Refuge Laval walks

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.

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.

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.

This hike is certainly long, but it will allow you to discover one of the major areas of the wonderful Clarée Valley.

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.

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.

Day 2 in the Clarée Valley: ascent of Pointe des Cerces (unmarked mountain route), passage to Lac and Source de la Clarée and climb to the second bivouac at Lacs de la Madeleine (off-trail on the final section). As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.

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.

The hike starts after the bivouac at Lac des Méandes (below Col des Méandes) to reach the summit of Mont Thabor and admire the 360° view of the mountains. Then return via the Refuge du Mont Thabor and descend to Valfréjus.

Between forest, mountain pastures and the banks of the Clarée, this walk takes you gently from Névache to the upper Clarée valley. It is also an opportunity to discover the hamlets and isolated chalets scattered throughout the valley. Don't forget to admire the pretty Fontcouverte waterfall on the way! Please note that if you do this hike outside the shuttle bus operating period (information available from the tourist office), you will have to walk back to the starting point along the same route!