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Parking at the Vacherie de la Madone.
(S/E) From the car park, follow the wide path that leads to the Vacherie de la Madone (marker 359). Go past it, leaving the bridge and the path that climbs towards La Madone de Fenestre on your left. Continue along this path, which enters the cirque. You will soon reach the junction where the two paths separate (marker 367).
(1) Take the path on the right that climbs towards Prals and the Baisse des Cinq Lacs.
The path is well marked, so keep an eye out for wildlife. Chamois are often seen at low altitudes, especially early in the season. It is not uncommon to see them at 2,000 metres.
Continue climbing up the Vallon du Ponset.
(2) Look at the promontories above you on your left, where you may see some horned observers, who are quite assiduous.
Continue on, entering a more open area and crossing the stream. Keep climbing, following the tracks and cairns. The Baisse des Cinq Lacs is in front of you, but you cannot see the passage in this area. Continue towards a small fault line, and you will see the trail start on your right (due west).
(3) The trail climbs up this ridge. A lake is marked on the map, but only a wet area remains.
Continue along this ridge, then towards the Baisse des Cinq Lacs. This area may be snowy, especially early in the season.
Take the usual precautions.
(4) The Baisse offers a beautiful view, especially of the ridge and summit of La Valette (another walk described on Visorando). The descent to the lakes is easy, even in snow, with no hazards. Pass Borne 366.
(5) To tour the lakes, wander at your leisure.
The direct path passes between the two westernmost lakes. Join it for the return journey. The first few metres are a little steep, but it quickly levels out. You will be overlooking the Prals valley on your right, which you will take later, and the Prals plateau, a sort of large combe at your feet. The trail is well marked for the descent. Join a more popular route (Cime de la Vallette de Prals) at marker 364 or a little lower.
(6) Descend the path that runs alongside the torrent. The route is clear, with two footbridges to cross the torrent, the second at marker 362.
Shortly after the trail leaves the stream, turn right (due north) and follow the road. Walk up the road for about 200 m to the bridge and return to the car park where you started (S/E).
. It will have to be for next time!
Visorando member
Difficult 
Extremely difficult 
