A circular tour of Lautier Lake starting at the Cabane du Lautier and the Refuge des Souffles

Park at the Villar-Loubière car park – please note that it is often full.

(S/E) Take the GR®54, marked in white and red, heading north. Follow a bend to the right, cross the village to reach a crossroads with a fountain.

(1) Keep left on the GR®, following a steady but sustained climb to reach a footbridge near a waterfall.

(2) Use the cable to cross this short section without difficulty. Continue the climb via a series of hairpin bends, then reach a Y-junction at a place called Le Pas de Galiane.

(3) Leave the GR®54 and take a path on the right, which is wilder but more varied. Follow a series of hairpin bends through the Bois de Champat, leave the woods and, in the mountain pasture, reach another junction at the Cabane du Lautier at an altitude of 1,920 metres.

(4) Carry on to the right through the mountain pasture until you reach the GR®54 alternative route.

(5) Take this to the right as far as Lac Lautier.

(6) Return in the opposite direction to the previous junction.

(5) Carry on straight ahead along the GR®54 variant.

(7) Pass over the Col des Clochettes, then descend via a series of hairpin bends to the Refuge des Souffles.

(8) With your back to the refuge, turn left and, at the fork, head down the GR®54 to return to the Y-junction at the place known as Le Pas de Galiane, which you passed on the way up.

(3) Continue straight ahead, following the route you took on the way there in the opposite direction, until you reach the car park at Villar-Loubière (S/E).

Initial note: make sure you bring water as the route is exposed to the sun until 11.00, though you can cool off at the refuge.
(2) After the footbridge, there is a short section with a cable, but it is not difficult.
Between (4) and (5): you may come across a flock of sheep with Patou sheepdogs. Allow the flock to move off the path; otherwise, you can walk round them as there is little vegetation. The shepherdess is usually there and will call the Patous back.
(6) Lac Lautier: a beautiful viewpoint and lovely spots for a picnic by the banks of a genuine mountain lake. Important reminder: swimming is prohibited to protect this fragile ecosystem .
(8) Refuge des Souffles: water available here.

A varied and open landscape with a beautiful mountain lake.