For access to the starting point, see the Practical Information section.
Red-white and/or yellow markings
(S/E) Follow the track to the end, to a small bridge over the Vallon de Valloar. Turn left onto the track and continue to marker 73.
(1) At the marker, cross the small stream and climb up to the right towards the Refuge de Gialorgues (marked as 1 hour 30 minutes). The trail winds through the woods and climbs gradually between streams and larch trees.
Then, as you leave the forest, the trail approaches the stream, which you will follow to a marshy area called peatland.
Go around it on the right, and after a barrier (where many marmots live), you will reach the Gialorgues refuge, at marker 73a.
(2) Continue straight ahead towards the Col de Gialorgues. The trail climbs a small hill and when the slope levels out, look for a cairn on the right-hand side of the stream.
No markings
(3) This is where the off-trail section begins. At the cairn on your right, climb straight up the grassy slope to a flat area at a small rock barrier. A few cairns will show you the way.
Then, a small trail branches off to the right, running alongside this barrier. Follow it for a few metres, then climb up to the left, following the cairns that indicate the passage of a second rock barrier. Continue straight ahead to discover the first lake of Gialorgues.
(4) Go around the lake on the right and head for a large cairn on a rock. From here, you will see a few tracks going up to the left towards a small pass. Follow them and when you reach this flat area, turn slightly to the right to reach the second lake of Gialorgues.
(5) From the second lake, climb up the path on the left. The slope is quite steep, but you will quickly reach the third and last lake, which is the largest.
(6) Go around the lake on the left and walk all the way around it. When you reach the spillway, stay on the left bank and descend, following the cairns until you return to the second lake. Cross the stream (actually two streams, as there is also the spillway from the second lake) and continue descending straight ahead, following the cairns.
Then turn right to reach the bog near a sheepfold. Pass this area and descend towards the refuge, following the cairns to return to marker 73a.
Red-white markings
(2) Then turn left and follow the route in reverse to return to the starting point (S/E).
