Lac et Col de la Ponsonnière via the Grand Lac

An alternative route for the round trip to Le Grand Lac and Lac de la Ponsonnière allows for a circular route involving a chimney passage, but this restricts access to those with at least some mountain experience.
A breathtaking, panoramic view of the Écrins Massif: Mont Pelvoux, the Barre des Écrins, the Pic de Neige Cordier, the Meije, the Rateau and more.

Details

n°3782117

Creation:
07 Aug 2020

Last update:
27 Jun 2026

Last review:
15 Jun 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 8.33 mi
Average duration: 6h 30
Difficulty: Difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 3,084 ft
Descent: - 3,087 ft
Highest point: 8,583 ft
Lowest point: 5,594 ft

Country: France
Areas: Alps, Cerces, Dauphiné
City: Le Monêtier-les-Bains (05220)
Start/End: N 45.018325° / E 6.46593°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3435ET, 3435ETR, 3436ET, 3436ETR, 3535OT, 3535OTR
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Photos

At the end, the "chimney" that leads to the Grand Lac

Description of the walk

The walk starts from the staggered car park along the Col du Lautaret road (D1091) at a place called Le Pont de l’Alpe.

(S/E) Take the track leading to the Aiguillette du Lauzet via ferrata and the hamlet of Alpe du Lauzet.

(1) Leave the track, keeping it on your right, and take the path that cuts across a large bend in the track. However, there’s nothing to stop you from staying on the track.

(2) Continue left along the track.

(3) At the three-way junction where a path branches off to the right, continue along the track. As you approach the hamlet, you’ll come to the signpost situated right next to a small bridge spanning the Torrent du Rif.

(4) Leave the Chemin du Roy on your left and continue along the path leading into a sort of valley floor. Head towards the Grand Lac.

(5) A series of hairpin bends begins, leading you to the foot of the chimney, which you will have to climb using your hands (secured by cables as shown on the 1:25,000 map).

(6) Go round the Grand Lac on its right-hand side, following a less steep path than the one on the right which leads directly to the 2436 contour.

(7) The change of direction is not very obvious as the path is poorly marked at this point, but it becomes clear when you spot the signpost on the right, which you must reach at the pass (elevation 2436).

(8) At the signpost, join the^GR®®57. Head due north along this path on your left and go round the shepherd’s hut on the right to reach Lac de la Ponsonnière.

(9) At the lake, continue along the^GR®®57to reach the Col de la Ponsonnière.

(10) For the return journey, retrace your steps and pass the shepherd’s hut.

(8) Leave the route you have already taken and continue down the^GR®®57to the left, heading due east, then south.

(11) Clot des Vaches mountain hut.

(12) Leave the^GR®® 57, which continues to the left, and take the path leading to the Alpe du Lauzet (elevation 1951).

(13) Continue to the left of the chapel and the other buildings, including a UCPA mountain refuge.

(3) Return to the track you took on the way up. Descend via the opposite route to the one you took on the way up to the Pont de l’Alpe car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,604 ft - Pont de l’Alpe car park - Rif (torrent) - Affluent de la Guisane
1 : mi 0.07 - alt. 5,636 ft - Junction. Path/track
2 : mi 0.18 - alt. 5,814 ft - Junction. Path/track
3 : mi 0.48 - alt. 6,102 ft - Crossroads of the circular loop
4 : mi 0.92 - alt. 6,362 ft - Signpost: Cote Pacard 1940 m
5 : mi 1.83 - alt. 7,185 ft - Base of the chimney
6 : mi 2 - alt. 7,513 ft - Exit from the chimney at the Grand Lac - Le Grand Lac
7 : mi 2.45 - alt. 7,756 ft - Change of direction
8 : mi 2.87 - alt. 7,986 ft - Signpost: Clos d’âne 2440 m. Return
9 : mi 3.89 - alt. 8,422 ft - Lac de la Ponsonnière
10 : mi 4.33 - alt. 8,573 ft - Col de la Ponsonnière
11 : mi 6.54 - alt. 7,379 ft - Refuge du Clot des Vaches
12 : mi 6.81 - alt. 7,208 ft - Signpost: Clos des Vaches 2209 m
13 : mi 7.48 - alt. 6,398 ft - Alpe Lauzet 1951 m
S/E : mi 8.33 - alt. 5,600 ft - Car park - Pont de l'Alpe

Notes

This walk has been classified as ‘Difficult’ due to its length and, above all, a tricky section between (5) and (6).
Otherwise, it does not present any major difficulties for hikers accustomed to mountain walking.
There is a water source near the shepherd’s hut at (7), which you’ll pass on both the outward and return journeys.
Don’t forget your camera.

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

During the hike, stop from time to time and open your eyes wide. You won't regret it.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5

Based on 11 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5

Route interest
4.9 / 5

Monique Marseille

15 Jun 2026 at 17:20 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route. The section with the cable isn’t difficult. It’s there simply to make the path through the gorge safer. And it’s strongly recommended that you tackle it on the way up.

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Celine du 05

11 Aug 2025 at 10:52 7200

Very beautiful hike with

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Laurence du Béal

11 Aug 2025 at 08:55 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route that is a little challenging. The "delicate" section certainly lives up to its name, but what a pleasure it is to emerge from the chimney and discover the splendid panorama over the great lake!

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MAURY jean-louis

21 Jul 2025 at 14:28 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike. To avoid the return trip between 10 and 8, on the way there we didn't go around the Grand Lac on the right but took the steep path that leads directly to elevation 2436. On the way back from 10 Col de la Ponsonnière, we continued along the Ponsonnière ridges towards Lac Blanc (to get away from the crowds at the pass that day) and then, after picnicking with a view of Lac Blanc and Galibier, we descended directly into the valley to reach the Grand Lac at point 7. The dotted path on the IGN map is very well marked at the start and is easy to follow (it is a little less well marked further down but it is impossible to get lost), thus avoiding a return trip and, above all, avoiding the GR if there are crowds and you want to enjoy the place on your own. Once at point 7, we climbed back up to point 8, altitude 2,436 metres, via the path described on the way down.

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Celine du 05

15 Jul 2025 at 14:59 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful route with magnificent scenery. Climbing up to the Col de la Ponsonnière, the view of the Écrins massif and La Meije is simply stunning.
The passage through the chimney to reach the Grand Lac is not difficult for an experienced walker.
A stop on the way down is now possible with the opening of the Clôt des Vaches refuge.

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Zerlo

22 Jul 2024 at 10:39 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

One of the most beautiful hikes in the area, truly varied and offering a wealth of experiences, extraordinary flora and breathtaking panoramas.
The route is very easy to find. The chimney passage is well protected by a cable (which I never used) and, according to a fellow hiker who is prone to vertigo, is perfectly feasible. It is advisable to do it on the way up.
The hike can be done without the return trip to the Col de la Ponsonnière, but that would be a real shame: there is little additional elevation gain and the route is superb!
Not to be missed in the area.

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petitesmarguerites

18 Jul 2024 at 22:23 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Opinion of a hiker who is highly prone to vertigo: I found the chimney passage completely feasible, as it was well equipped and "cut" into two parts: one more exposed but not so high, which you can easily climb using the handrails, and the other, more challenging, where you can't look down because the passage is narrower, and where I used the cables much less, but where it was important to check your footing. I found the long scree slope just before it almost more difficult, with some unpleasant turns, but again, these could be overcome by concentrating on your footing.
The arrival at the large lake is a huge reward, as is the entire hike!

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Liru

25 Sep 2023 at 22:35 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with splendid scenery. The cable crossing should not be attempted in wet or rainy conditions and is reserved for those with sure footing. It is also important to check that the stones are secure if you use your hands. The stones are smooth and do not necessarily make it easy to move forward. Nothing insurmountable for experienced hikers (we saw some young teenagers).
At the end, there is a beautiful view of the Grand Lac. The Lac de la Ponsonnière is disappointing, looking rather "sad" compared to the Grand Lac. We pushed on to the small Lac Blanc after the Col de la Ponsonnière and were delighted to be able to have lunch in peace with fewer people around.
On the way back, we were surprised to see a crane... a refuge is being built (it will take two years). There are more people on the return trail.

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Bozboz 21

07 Aug 2023 at 14:35 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike with magnificent views. Secure passage through the chimney with cables (for those who are less confident, it is possible to use a harness with lanyards for added safety), which can be tricky if it is wet.
Bring warm clothing in case of strong winds.

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CatherineT

24 Aug 2022 at 19:47 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike!
It took us 5 hours, excluding breaks. The only downside was that we hadn't read the comments and didn't know that it would have been better to take the cable passage on the way up. On the way down, despite the cable, we found it a bit scary and took our time. Not suitable for people who are prone to vertigo.
But otherwise, it was probably our most beautiful hike of the summer, with magical views of the lake and the various mountain ranges!
There were quite a few people on the section going up to Grand Lac on the Clos des Vaches side, but relatively few up to the pass.

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Wingardium

16 Oct 2021 at 06:20 7200 • Edited: 18 Oct 2021 at 19:26 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 15, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I did this route yesterday without knowing that it had been added to Visorando beforehand! I didn't think I'd seen it in the spring when I mapped out this itinerary!

A magnificent hike with sublime, grandiose panoramas and a good day's walking to boot.

The tricky section isn't that bad: I'm not at all keen on or familiar with climbing and I don't feel comfortable on rocks, but I managed to get through this "chimney" without any problems. I even found it quite easy and fun! It must be said that the cables are helpful and reassuring, and the fact that there is a wall on the right and left means you don't have to worry about vertigo... What's more, I think it's better to follow the circular route suggested here, as I wouldn't have dared to descend via this passage (the winding path before the chimney can't be much fun on the way down either!).

As for the rest, it's pure bliss! From the chalet above the Grand Lac, the path is very gentle (slight incline) and the views of the jagged peaks are impressive!
Even the return trip, which is quite long, via Clôt des Vaches remains very interesting...

I started the hike around 8:00 a.m. and thought I would be relatively alone... Not so! By the end of the day, I must have seen or passed between 25 and 30 people on this Friday in October, which was not a holiday!

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Orando

12 Aug 2021 at 17:41 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

One of the most spectacular hikes in the region. And many people know it! So get up at dawn (the light is splendid) and start the hike between 8 and 8.30am. The climb to the chimney will be in the shade, which you will appreciate. There are no real difficulties except for the last few switchbacks before the cable crossing. Technically, it's fairly simple, but avoid taking anyone who is prone to vertigo. You can picnic at Lake Ponsonnière or at the pass, where the view is spectacular.
We completed the hike in 5 hours and 20 minutes, including lunch. For your information, we walk about 15% faster than the guidebook estimates.
Allow an extra hour to complete this splendid tour at a more leisurely pace.

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Author

01rando
38 Walks

Visorando Member

City: Miribel (01700)

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