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

(S) After this first wake-up call at altitude, take the^GR®57to climb to the Col des Cerces, near which you can hide most of your belongings so that you can climb the Pointe des Cerces more lightly, while still carrying everything you need to ensure your safety.
The start of the unmarked trail to Pointe des Cerces is indicated on the right (towards the east) at Col des Cerces.

(1) The trail quickly heads south-southeast without much change in altitude. You will soon approach the rocky outcrops, and the trail becomes briefly exposed in places. Anchors have been placed in the rock for the most exposed section (dangerous if snowy).

This balcony route above Lac des Cerces allows you to reach the foot of the north face of Pointe des Cerces without too much effort. From there, things get tougher: the trail becomes a well-marked path through a huge scree slope. This path leads to the foot of a rocky ridge split by an impressive, very steep ravine dotted with boulders that descend as the Cerces snowfield melts. In the absence of snow, the route crosses the foot of the ravine and a single steep and rugged trail climbs up to its right to reach the long final section of scree (or snow, depending on the season), which is slightly gentler but still steep, allowing you to climb to Pointe des Cerces by following the curves of a "lunar" path.

(2) Enjoy the view at Pointe des Cerces (summit 2 hours) and retrace your steps to Col des Cerces (3 hours 15 minutes).

(1) Take the^GR® northwards and turn right when you reach the edge of Lac du Grand Ban, which is low at this time of year. You will then reach the shores of Lac Rond, where you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch break (4 hours) before crossing the Seuil des Rochilles.

(3) Continue on the^GR®. As you approach Lac de la Clarée, you can temporarily leave the^GRP® to take the time to visit the blockhouses or descend directly via the marked path along the Clarée and its winding and countless small tributaries.

(4) After a quick drink at the Drayères refuge, which is very welcome in bad weather, cross the Pont de Pierre bridge and turn left to begin the climb towards the Col des Muandes. After a steep climb, the route (still along the Brune torrent) becomes easier. After running alongside the torrent for a long time, the trail veers away from it for about 100 metres before returning to it and turning slightly southwards.

(5) At this point (before you can see Lac Rond), you will need to cross the torrent (off the trail). Head north-east to reach the Lacs de la Madeleine. First cross the stream and then the grassy area (watch out for wet patches) on a slight incline to reach the steep, grassy slope dotted with stones (on the right) by following the stream coming from the Lacs de la Madeleine (E), which will be your second bivouac.

The ascent of Pointe des Cerces without crampons is possible during a short part of the summer season.