Le Lauvet - Lac Labarre

(S) From the start at Étang du Lauvet, take the path below the lake, which winds around a few times before merging with the tall grass (see photo).

(1) Leave the Cabane de Malentraz on your left and continue straight ahead, slightly to the right (see photo).

(2) At the next crossroads, you will see a signpost with several directions.
Continue straight ahead, without following the signposts. The path takes you through tall grass and then into a thick forest.

(3) At the crossroads on the forest path, continue straight ahead, then take the next left and continue downhill towards the north.
At the next junction, at Pont du Gué, stay on the path and head towards Les Faures.

(4) At another fork, leave the forest path and take the yellow-marked trail on the left.

(5) After a telecommunications pylon, at Combe Traversière, continue straight ahead and stay on the small path towards Les Faures.

(6) At the hamlet, change direction and turn left towards La Chapelle-en-Valjouffrey, then onto Chemin des Clarets. At a fountain, turn left to join a path (there are no markings here).
You will encounter numerous crossroads over the next few kilometres. There are markings, so keep heading towards La Chapelle-en-Valjouffrey until you reach the village.
The footpath along the Bonne river will take you through Malserret, Les Rozays, Pont Baléard, Les Ségouins, Les Châtelards, Pont du Praz and La Cabane de la Pompe.

(7) From the village, continue straight ahead, pass the church and turn right at the next crossroads onto Rue de l'Église (yellow markings).

(8) After walking up part of the street, turn left onto Sentier du Facteur towards Valsenestre.
You will enter the Écrins National Park. See practical information.

(9) At the next two crossroads, keep right and take the path that climbs up to the main road.

(10) On the departmental road, turn right and stay on the road until you reach the hamlet of Valsenestre.
In the hamlet, stay on the main road which turns left and take the GR®54B (white and red markings) towards Lac Labarre.

(11) After passing a fountain and under a porch, turn left onto the path going uphill.
The GR® is very well marked. At the next crossroads, continue towards Lac Labarre until you arrive (E).

Please note: this route crosses the Écrins National Park, see: Park regulations.

Route information:

• Time taken by the author of the hike: 7.5 hours (with a 15 kg rucksack).
• Trail traffic: heavy.
• Mobile phone coverage is good from point (2) to (9).

Accommodation:

(S) Bivouac near Le Lauvet (please note, there are only 2 to 3 tent sites). As the trail is very quiet, this should not be a problem (no mobile phone coverage).

Or at: (1) Malentraz hut, down the path from Lauvet (poor mobile phone reception).

(E) Bivouac at Lac Labarre (no mobile phone reception).

Water nearby:

• km 4.8 - Fontaine aux Faures.
• km 4.94 - Fontaine à la Chapelle.
• km 5.08 - Fontaine aux Clarets.
• km 5.41 - Fontaine à Malserret.
• km 12.55 - Combre des Draires stream.
• km 13.53 - Valsenestre Spring.
• km 15.63 - Fayolle stream.
• km 16.57 - Fayolle stream.