Les Prés de Lauplat – Les Naizets

(S) From Les Prés de Lauplat, head west and rejoin the path from the previous stage: Lacs de Sebeyras – Les Prés de Lauplat.
Begin a long descent (~760 m drop) via switchbacks over sandy ground, then through tall grass.

(1) Cross a small, old stream channel (see photo); there are no particular difficulties, but take care in wet weather.
Continue towards the Torrent de Tempier, which lies in the hollow of the valley.

(2) Once you reach the stream, turn left onto a wider path leading towards the hamlet of Navette.

(3) Walk through the ruins of the hamlet and the chapel to reach a fountain. Once at the fountain, continue to the right (north) towards the Pont des Oules, along a forest track unsuitable for vehicles.

(4) At the next junction, carry on straight ahead, staying on the right bank of the stream along a footpath.

(5) At the Pont des Oules du Diable, head towards La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar (signposted ‘La Chapelle’) via the GRP® du Tour du Vieux Chaillol (yellow and red markings). Please note: as the old GRP® route is closed (due to a rockslide), you will need to take a short detour.
Cross the Pont des Oules, then take a path on the right, following the left bank of the Oules. You’ll come to a footbridge. Cross the stream and walk uphill for a few metres. You’ll rejoin the GRP® Tour du Vieux Chaillol.

(6) Continue to the left.

(7) After the final hairpin bends through the woods, leave the GRP® and take the GR®54 to the left (red and white markings). Further down, you’ll reach the village of La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar; head down the narrow lane. There’s a fountain on the right: turn right here towards the main road, the D480.

(8) Leave the village, heading towards Le Casset, and continue along the D480 for a further 600 m. After a bridge and a right-hand bend, rejoin the GR®54 path on your left, near a small car park with a commemorative stele.

(9) Take the GR®54 trail and head uphill towards the Refuge de l’Olan. Continue climbing to the finish via numerous hairpin bends (~780 m elevation gain). Cross the first bridge (Torrent de Combefroide waterfall),

(10) At the next junction, keep right on the GR®54.

(11) At the second bridge you come to, cross it and leave the GR® immediately. Continue off-trail along the left bank of the stream (see photo), and further on (100 m) you’ll reach a grassy plateau jutting out from the slope where you can camp (E).

Please note: this route passes through the Écrins National Park; see: Park regulations.
Whilst camping is prohibited within the core zone of the national park, wild camping is permitted under certain conditions: between 7 pm and 9 am, at least one hour’s walk from any road access points or the boundaries of the core zone (marked by small blue, white and red flags), and in compliance with the regulations (no fires, no littering, no noise pollution).

Information on the route:

• The ideal time of year is from July to September.
• Time taken by the hiker: 5 hours (carrying a 13 kg rucksack).
• Trail traffic: heavy.
• Mobile phone coverage is fairly good on arrival.

Accommodation:

(S) Bivouac at Les Prés de Lauplat, not far from a shepherd’s hut (no mobile phone coverage).
Pasture use from 30 June to 15 July and from¹ September to 30 September (approximate dates).

(E) Campsite on a grassy plateau near Les Naizets (mobile phone coverage is fairly good).

Water nearby:

• km 0.0 – (S) Lauze de Lauplat spring
• km 3.0 – Navette fountain
• km 6.0 – Fountain at La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar
• km 9.4 – Combefroide stream
• km 10.5 – Combefroide torrent

Along the route, in La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar, the Épicerie du Valgo is open for you to stock up on food.

Alternative route
You can descend (a more challenging route) via Le Chapeau and the Crête de la Côte Grasse; see the route: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-chapeau/ (to be followed in the opposite direction).