Le Désert-en-Valjouffrey - Valsenestre

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Ethird stage involving the ascent of a pass with no major technical difficulty, though the gradient is steep in places and differs slightly from the route shown on the IGN map. From the top of the pass, there is a splendid view of the Col de la Muzelle, the Roche de la Muzelle and the Pic du Clapier du Peyron on either side, promising a beautiful stage for the following day. During the descent, you pass through a maze of large, intertwined slabs of slate clinging to the mountainside.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: A 13-day grand tour of the Parc des Ecrins via the GR® 54

Details

n°12969097
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.28 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,015 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 999 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,290 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,266 m
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Photos

Le Béranger Lodge
The village of Vlasenestre
The centre of the village of Valsenestre
The Chapel of Valsenetre

Description of the walk

(S) From the Arias Lodge, head back down to the wash house. Turn left and cross the village to the Pont de la Bonne junction. Do not cross the bridge but continue straight on until you reach an intersection. Turn left and begin the ascent. After a few metres on a tarmac path, you will enter a rocky area.

(1) Continue straight on along the path that follows the track and carry on along the left bank of the Ruisseau de la Laisse. The gradient steepens and deviates slightly from the IGN map route before rejoining it in the Combe du Cognet.

(2) Follow the red and white markings to emerge, after a series of hairpin bends, at the Col de Côte Belle, having passed through magnificent pastures. Enjoy the exceptional view of the Haut Béranger valley here.

(3) Begin the descent along a balcony-like path, through a maze of slabs of slate, some of which are intertwined and standing vertically. These are the ‘orgues’ of Valsenestre or Côte Belle.
Continue the descent, which consists of numerous hairpin bends, to reach the Col de la Muzelle crossroads in the woods.

(4) Leave theGR®54on your right and take the branch on your left, known asthe GR®54B. Follow the Torrent du Béranger. You’ll reach a car park; cross the stream to the right and, a few metres further on, you’ll find the Béranger Lodge (E), today’s stop.

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,281 m - Le Désert en Valjouffrey
  2. 1 : km 0.82 - alt. 1,380 m - Rocky area, start of the trail. Near the - Bonne (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 3.02 - alt. 1,890 m - Combe du Cognet
  4. 3 : km 5.31 - alt. 2,277 m - Col de Côte Belle
  5. 4 : km 9.25 - alt. 1,491 m - GR54-GR54B junction
  6. E : km 11.27 - alt. 1,299 m - Béranger Lodge

Notes

A stage with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 m and a similar descent.
(S) Departure from the Désert de Valjoufrey, from the Arias Lodge.
(E) Arrival at the Lodge le Béranger, a superb welcome. The campsite is located 800 m upstream from the village on theGR®, which is why we opted for a night at the Lodge le Béranger.
A lodge offering every comfort in a 6-bed dormitory.
Excellent food.
Useful addresses and links:
Lodge le Béranger
Email: giteleberanger@gmail.com
Telephone numbers: 09 74 74 73 84 or 06 61 31 43 53 or 06 58 63 11 38

As with all mountain hikes, bring binoculars, a camera, an IGN map and/or a guidebook.
Note: Many herds are guarded by Patou sheepdogs. Hikers are therefore strongly advised not to stray from the path. If you encounter a guard dog, remain calm and passive to reassure it.

Worth a visit

(E) Strolling through the village of Valsenestre: see here.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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A short 10 km stage but with 1,400 m of elevation gain, featuring the very technical and rocky ascent of the Col de la Muzelle. It requires the utmost caution, especially with a heavy rucksack. A narrow passage between two magnificent mountains, the Roche de La Muzelle and the Pic du Clapier du Peyron. Throughout the ascent, you are surrounded by mountain ranges over 3,000 m high. From the pass, there is a splendid view of the rest of the Glacier de la Muzelle, the lake and the corridor leading down to Valsenestre.

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