Les Gardettes, starting from Chabanon ski resort

A mountain walk that takes you from a woodland landscape to magnificent expanses of alpine pastures, with views of the surrounding mountains and their bare, rocky ridges. Paths that inspire a sense of adventure. Superb photo opportunities await, especially in autumn with the rust-coloured leaves. And occasionally, a gigantic and magnificent tree.
A hike steeped in nature, wide open spaces and serenity.

Details

1578910
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.67 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,142 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,158 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,548 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,879 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park near the Hôtel Le Blanchon at the Chabanon ski resort.

(S/E) Cross the car park and walk past the Hôtel Le Blanchon on the right to reach the start of the Ganiayes ski lift.

(1) Turn left, walk past the swimming pool on the right, then head down the Clôts track, which is lined with trees on both sides and marked with green signs.

(2) Pass the Clôts ski lift hut on your right. Turn right onto the forest track. Stay on the path on the right, following the yellowPR® markings.

(3) At the first junction, take the second track on the left towards Négron/Col du Fanget. At the second junction, 200 m further on, keep to the right on the track, still heading towards the Col du Fanget.

(4) At the entrance to the plateau, turn right to reach the Négron sheepfolds.

(5) Retrace your steps back to the previous junction.

(4) Turn right towards the Col du Fanget. Cross the Iroire plateau and head for a Fork in the road at Les Gardettes.

(6) Follow the same route, without going via Négron, to reach the crossroads at the Clots ski lift hut.

(2) Take the road opposite and turn left. Pass the sign for the Aire des Clôts on your right. Head down the road to the left, heading west, until you reach the hairpin bend.

(7) Take the path on the left which climbs northwards through the forest and rejoins the road. Turn right and continue to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,249 ft - Chabanon car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 5,269 ft - Ganayes ski lift
  3. 2 : mi 0.72 - alt. 5,016 ft - Les Clôts ski lift
  4. 3 : mi 1.42 - alt. 5,233 ft - Junction. Take the second track on the left.
  5. 4 : mi 2.59 - alt. 5,509 ft - Le Négron
  6. 5 : mi 2.8 - alt. 5,495 ft - Bergeries du Négron
  7. 6 : mi 3.75 - alt. 5,338 ft - Les Gardettes
  8. 7 : mi 7.31 - alt. 4,885 ft - Hairpin bend
  9. S/E : mi 7.67 - alt. 5,249 ft - Chabanon car park

Notes

Make sure you have water and some snacks with you, as you’re out in the countryside.

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.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
PUBOL
PUBOL

Thank you for your kind words at this time of year

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patricebeaufort
patricebeaufort
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route, very hilly, with superb views, beautiful mountain pastures, a herd of cows 🐄 along the way and a goat pen. A really lovely walk; the penultimate kilometre (a dull, downhill tarmac road) leads to a very steep climb through the woodland to finish the route.

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PUBOL
PUBOL

Thank you for your feedback

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nomisimon
nomisimon

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk through the woodland and across the mountain pastures. The return journey by road is not recommended – it’s not worth it.

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nounours59
nounours59

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 08, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A leisurely walk, easily suitable for children.
Can be done on snowshoes, depending on snow conditions
Beautiful scenery

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