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From Bourg d’Oisans, take the N91 towards Briançon as far as the Chambon Dam.
After crossing the dam, turn left onto the D25 towards Mizoën, then take the D25a towards Clavans.
Drive through Clavans le Bas and continue to the hamlet of Clavans le Haut; at the town hall, turn left towards the Col de Sarenne.
Drive through the hamlet of Le Perron and continue uphill on this road. At the sixth hairpin bend (which turns left), park at the start of the wide track branching off to the right.
(S/E) Leave the car park and follow the track, heading due north-north-east; the track is initially flat then slopes gently downwards to reach the bridge over the Ferrand (signposted).
Note: from here, Lac des Quirlies is signposted at every junction.
(1) Cross the Ferrand torrent amidst the deafening roar of the two waterfalls and begin the short but steep climb up the path leading above the waterfall on the right.
Continue along this path to the next concrete bridge and carry on uphill. You will reach another junction.
(2) Continue straight ahead, still heading towards Lac des Quirlies. Pass behind the Chalet des Bruyères and stay on the path, which becomes relatively flat. Cross several small streams coming from the left, sometimes by fording, sometimes over a plank.
You’ll arrive at the Chalet des Quirlies, which is actually just a ruin (sign). Cross two footbridges on the path and start climbing to reach the Pierre de l’Oiseau.
(3) Turn slightly left and continue the fairly steep climb to the lake. The path leads first through mountain pastures and then over the former terminal moraine of the Quirlies Glacier.
(4) When the lake comes into view, head left. Cross the lake’s outlet to climb up the left lateral moraine of the former glacier.
Note: there isn’t really a path on this moraine, but it’s not difficult to walk across it.
Admire the magnificent views of the lake, the Arves and Écrins massifs, and even the Vanoise in the distance.
(5) Turn back and return to the lake’s outlet.
(4) Continue along the lake’s shores, skirting it for a few metres on the right to enjoy further views and lovely picnic spots.
(6) Return once more to the entrance to the lake.
(4) Begin the descent via the same route as on the way up to reach the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Easy 
