Lac des Méandes - Mont Thabor - Valfréjus

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The hike starts after the bivouac at Lac des Méandes (below Col des Méandes) to reach the summit of Mont Thabor and admire the 360° view of the mountains. Then return via the Refuge du Mont Thabor and descend to Valfréjus.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Valfrejus - Mont Thabor loop with bivouac

Details

n°83352548
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.02 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,379 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 5,850 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 10,430 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,095 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Areas: Alps, Cerces
  • ⚐ City: Névache (05100)
  • ⚑
    Start: N 45.103048° / E 6.578077°
  • ⚑
    End: N 45.173167° / E 6.651893°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3535OT, 3535OTR
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Description of the walk

(S) Follow the same route as the day before to return to the Col des Méandes.

(1) Turn left onto the GR®57 and, after a steep climb, you will reach the chapel and the summit of Mont Thabor.

(2) Retrace your steps along this path to the Col des Méandes.

(1) Turn left downhill to reach Lac du Peyron.

(3) Turn left onto the GR®57 trail to return to the Col de la Vallée Étroite.

(4) Turn left and climb slightly to reach the Refuge du Mont Thabor.

(5) Go around the refuge, turn right immediately after the terrace to take the Combe de la Grande Montagne and begin the descent. After fording a few streams, you will reach the Chalets de Mounioz.

(6) Continue the descent, keeping your distance from the Plan chalets, then return to the Losa crossroads and the previous day's route.

(7) Continue on to Le Lavoir, then the Y-junction trail.

(8) Turn left onto the GR® trail, which will take you back to Les Herbiers.

(9) Turn right, take the Pont Traversier bridge, then reach the Pont des Bettets bridge.

(10) Pass under the bridge and turn left to descend the grassy slope to the Place du Thabor car park (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 8,589 ft - Bivouac
  2. 1 : mi 0.32 - alt. 8,921 ft - Col des Méandes
  3. 2 : mi 1.4 - alt. 10,423 ft - Mont Thabor
  4. 3 : mi 3.65 - alt. 7,995 ft - Lac du Peyron
  5. 4 : mi 5.21 - alt. 7,992 ft - Col de la Vallée Etroite
  6. 5 : mi 5.69 - alt. 8,219 ft - Refuge du Mont Thabor
  7. 6 : mi 6.73 - alt. 7,657 ft - Chalets de Mounioz
  8. 7 : mi 7.98 - alt. 6,893 ft - La Losa
  9. 8 : mi 9.05 - alt. 6,168 ft - GR
  10. 9 : mi 10.1 - alt. 5,394 ft - Les Herbiers
  11. 10 : mi 10.81 - alt. 5,220 ft - Pont des Bettets
  12. E : mi 11.02 - alt. 5,095 ft - Place du Thabor car park, Valfréjus

Worth a visit

(S) Bivouac: an exceptional view at sunset and a beautiful night.

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

4.7 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 9864181

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Technically, it’s not too difficult.
It’s mainly the 2,200 metres of elevation gain that you need to be physically well prepared for.
The final climb from the Col des Méandes to Mont Thabor is really tough. The path is sometimes a bit eroded on the upper slopes. Make sure you wear good, grippy footwear to stay safe.
The summit is well worth it! Make the most of it

If you’re camping at the pass, it gets really cold (4° on 31 August; a tent is essential); the sunsets and sunrises are magnificent.

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Walking Valfrejus - Mont Thabor loop with bivouac

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