Lac de Bissorte - Refuge du Mont Thabor

Departure from the Prec car park, accessible by car via the forest track from La Praz. After a long climb, park in the small car park at the edge of the track.

(S/E) Climb up to a small plateau with a few chalets (Le Prec) and continue straight on under the cable car.

(1) At the first fork in the climb, take the path on the left that descends slightly towards the stream.

(2) Cross a small bridge to reach the right bank. Climb through the forest and reach an intersection (sign) at Les Cartillières.

(3) Turn right, heading south towards the Bissorte dam. Climb up to the dam via the path, which is a little steep in places. There are a few steps to climb to reach the dam.

(4) Cross the dam, then take the path on the left along the side of the lake, heading south. At the end of the lake, continue straight ahead towards the Refuge des Marches. Cross a footbridge and reach the refuge on the right bank of the torrent.

(5) Continue along the path heading south at the bottom of the valley. After a hairpin bend, the path levels out and climbs towards Lac des Bataillères.

(6) Leave the lake on your right and follow the path that climbs alongside it.

(7) Continue straight ahead at the fork at the top of a cliff towards Col des Bataillères: you can visit the small lakes by taking the path on the right and then retrace your steps to return to the main path. The landscape becomes more alpine. Follow the cairns among the rocks as the path becomes less obvious. A final ledge to the south-east leads to the Col des Bataillères, where the path becomes clearer again.

(8) Turn south into the valley and follow the obvious path down towards Lac Long, then Lac Rond and the Refuge du Thabor, the end of this first stage (E).

The access road to the Prec car park is long and uncomfortable. It is possible to park a little higher up than the sign indicating the Prec car park. Access to the car park is possible from La Praz or Valmeinier.

(1) There is an alternative route on the left bank between Le Prec and the Bissorte dam via the Prec window. The path is safe but can be dangerous in wet weather and should be avoided with children as it is not always well maintained.

(4) There is an alternative route on the right bank above Lac de Bissorte, adding about 100 metres of elevation to the hike. The main trail is rejoined at Refuge des Marches.

(5) Refuge des Marches is halfway along the route, allowing you to take a break or even split the stage in two: lunch is available during the caretaker season, as well as water.

Overnight stay possible at the Refuge du Thaboror in a bivouac near the refuge. Forty-six places during the refuge's opening period (mid-June to mid-September). Hot showers available. Booking essential during the season, as the refuge is very often full.

(4) Bissorte Lake and Dam.

(5) Refuge des Marches, where you can eat during its opening period.

(6) Lac des Bataillères.

(8) Col des Bataillères and its beautiful panoramic view.