The Pointe des Cerces

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Near the Grand Galibier, another stunning peak in the Cerces massif offering an exceptional 360° panorama of the Ecrins, the Thabor, the Aiguilles d’Arves, Mont Blanc, the Viso, etc.
A summit that has to be earned but is well worth the detour.
An absolutely magnificent hike with a surprise at the summit that invites contemplation.

Details

n°46519
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.82 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,003 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,993 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 10,121 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 6,437 ft
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Photos

Lac du Grand Ban
At the summit
Lac des Cerces
General view

Description of the walk

Coming from Briançon, on the descent from the Col du Galibier, park in the car park on the right after a large hairpin bend at Plan Lachat. From Valloire, this car park is located on the ascent to the pass, before the hairpin bend on the left.

(S/E) Follow the military track uphill towards Camp des Rochilles (south-south-east).

(1) At the first fork, leave the track and take the path on the left. Follow this path to Camp des Rochilles

(2) Cross the Col de la Paré and head towards the Col des Rochilles.

(3) Go round Lac du Grand Ban on the left until you reach its far end. Turn right, then pass between Lac du Grand Ban and Lac Rond.

(4) Follow theGR®®57southwards towards the Col des Cerces.

(5) At the pass and the signpost, take the well-marked mountain path on the left leading towards the Pointe des Cerces. Follow it up to the summit.

(6) Head back down the path in the opposite direction to the Col des Cerces.

(5) At the pass, turn left onto theGR®®57towards Lac des Cerces.

(7) From the lake, leave theGR®® and turn right onto the path that runs alongside the Ruisseau des Cerces (north-north-west). Follow this path to rejoin the military track at Les Mottets.

(8) Follow it down north-north-west to Plan Lachat (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 6,437 ft - Plan Lachat car park. Near the - Valloirette (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 0.59 - alt. 6,749 ft - Crossroads: piste, footpath
  3. 2 : mi 1.68 - alt. 7,881 ft - Col de la Pare (2405m)
  4. 3 : mi 2.35 - alt. 8,179 ft - Col des Rochilles (2491m)
  5. 4 : mi 2.79 - alt. 8,133 ft - Trail junction, GR57
  6. 5 : mi 3.14 - alt. 8,445 ft - Col des Cerces
  7. 6 : mi 4.38 - alt. 10,121 ft - Summit - Pointe des Cerces
  8. 7 : mi 6.36 - alt. 7,877 ft - GR57 junction, footpath - Lac des Cerces
  9. 8 : mi 7.57 - alt. 7,031 ft - Trail junction, track
  10. S/E : mi 8.82 - alt. 6,437 ft - Plan Lachat car park

Notes

I have made a video showing the route and the key points along the way.
In the warmer months, telescopic walking poles are sufficient as the snowfield is virtually non-existent.
At this time of year, the route remains a standard hike.
There is a section near a scree slope. Wearing a helmet—often overlooked by hikers—is essential for safety.
Early in the season (May, June): best avoided by hikers.
This hike turns into a snow trek (requiring ice axes, crampons and a rope).
A snowfield may persist until August. Go round it on the left.

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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Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 29 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Catherine Vaissière
Catherine Vaissière

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Starting from Villar d’Arêne, the climb was quite pleasant and easy up to point 5 (Lac des Cerces). After that, it gets quite steep, with a few exposed sections here and there. For more experienced walkers, this won’t pose any difficulty.
But on arrival, what a sight! It’s simply magnificent! It was well worth the effort😊

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ecollain
ecollain
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike with stunning views from the summit. The weather was a bit misty and Mont Blanc wasn’t visible. It was still a real treat for the eyes
Having already done the lakes circuit earlier in the week, I skipped the walk round Lac du Grand Ban to head straight from the Col des Rochilles to the Col de Cerces.
I hadn’t expected it to be so busy – it’s certainly an accessible peak, but there are some very steep slopes towards the end. To avoid the crowds, set off very early in the morning (and you might be lucky enough to spot some ibex) or go at a different time of year.

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Le Randonneur Masqué
Le Randonneur Masqué

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, rewarded with an exceptional view from the summit.
The area is very busy at this time of year, but as we set off very early in the morning, there were very few people at the summit.
From the Col des Cerces, on the final ascent, you do need to be careful on the balcony-like path above the Lac des Cerces and, if you’re prone to vertigo, keep a close eye on the path as you walk.
If you want to enjoy the view, stop and sit on the upstream side.
As for the rocky outcrop at the end of the scree slope, it’s fairly easy to get past, but here too, it’s best to be careful.
All in all, it’s well worth the effort!!!

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Sophie la Marmotte
Sophie la Marmotte

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Wonderful!

We did the hike in early September, during the week, to try to avoid the crowds. Mission accomplished: we were alone at the summit! We only met a few people along the way.

As I'm afraid of heights, I was apprehensive about this hike, having read everything and its opposite about it: in the end, I found it manageable and didn't experience any moments of "stress".

The first part of the hike requires moderate effort, but the final part, starting from the scree, is much more demanding! It's a steep climb! But nothing insurmountable, and above all: the reward at the summit is incredible!

Return via Lac des Cerces. To really enjoy it if you've never been around the Cerces lakes before, I think you need to plan to spend the day there

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JeromeRando
JeromeRando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike that reaches an altitude of 3,000 metres.
Once you've passed the lakes, you leave the 'easy' paths behind and the most technical part begins, climbing towards the Pointe des Cercles.
There is a significant elevation gain on this less frequented section, but it is not particularly difficult for holidaymakers who are used to hiking in the high mountains.

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rabinovitch
rabinovitch

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with breathtaking views from the summit. I highly recommend it.

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Britanicus100
Britanicus100

You're welcome, it's my pleasure to share the mountains through my guidebooks and my YouTube channel, "Randonnées montagnardes" (Mountain Hikes)

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frondas
frondas

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike on Thursday, 7 August, with ideal weather.

As other comments have already mentioned, the final climb (and the descent on the way back) is really challenging, but the view... what a treat!

A very beautiful hike, thank you for sharing the route.

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CHMARIN
CHMARIN

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike

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le Jo
le Jo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful loop in the Cerces.
No particular difficulties except perhaps the final climb: steep gradient over a short distance.
The view from the summit is magnificent....
A hike not to be missed!

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Sandrandonneuse
Sandrandonneuse

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Departure from the Lachat car park. Climb in the suggested direction to Lac Grand Ban. Fork off towards Pointe des Cerces, following the direction of Col des Cerces. Then take the path on the left when you reach the pass. The directions and path are well signposted. The first part is easy, with views of the lake and various mountain ranges (magnificent). Upon reaching the scree, the path becomes much more challenging. The difficulty lies in the nature of the terrain, the steepness of the slope and the elevation gain over a short distance.
But what a sight when you arrive! Views of the lakes: the Cerces on one side and the long, round lake on the other. A mineral landscape: just perfect 🤩.
The descent is much more challenging for the same reasons. For me, walking sticks were essential. Return to the pass and descent to the lake, where there are lots of people. This lake is very accessible from this side. The descent to the Plan Lachat car park is easier on the knees.
A magnificent hike that I highly recommend.
You can also do it over two days with a night at the Drayeres refuge. Day 2: head towards the Col des Muandes and return to the pass via the lakes: Rond and Muandes. Descend to the refuge, then return to the Lac du Grand Ban, Col des Cerces, Lac des Cerces and the Plan Lachat car park.

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Nini_La_Randonneuse
Nini_La_Randonneuse
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A truly unforgettable and exceptional hike that is well worth the effort as it is very long.
The distance from the Plan Lachat car park to the start of the hike should not be underestimated as it is quite far.
The Lac des Cerces is sublime but very popular with families. It is even more beautiful when viewed from above.
During our ascent to this magical place, there was still a lot of snow and crampons were a great help.
The Pointe des Cerces hike is not really advertised so as not to encourage reckless people without proper hiking boots to venture into this vast, exposed area, which is very steep and prone to rock falls.
Those who wish to push themselves will not be disappointed by this marvel, which, upon our arrival, made the quote take on its full meaning.

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celilou74
celilou74

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike

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Britanicus100
Britanicus100
• Edited:

Thank you for submitting your reviews.
Yes, you need to be in reasonably good physical condition, which means practising a sport regularly. It is also important not to start the tour until you have had at least four days to acclimatise to the altitude.

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setolivier
setolivier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike that requires minimal physical fitness and appropriate equipment (walking shoes) – especially for the climb to the summit. The route is easy to follow and the suggested direction is perfectly suited

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Other walks in the area

Walking Le Grand Galibier

Visorando Member
Le Grand Galibier
↔11.85 mi ↗+4,252 ft ↘-4,236 ft ◔9h 10 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This legendary summit offers spectacular views of the Écrins mountains dominated by La Barre and La Meije, Goléon, the Aiguilles d'Arves, Mont Blanc, Viso, Queyras and the Swiss Valais, where Liskamm and Monte Rosa rise up. It is also a popular area for ibex.

Walking Circular Cerces via the Col de la Ponsonnière

Visorando Member
Boucle des Cerces par le Col de la Ponsonnière
↔8.09 mi ↗+2,661 ft ↘-2,654 ft ◔6h 00 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
From Plan Lachat, a circular takes you over three passes (La Ponsonnière, Cerces and Rochilles) and past five lakes (Ponsonnière, Grand Lac, Cerces, Grand Ban and Rond). The view of Lautaret and the Aiguilles d'Arves is splendid, and the rocks of Pic de la Moulinière and Pointe des Cerces are impressive.

Walking Circular of the lakes in the Cerces massif

Visorando Member
Boucle des lacs dans le massif des Cerces
↔9.15 mi ↗+2,881 ft ↘-2,884 ft ◔6h 45 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This hike takes you on a lovely tour of several lakes in the Cerces massif. Most of the route is above 2,000 metres in altitude.

Walking Lac des Cerces and other lakes

Visorando Member
Lac des Cerces et autres lacs
↔7.49 mi ↗+2,172 ft ↘-2,142 ft ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
A fantastic hike which, when the weather is fine, allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes dotted with lakes in infinite shades of blue.

Walking In the Mortavieille valley at the start of Bonnenuit

Visorando Member
Dans la combe de Mortavieille au départ de Bonnenuit
↔5.80 mi ↗+1,362 ft ↘-1,362 ft ◔3h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This is a short hike with little elevation gain in the barren environment around the Col du Galibier, just for the pleasure of walking along a pretty valley and lazing around for a few hours in the afternoon in absolute calm. Rejuvenation guaranteed.

Walking The Combe des Aiguilles d'Arves

Visorando Member
La Combe des Aiguilles d'Arves
↔6.69 mi ↗+2,536 ft ↘-2,543 ft ◔5h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
This is a particularly pleasant hike, allowing you to discover the great cirque formed by these three Savoyard peaks, with the added bonus of a stop at the very friendly Refuge des Aiguilles.

Walking Aiguille de l’Épaisseur

Visorando Member
Aiguille de l'Épaisseur
↔8.62 mi ↗+5,062 ft ↘-5,062 ft ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Although it looks like a large hill from its south-eastern slope, the ascent of the Aiguille de l’Épaisseur is very physically demanding in its final section, from the refuge, with 970 m of elevation gain over 3 km, representing an average gradient of over 35 per cent. However, it probably offers the finest view of the Aiguilles d’Arves you can get, not to mention a magnificent 360° panorama. This hike is not very popular, which is hardly surprising given the final ascent. It is reserved for seasoned hikers who are not too prone to vertigo.

Walking Lac des Cerces - Lacs de la Madeleine via Pointe des Cerces

Visorando Member
Lac des Cerces - Lacs de la Madeleine par la Pointe des Cerces
↔7.84 mi ↗+3,963 ft ↘-3,261 ft ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Day 2 in the Clarée Valley: ascent of Pointe des Cerces (unmarked mountain route), passage to Lac and Source de la Clarée and climb to the second bivouac at Lacs de la Madeleine (off-trail on the final section). As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.

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