Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette walks

A peaceful exploration of the upper Champoléon valley, on either side of the Drac de Champoléon or Drac Blanc torrent in the heart of the Champsaur Massif, to the Pré de la Chaumette refuge on the edge of the Écrins National Park. ⚠️ 15/09/2025: Left bank impassable due to a landslide. The route is a return trip 1-4-3 to the refuge on the GRP®. Please read the notices carefully.

This fairly easily accessible pass is located at the bottom of the Champoléon valley. You can make a circular loop by taking a little-used path that climbs parallel to the Prelles waterfall, passes by the small Lac de Prelles lake before reaching the Col du Cheval de Bois pass. Then descend via the marked trail that passes by the Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette.

Route on the Tour du Vieux Chaillol andGR®54trails. It takes you around the Puy de la Chaumette under the south face of the imposing Sirac.

A very challenging 180 km route with 12,000 metres of elevation gain, requiring excellent physical fitness. Stages offering spectacular scenery, steep mountains, passes, wildlife, flora and colours. The most beautifulGR® route we have ever done. We completed the route in August, the ideal time to tackle the most difficult passes, which are likely to be snow-covered early in the season, such as La Muzelle, l’Aup Martin, the Pas de la Cavale, de la Valette, Vallonpierre and de La Vaurze.

The12th stage of this route features three passes to cross, the last of which is particularly technical and difficult. The panoramic views remain as exceptional as ever, with vistas of the majestic Chaillol, the Sirac and the Champoléon valley. The refuge is set in lush greenery at the bottom of a cirque at the foot of the Sirac and on the shores of the magnificent Lac de Vallonpierre. A campsite in a beautiful meadow at the foot of the Sirac, with a splendid view of the lake.

This 7-day trek is for hikers who are used to camping in tents.Although there are a few refuges along the route, the stages are designed for those who wish to sleep in the heart of nature.The circuit crosses the Écrins massif and offers total immersion in the alpine landscape, where you can encounter local flora and fauna.Ideal for walkers who are used to the mountains, it is a complete adventure that will challenge you with its significant elevation changes and occasional technical or unmarked sections.

The hike begins with the ascent of the Pas de la Cavale, which rises to an altitude of 2,735 metres. After this climb, you will reach the Pré de la Chaumette refuge. From there, another climb will take you along the imposing Sirac, passing through the Vallette, Gouiran and Vallonpierre passes. The route ends at the Vallonpierre refuge.

Stage11 of this route. One of the most beautiful and challenging stages of the route, featuring the Aup Martin pass at 2,700 metres and the Pas de la Cavale, the highest point ofthe GR® 54. This stage demands the utmost vigilance and experience of high-mountain hiking. The views are absolutely stunning and incredibly wild. We took the shuttle bus to avoid the 8 km of tarmac road to the car park at Entre-les-Aigues.