Circular Mont Thabor from the Refuge Laval

Start from the car park at the Refuge de Laval at the end of the D301T.

(S/E) Take the path (^GR®57) towards the Refuge des Drayères and walk for about 1 km.

(1) Leave the track and take a small path on the right towards the Col des Muandes. Walk along the Lac Long and you will reach a rocky outcrop.

(2) Cross this for about 100 m; the path is poorly marked as you have to weave between and over the rocks, guided by numerous cairns. You can follow the track on the left to get a closer look at Lac Rond.

(3) As you emerge from this rocky area, leave Lac Rond below and rejoin the^GR®57.

(4) Follow the path uphill to reach Lac des Muandes.

(5) Continue along the single track, which climbs steeply and takes you to the Col des Muandes.

(6) At the pass, head left and ignore the path that descends on the other side (return route).

(7) The path becomes a little more technical but is very well marked and is not exposed for 600 m. Reach the Col de Valmenier.

(8) After the pass, there is a snowfield to cross (in August), but the trail is well-trodden by the large number of hikers who have passed through. The crossing is safe.

(9) Once you’ve left the snow-covered section, tackle the final stage of the ascent via the Col de la Chapelle and reach the next junction after crossing the wide trough.

(10) At the crossroads, take the path that climbs to the left. Reach the chapel and the summit.

(11) After enjoying the view, head back down the path in the opposite direction.

(10) Ignore the route you have already taken and go straight on. Follow a steep descent to reach the Col des Méandes.

(12) Leave the^GR® 57 and take the path down to the right. Walk for about 250 m.

(13) Turn right into the meadow onto the new signposted path. Cross the Vallon du Dîner and arrive at the Col du Lac Blanc.

(14) Continue on to reach Lac Blanc.

(15) Head left to go round the small rocky outcrop and begin the climb up to the Col des Muandes.

(6) Begin the descent by following the path back down to Lac Rond.

(4) At the three-way junction, turn right towards the Refuge des Drayères. This short circular loop offers a view of the pretty Lac Rond.

(16) Continue downhill to the right and join the track at the Pont de Pierre.

(17) Follow it to the left and arrive at the car park at the end of the D301T (S/E).

A very long but varied hike. The Clarée Valley and Mont Thabor are very busy. The best time to visit is at the end of the season. At the start of the season it is riskier due to snowfields; I encountered some in August just after the Col de Valmeinier.
On the descent from the Col des Méandes down to the Col des Muandes, the path is less busy.
The signposting and the path are very well marked throughout the route.
There are no real technical difficulties. The main challenge, in my view, is the six passes you have to cross.
On the return journey, at the (4) you can rejoin the outbound path on the left without going via the Refuge des Drayères to save a bit of distance.

Please note! To protect the valley during peak season, the road is closed at Névache. There are numerous shuttle buses to take you there. If you have booked at the campsite or mountain huts, you will be given a pass to drive through. You can enquire at the Tourist Office.

If you can, don’t miss the Fontcouverte Waterfall – a real spectacle.