Lac du Léat - Refuge de l'Oule

From Allevard, take the Vallée du Bréda towards Fond de France. On leaving Pinsot, turn left onto the small road and continue to the hamlet of La Bourgeat Noire (commune of Gleysin). Park at the end of the road in the small forest car park.

(S/E) Continue south on the wide horizontal path for about 300 metres until you reach a crossroads.

(1) Leave the main path (which leads directly to the Oule refuge) and descend to the right. Cross the Maître and Gleysin streams in succession, then climb up opposite on a steep path through the forest, which winds upwards in wide bends. You will come out into a clearing at the Chalet du Bout.

(2) Continue straight ahead on a gentler path. Pass close to the Sapins Henri IV, trees remarkable for their size and age, then, at the Bout crossroads, turn left to climb the wooded ridge of the Montagne de Combe Grasse. You will reach the crossroads with the Les Lanches sign.

(3) Climb up to the left on a small, discreet path. Gradually leave the forest and climb up to the Croix du Léat (altitude 1,825 m), which offers beautiful views of the valley.

(4) Take the path downhill on the right to Lac de Léat.

(5) Walk around the lake and enjoy the spot for a well-deserved break. It is possible to spend the night here in a bivouac (please note: no fires are permitted).
Climb back up to the Croix du Léat crossroads you passed earlier.

(4) Turn right and follow the signs for Pierre du Pin. Climb gently through the mountain pastures to the summit of Pierre du Pin.

(6) Continue opposite, descending first through the forest, then reaching a new crossroads in a clearing (altitude 1,662 metres).

(7) Turn right and continue climbing steadily to reach the Refuge de l'Oule.

(8) Return in the opposite direction to the crossroads in the clearing.

(7) Turn right and descend to quickly reach a stream which, in winter, is an avalanche corridor.

(9) Cross this stream, then continue downhill on this marked trail through woods and alpine pastures. Continue lower down, alongside the Plan hut, before returning to the initial crossroads you passed on the way up.

(1) Turn right and follow the same route as on the way up to reach the Bourgeat Noire car park (S/E).

Note: this route can be completed in one day for regular walkers, but is ideal over two days with bivouacking at Lac du Léat or an overnight stay at the Refuge de l'Oule. Accessible out of season, with snowshoes to the Croix du Léat if snow conditions allow.
The trail is marked in yellow to the Croix du Léat, then in red and white (GR® 738) between Pierre du Pin, the Refuge de l'Oule and the final descent to the car park. The route between the Croix du Léat and the lake is poorly marked but clearly visible.
Caution: the section between Pierre du Pin and the Refuge de l'Oule crosses an avalanche zone and can be dangerous in winter or spring, especially in the last couloir before the descent.
Bivouacking is tolerated around the lake, but no fires or damage to the environment are permitted. Please respect the tranquillity of the site and take your rubbish with you when you leave. The Refuge de l'Oule offers drinks and meals in season.

As always, be careful, well equipped, and check the weather forecast before setting off. Visorando and the author of this guide cannot be held responsible for any problems encountered on the route.

Unobstructed views as soon as you leave the forest, with superb views of the western slope of Belledonne, the Chartreuse and the Bauges.
(4) La Croix du Léat and (6) Pierre du Pin offer particularly extensive views. You are also opposite the Grand Rocher.
Basic accommodation is available at (2) Chalet du Bout and (5) Chalet du Léat (unattended, very rustic). Bring wood if you plan to spend the night.
(9) The Refuge de l'Oule, which is more comfortable and staffed during the season, also offers accommodation and meals.