Lac Blanc - Refuge des Drayères

(S) Once you’ve packed up camp, head towards the Col du Lac Blanc.

(1) Begin the ascent of Mont Thabor. The path descends for about a hundred metres before climbing again to pass a small secondary lake in the Vallon du Dîner. From there, climb up to the Col des Méandes via a moderate grassy slope.

(2) Begin the ascent of Mont Thabor proper. The path, which is easy at first, steepens quite quickly but presents no particular difficulty. Crosses mark the path for those undertaking the pilgrimage. Early in the season, it may be necessary to cross snowfields on the upper section of the path; walking poles are therefore strongly recommended. Continue the ascent to a dip (Pied du Désert) where there is a T-junction.

(3) Take the path on the right to begin the final ascent to Thabor; the path is steep but presents no particular difficulty. Pass in front of the Thabor Chapel (due to instability, access to the interior is prohibited) then cross the summit plateau to reach the cairn marking the highest point.

(4) Descend back to the chapel and follow the path taken on the way up to the T-junction at Pied du Désert.

(3) Turn right towards the Col de la Chapelle.

(5) From the Col de la Chapelle, follow the path towards the Col de Valmeinier. The path crosses an imposing scree slope as well as a few gently sloping snowfields. Trekking poles are strongly recommended on this rough terrain.

(6) Climb about a hundred metres along a rugged ridge. Pay close attention to the poorly marked path which winds back and forth along the ridge, as some sections are more difficult than others. You may need to use your hands on one or two sections of the ascent. This will take you to the Roche du Chardonnet at an altitude of 2,950 m.

(7) Then descend to the Col des Muandes via a clearly visible, moderately steep path.

(8) Descend towards the Vallée de la Clarée via the path taken the previous day, heading towards the Refuge de Laval. The descent is long but presents no particular technical difficulty.

(9) Leave the path taken at the start and turn right at Lac Rond, heading towards the Refuge des Drayères.

(10) Near the 2259m mark, cross a bridge (not shown on the map) over the Torrent de Brune and follow the path towards the Refuge des Drayères (signposted). This route will save you from descending too far only to have to climb back up to the refuge.

Arrive at the refuge where you can enjoy a nice cold drink and a hot dinner to celebrate this day above 3,000 m (E).

Rocky and sometimes exposed terrain: walking poles and hiking boots are strongly recommended!

The weather at 3,000 metres can change rapidly during the day, even in fine weather. An early start is recommended to enjoy the views from the summit as well as mild weather conditions.

Covid-19: For the Drayères refuge, please remember to book your overnight stay or dinner in advance (booking and wearing a mask in the refuge are compulsory)!

It is possible to return to the Laval car park from the Drayères refuge to shorten the trek; allow 45 minutes’ walk on a gentle slope (valley floor).

Tip: enjoy a nice picnic at the foot of the chapel, which is less exposed to the wind, before starting the descent.

- Mont Thabor Chapel and Pilgrimage.
- Mont Thabor.
- Les Drayères refuge.