Refuge-Entre-le-Lac (2146m) walks

Lac de la Plagne is a classic day hike in the Peisey Valley. It takes you right into the heart of the Vanoise National Park in a very mountainous setting. The normal route can be done without a map, as it is entirely on theGR®5, which is why I am suggesting a wilder route here, but also more challenging due to numerous stream crossings and some off-trail sections.

This ninth stage takes place in the Vanoise massif. First along the GR® 5 to Val Claret and then via the Via Alpina, which crosses the Haute Vanoise before rejoining the GR® 5.From the refuge, the path joins the GR® 5 at Plan de la Grassaz. The view opens out onto a vast plateau. The path passes Lake Grattaleu, the Refuge du Palet and the pass of the same name. It descends towards Val Claret and leaves the GR® 5 for the Haute Vanoise variant via the Via Alpina and the GR® 55. It climbs towards the Col de Fresse but bypasses it to reach the Col de la Leisse. The trail descends beneath the Grande Motte glacier, skirting the Lac des Nettes, and reaches the Refuge de la Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge, the Via Alpina leaves the GR® 55, heads for the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux, and crosses the Torrent de la Rocheure to rejoin the GR® 5. It climbs towards Lac des Lozières and then, at the foot of the glaciers, runs along a ridge overlooking the Doron Termignon valley and reaches the Refuge de l’Arpont.