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In high season, if necessary, take the shuttle bus from Névache Ville Haute to reach the upper valley and descend to the Laval car park, or drive up before 8.30am to park.
(S/E) Head towards Pont du Mouttet to avoid taking theGRP® "Tour du Mont Thabor" trail, which is more linear but much busier.
(1) Cross the bridge towards Lac des Béraudes.
(2) At the fork, take the path on the right that runs alongside the Clarée (do not go up towards Lac des Béraudes).
(3) Cross the torrent formed by the confluence of the Ruisseau des Béraudes, which flows from the lake of the same name, and the Sagnes Froides, a pretty waterfall on your left.
(4) Pass under the Main de Crépin, a distinctive four-fingered rock formation on your left, and continue along the pleasant path along the edge of the Clarée, which sometimes climbs a little to avoid the rapids and then descends back to the level of the stream.
(5) Cross the wooden footbridge that leads back to theGR®57and the Pont de Pierre (not visible), then the Refuge des Drayères.
(6) Continue on thisGR® towards the Seuil des Rochilles and Lac Rond. The climb is a little steeper but the view is magnificent, overlooking the various surrounding peaks and the Clarée on your left. Towards the Seuil des Rochilles, note the remains of the Maginot Line on your right.
(7) At Lac de la Clarée, which is the source of the torrent, continue towards Seuil des Rochilles to reach the other lakes.
(8) First, you will come to Lac Rond, which is rather low and partially covered with algae. Continue along the right bank. The path turns into a wide stone track that leads to the next lake.
(9) Lac du Grand Ban is now almost empty, which is a sad sight. Walk along the lake, starting on the left, to reach the path that descends from Col des Rochilles and allows you to walk around Lac Rond. This is a great spot for a picnic, either at the edge of the lake or nearby. This will take you back to the intersection you passed on the way there.
The descent to the Laval car park is via the same route in reverse, passing by the Refuge des Drayères where you can take a break.
(6) From the refuge, you can also take theGRP® to reach the car park (S/E) where you will find the shuttle bus or your car for the descent to Névache.
The distance is the same and the elevation gain is slightly less.
Visorando member
Very difficult 
Difficult 
