! Please note that if you do this hike outside the shuttle bus operating period (information available from the tourist office), you will have to walk back to the starting point along the same route!

This third stage of the crossing of France, following the 45th parallel as closely as possible, is long and difficult but absolutely magnificent. You will discover or rediscover the two jewels that are the Écrins and Meije massifs. Most of the route is on the GR® 50 and GR® 57. The paths are well marked and well maintained. This stage can be divided into four sections: 1) an ascent to the Col du Chardonnet; 2) the descent to Lauzet; 3) the ascent to the Col du Lautaret; 4) the descent to Arsine.

A beautiful hike with magnificent scenery. The climb to the Ricou refuge is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Once you reach the circular path, the route is very easy, almost flat until you reach the Torrent de la Cula. The view over the entire valley is truly superb. From the lake, the trail descends to Laval.

This is the first stage of a journey that will take you across France, following the 45th parallel as closely as possible (within 10 km). To truly cross France and avoid going back and forth, the starting point is in Italy. However, it is possible to start from Pamplinet and climb up to the Col de Désertes to start from the French-Italian border.

Access from the alpine hamlet of Moussière to the bivouac area located between the Selle and Crousas mountain pastures. This mountain pasture overlooks the Cabane Sainte-Marie, where the sheep are kept at night.

This pleasant second day begins with a climb to the Col de Moussière before passing by the very pleasant Lac du Lauzet, then taking the long forest track back to the Moussière car park.