Lacs de la Madeleine - Lac Lavoir via Mont Thabor

After a beautiful sunrise over the Cerces massif, you will need to continue eastwards, passing through the small Lacs de la Madeleine lakes.

(S) A trail leads south from the main lake and passes between the two lakes to the east of the main lake. You then head north and then east again after going around a small rocky promontory.
Cross a small pass that takes you down to the easternmost lake of the Lacs de la Madeleine and then, on a slight climb towards the south-east, join the^GR®57, which climbs from Lac des Muandes to Col des Muandes. Follow this^GR® to the left.

(1) When you reach the pass, take the path north towards Roche du Chardonnet (via^the old^GR®). This ridge trail will take you directly to the summit of the Roche.

(2) A fork in the path descends to the right before reaching the summit itself, allowing you to pass under the ridge line and head towards Col de Valmeinier, taking care not to slip on the rocks.

(3) Shortly after the Col de Valmeinier, the path veers slightly north (to the left) to cross the glacier covered with boulders (+ snowfields), hindering your slow progress on a gruelling traverse of the north face of Roc de Valmeinier. After a well-placed marker on a rock, you will notice the path that climbs towards the Col de la Chapelle. During this crossing of the north face, you may need to cross snowfields with caution and watch out for falling rocks depending on the season. Once you have conquered this steep climb, you will arrive at the Col de la Chapelle.

(4) Continue your way under the Pointe des Angelières in a desert-like cirque to reach the Pied du Désert.

(5) Turn left and climb the last steep slope of the day to ascend Mont Thabor.

(6) Descend back to Pied du Désert.

(5) Continue straight on along the^GR®57(marked with crosses) to Col des Méandes.

(7) Continue right towards the south-east, following the crosses (do not take the^GR®57on the right, which leads to a lake towards Col des Muandes). Then pass at the foot of Grand Séru and descend to the bottom of the valley along the stream. At a place called Prat du Plan, cross the bridge and turn right to take the 1.1 km path that climbs to Lac Lavoir (E), the site of your last bivouac on the 4-day circular.

In case of uncertain weather, take the new^{GR® trail}: from Col des Muandes, switch to Lac Chardonnet and follow the^GR®57towards Col des Méandes.
(6). In case of bad weather, the Chapelle du Mont is a godsend!