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Le Grand Lac walks
The Grand Lac and the Lac de la Ponsonnière
Visorando Member
7.20 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,835 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
20 minutes from the town of Monêtier-les-Bains. A lovely day’s hike with a magnificent view at the end. Views over the Grand Lac and the Écrins massif.Return to the car park via the same route.
Lac et Col de la Ponsonnière via the Grand Lac
8.33 mi
+3,084 ft
-3,087 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
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.
Grand Galibier from the Pont de l'Alp
11.67 mi
+5,348 ft
-5,341 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A magnificent hike leading to the legendary Grand Galibier viewpoint, from where you can admire almost the entire French Alps. Part of the hike is off-trail and often on poorly marked paths, but the most difficult part of the route is well marked with cairns.
On the agenda: unique panoramic views, numerous crystal-clear lakes, friendly wildlife, wild valleys dating back to the Ice Age, all under the deep blue skies of the Hautes-Alpes.
Tour of the Arêtes de la Bruyère
5.02 mi
+2,503 ft
-2,490 ft
4h 30
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A circular route through spectacular scenery, with the added thrill of a challenging cable-assisted section. Panoramic views of the glaciers, a large lake, soaring peaks, a refuge and chalets – everything you need for a wonderful experience.
To take in the full spectrum of colours from the Pont de l’Alpe
10.73 mi
+3,816 ft
-3,799 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a hike that will treat you to a whole spectrum of colours. From the green and blue of the lakes – Grand Lac, Lac de la Ponsonnière, Lac de la Mine, etc. – to the green, red, grey and white of the Pic de la Moulinière, and the black of the old graphite mine. Panoramic views of the Écrins and Cerces massifs.
This route is a variation on the ‘Lac et Col de la Ponsonnière’ hike via the Grand Lac, which we have extended.
Refuge des Drayères – Pont de l’Alpe
9.08 mi
+2,014 ft
-3,563 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
3rd and final stage. Starting from the Refuge des Drayères, head up to the source of the Clarée and return to Pont de l’Alpe via the Col de la Ponsonnière. A tour of the Massif des Cerces taking in numerous lakes, each more beautiful than the last: in turn, the Clarée, Rond, Grand Ban, Cerces, Ponsonnière and, finally, the Grand Lac.
Walks near Le Grand Lac
From Le Lauzet to the Col du Lautaret
4.17 mi
+1,325 ft
-26 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
Stage4 of the Tour du Combeynot: from the Guisane Valley to the Col du Lautaret
Lac des Cerces - Lacs de la Madeleine via Pointe des Cerces
7.84 mi
+3,963 ft
-3,261 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Day 2 in the Clarée Valley: ascent of Pointe des Cerces (unmarked mountain route), passage to Lac and Source de la Clarée and climb to the second bivouac at Lacs de la Madeleine (off-trail on the final section).
As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
The Chemin de Ronde between Laval and Biaune
7.22 mi
+1,680 ft
-2,484 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Supported by theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor, this trail overlooks the upper Clarée Valley and offers magnificent views of this famous valley throughout the route.
Laval car park - Lac des Cerces
7.23 mi
+3,537 ft
-2,254 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
First day of a 4-day circular starting from the Laval car park in the Upper Clarée Valley. As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
Chalet de Laval - Alpe du Lauzet
8.12 mi
+2,785 ft
-3,793 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A traverse of the Cerces massif via one of its highest passes (Béraudes) and some very beautiful lakes.And a chance to see much of the previous day’s descent route, as well as the many lakes on the other side.In early summer, the route can be made difficult by the presence of snow in the Lac des Béraudes cirque or a snow cornice on the Col des Béraudes (speaking from experience).
Refuge du Chardonnet - Arsine
11.94 mi
+2,608 ft
-4,436 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This third stage of the crossing of France, following the 45th parallel as closely as possible, is long and difficult but absolutely magnificent. You will discover or rediscover the two jewels that are the Écrins and Meije massifs. Most of the route is on the GR® 50 and GR® 57. The paths are well marked and well maintained.
This stage can be divided into four sections: 1) an ascent to the Col du Chardonnet; 2) the descent to Lauzet; 3) the ascent to the Col du Lautaret; 4) the descent to Arsine.
Refuge des Drayeres – Valmeinier 1,800
10.62 mi
+2,500 ft
-3,848 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The final stage of this route runs from the Refuge des Drayeres in the Clarée Valley to the resort of Valmeinier. You will pass the Deuil des Rochilles before emerging onto three magnificent high-altitude lakes: Lac de la Clarée, Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban. Next comes the ascent of the Col des Plagnettes, followed by the descent with the rocky ridge of the Grande Paré to your left and the Aiguille Noire to your right, then the ascent of the Pas des Griffes, before descending back to Valmeinier, the end point of this 5-day route.
From the Col du Lautaret to the Alpe de Villard d'Arène
3.91 mi
+433 ft
-302 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
Stage1 of the Tour du Combeynot: From the Col du Lautaret to the Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne refuge via the schistose crevasse trail overlooking the Romanche valley. Unique view of the Écrins and Meije peaks.
Fontcouverte Campsite - Lac de la Ponsonnière
7.08 mi
+3,691 ft
-1,391 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
For this first three-day stage, the route offers magnificent views of the Écrins Massif at the Col du Chardonnet and then of the Grand Lac. We have chosen to camp at Lac de la Ponsonnière, but it is entirely possible to camp on the heights of the Grand Lac, near the pastoral house. This allows you to shorten the duration of this first day slightly and, above all, reduce the elevation gain by around 200m.
Lac de la Cula via the circular trail
4.95 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,463 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike with magnificent scenery. The climb to the Ricou refuge is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Once you reach the circular path, the route is very easy, almost flat until you reach the Torrent de la Cula. The view over the entire valley is truly superb. From the lake, the trail descends to Laval.