Refine your search for walks in Lac du Châtelard
Lac du Châtelard walks
A circular route via the Col du Chardonnet and Col des Béraudes, starting from Fontcouverte
Visorando Member
10.00 mi
+3,494 ft
-3,484 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A fairly challenging circular route in the Clarée Valley, classified as very difficult due to a long stretch of unstable scree and exposed sections with or without handrails; whilst these are few in number, they may put off those prone to vertigo. Magnificent views from the Col du Chardonnet and the Col des Béraudes. Lovers of rocky terrain and high-altitude lakes will not be disappointed.
Please note: this circular route is reserved for experienced hikers.
Walks near Lac du Châtelard
Refuge du Chardonnet - Arsine
11.94 mi
+2,608 ft
-4,436 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
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.
Fontcouverte Campsite - Lac de la Ponsonnière
7.08 mi
+3,691 ft
-1,391 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
For this first three-day stage, the route offers magnificent views of the Écrins Massif at the Col du Chardonnet and then of the Grand Lac. We have chosen to camp at Lac de la Ponsonnière, but it is entirely possible to camp on the heights of the Grand Lac, near the pastoral house. This allows you to shorten the duration of this first day slightly and, above all, reduce the elevation gain by around 200m.
Lac de la Cula via the circular trail
4.95 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,463 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
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.
The Clarée lakes route: Laramon, Serpent, Les Gardioles, Blanc
8.96 mi
+3,579 ft
-4,459 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike is certainly long, but it will allow you to discover one of the major areas of the wonderful Clarée Valley.
Chalet de Laval - Alpe du Lauzet
8.12 mi
+2,785 ft
-3,793 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A traverse of the Cerces massif via one of its highest passes (Béraudes) and some very beautiful lakes.And a chance to see much of the previous day’s descent route, as well as the many lakes on the other side.In early summer, the route can be made difficult by the presence of snow in the Lac des Béraudes cirque or a snow cornice on the Col des Béraudes (speaking from experience).
Laval car park - Lac des Cerces
7.23 mi
+3,537 ft
-2,254 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
First day of a 4-day circular starting from the Laval car park in the Upper Clarée Valley. As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
Laval Refuge – Lac Blanc
5.65 mi
+3,192 ft
-1,243 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The first day offers the chance to explore the lakes of the Haute Clarée and camp at the foot of the Thabor amidst spectacular scenery.
The Chemin de Ronde between Laval and Biaune
7.22 mi
+1,680 ft
-2,484 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Supported by theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor, this trail overlooks the upper Clarée Valley and offers magnificent views of this famous valley throughout the route.
