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Refuge de Ricou walks
Circular Lac de la Cula starting from La Fruitière
Visorando Member
7.40 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,044 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
In the Névache valley, a very pleasant circular path to discover Lac de la Cula and enjoy, from the circular path, a sweeping view of the Upper Clarée Valley.
Lakes Laramon and Serpent via the Chemin de Ronde, starting from Névache
12.11 mi
+2,897 ft
-2,877 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The two lakes, Laramon and Serpent, are a classic hiking destination in the Clarée Valley. For us, the journey is often more important than the destination, which is why we made our way there via the Chemin de Ronde, a route that’s well worth the walk in its own right.
Lac de la Cula via the circular trail
4.95 mi
+2,001 ft
-1,463 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike with magnificent scenery. The climb to the Ricou refuge is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Once you reach the circular path, the route is very easy, almost flat until you reach the Torrent de la Cula. The view over the entire valley is truly superb. From the lake, the trail descends to Laval.
Walks near Refuge de Ricou
Fontcouverte Campsite - Lac de la Ponsonnière
7.08 mi
+3,691 ft
-1,391 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
For this first three-day stage, the route offers magnificent views of the Écrins Massif at the Col du Chardonnet and then of the Grand Lac. We have chosen to camp at Lac de la Ponsonnière, but it is entirely possible to camp on the heights of the Grand Lac, near the pastoral house. This allows you to shorten the duration of this first day slightly and, above all, reduce the elevation gain by around 200m.
The Clarée lakes route: Laramon, Serpent, Les Gardioles, Blanc
8.96 mi
+3,579 ft
-4,459 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike is certainly long, but it will allow you to discover one of the major areas of the wonderful Clarée Valley.
Chalet de Laval - Alpe du Lauzet
8.12 mi
+2,785 ft
-3,793 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A traverse of the Cerces massif via one of its highest passes (Béraudes) and some very beautiful lakes.And a chance to see much of the previous day’s descent route, as well as the many lakes on the other side.In early summer, the route can be made difficult by the presence of snow in the Lac des Béraudes cirque or a snow cornice on the Col des Béraudes (speaking from experience).
Laval car park - Lac des Cerces
7.23 mi
+3,537 ft
-2,254 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
First day of a 4-day circular starting from the Laval car park in the Upper Clarée Valley. As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
The Chemin de Ronde between Laval and Biaune
7.22 mi
+1,680 ft
-2,484 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Supported by theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor, this trail overlooks the upper Clarée Valley and offers magnificent views of this famous valley throughout the route.
Refuge du Chardonnet - Arsine
11.94 mi
+2,608 ft
-4,436 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This third stage of the crossing of France, following the 45th parallel as closely as possible, is long and difficult but absolutely magnificent. You will discover or rediscover the two jewels that are the Écrins and Meije massifs. Most of the route is on the GR® 50 and GR® 57. The paths are well marked and well maintained.
This stage can be divided into four sections: 1) an ascent to the Col du Chardonnet; 2) the descent to Lauzet; 3) the ascent to the Col du Lautaret; 4) the descent to Arsine.
Refuge des Drayères – Pont de l’Alpe
9.08 mi
+2,014 ft
-3,563 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
3rd and final stage. Starting from the Refuge des Drayères, head up to the source of the Clarée and return to Pont de l’Alpe via the Col de la Ponsonnière. A tour of the Massif des Cerces taking in numerous lakes, each more beautiful than the last: in turn, the Clarée, Rond, Grand Ban, Cerces, Ponsonnière and, finally, the Grand Lac.
Refuge des Drayeres – Valmeinier 1,800
10.62 mi
+2,500 ft
-3,848 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The final stage of this route runs from the Refuge des Drayeres in the Clarée Valley to the resort of Valmeinier. You will pass the Deuil des Rochilles before emerging onto three magnificent high-altitude lakes: Lac de la Clarée, Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban. Next comes the ascent of the Col des Plagnettes, followed by the descent with the rocky ridge of the Grande Paré to your left and the Aiguille Noire to your right, then the ascent of the Pas des Griffes, before descending back to Valmeinier, the end point of this 5-day route.
Lacs de la Madeleine - Lac Lavoir via Mont Thabor
6.38 mi
+2,283 ft
-3,448 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Third day of the circular with ascent of Mont Thabor (highest point of the route) via the oldGR® trail along the Roche du Chardonnet ridge and the Valmeinier Glacier, which presents certain difficulties compared to the newGR® route.
As with the other days of the circular, this route is intended for very experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
Lac Lavoir - Laval car park via the Pic du Lac Blanc
8.57 mi
+2,746 ft
-3,556 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Last day of the circular, returning to the Laval car park via the Col du Vallon and the Pic du Lac Blanc, from where you can see the route of the previous three days.