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Lac Merlet inférieur walks
Circuit of the Aiguille du Rateau via the Merlet Lakes
Visorando Member
10.50 mi
+2,966 ft
-2,995 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
Starting from the Courchevel ski area, the suggested route heads into the Vanoise National Park to circumnavigate the Aiguille du Rateau via the Col du Rateau. On the return journey, a slight detour is suggested to visit the Merlet Lakes.
A very scenic hike through the Rosière valley in the Vanoise National Park.
There is a long stretch over scree, which explains why the hike is rated ‘Difficult’.
A circular variant compared to the other route suggested on Visorando, taking in the Merlet Lakes.
Walks near Lac Merlet inférieur
From the Lacs Merlet refuge to the Péclet-Polset refuge
9.96 mi
+3,438 ft
-3,232 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
After the long stages of the previous days, this one is more leisurely.The climb to the Col du Soufre is gradual until you reach the edge of the Gébroulaz glacier.The beauty of the Col du Soufre (the day’s highest point), with its ochre and white colours, more than makes up for the day’s efforts.
Refuge des Lacs Merlets – Refuge de la Valette
10.22 mi
+4,514 ft
-3,917 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
This third stage will take you from the Refuge des Lacs Merlets to the Refuge de la Valette.
This stage is undoubtedly the most challenging, with 1,400 metres of elevation gain. The ascent of the Petit Mont Blanc, a difficult descent to Les Prioux, followed by another beautiful and long climb (900m of elevation gain) to the Col de la Valette and its refuge, will make for a memorable day.
From Lac du Rateau to the Refuge du Saut
7.95 mi
+2,743 ft
-3,753 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
Second day of hiking on a 4-day route in the Vanoise massif.
A wonderful mountain experience as you cross the Col du Rateau and the Passage des Eaux Noires, which are rarely visited. Views of Mont Blanc.
From the Refuge du Saut to the Refuge de l'Orgère via the Col du Soufre
10.24 mi
+3,576 ft
-4,196 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Les Allues (Savoie)
From the Refuge du Saut to the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, the route passes close to the Gébroulaz Glacier via the Col du Soufre (2,817 m) before descending towards Lac Blanc and, via theGR®55, the Col de Chavière (2,796 m) and the Tête Noire rocks.
From the Refuge du Saut to the Chalet du Clou
10.51 mi
+3,517 ft
-3,458 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Les Allues (Savoie)
Third day of a 4-day route in the Vanoise Massif.
A beautiful ascent along the Gébroulaz Glacier and a lunar landscape via the Col du Soufre
From the hamlet of Les Prioux to Lac du Rateau
6.02 mi
+4,019 ft
-1,617 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
First day of a 4-day route in the Vanoise massif.
A very pleasant climb along the ‘100-bend’ path to reach the summit of the Petit Mont Blanc and its orientation table. A lovely end to the day in the Combe du Rateau.
Refuge du Roc de la Pêche – Refuge Porte de l’Orgère
8.90 mi
+2,986 ft
-2,930 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Hike between the Vanoise and Maurienne regions: from the Refuge du Roc de la Pêche to the Refuge Porte de l’Orgère via the Col de Chavière.
From Chalet Clou to Les Prioux
9.11 mi
+2,710 ft
-4,144 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Fourth day of a four-day route in the Vanoise massif.
A very beautiful mountain route passing through the Petit and Grand Cirques du Marchet.
Valette Refuge - Col de la Vanoise Refuge
7.67 mi
+3,901 ft
-4,154 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
The 4th stage of this route, which will take you from the Valette refuge to the Col de la Vanoise refuge. One of the most challenging stages, featuring the ascent of the Col du Grand Marchet and its highly technical descent.
A balcony-like route above Pralognan, the Petit Marchet, the Grand Marchet cirque, and the pass of the same name, leading to the Lac des Vaches and its ford, with the Grande Casse and the Col de La Vanoise refuge in the background. A technical stage, but one of the most beautiful.
Refuge de la Vallette via the Pas de l’Âne
5.80 mi
+3,789 ft
-2,989 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A challenging hike that passes through the Cirque du Petit Marchet, crosses the Roc du Tambour to reach the Refuge de la Vallette and ends at the hamlet of Le Prioux.
Tip: only undertake this hike when there is no snow and in dry weather.