Peclet-Polset Refuge - Merlets Lakes Refuge

(S) From the Peclet Polset Refuge, head up towards Lac Blanc, follow its right bank and begin the difficult ascent of the Col du Soufre: 3 km and nearly 400 m of elevation gain.

(1) At the junction north of Lac Blanc, leave the path leading to the Gerboulaz Glacier on your left and take the path on the right up towards the pass.
During this climb, on your left you will see the glacier tongue and on your right the Grand Mont Coua, standing at 3,000 m, as well as the Roc du Soufre.
Upon reaching the pass, a magnificent view awaits you of the splendid and gigantic Gerboulaz Glacier. At the top left you will see the Aiguille de Polset and, opposite it on the other side of the glacier, the Aiguille de Peclet.

(2) Begin the descent to the right along the glacier. Caution: the path is barely visible; follow the cairns carefully. The main landmark is the glacier. On the left during the descent, pass Mont Borgne and then the Aiguille du Borgne in succession. You will reach a footbridge.

(3) Cross the stream and continue the descent northwards. On the left is Mont du Vallon. You will reach the bottom of the valley at the Refuge du Saut.

(4) Turn right and take the footbridge to find the path that runs alongside the Chanrouge stream. Leave Lac de Chanrouge on your right and continue to a junction. The scenery is absolutely stunning and wild.

(5) Cross the stream to the left and take the path that climbs steeply up to the Col de Chanrouge.
I recommend stopping for a while at the top of this pass, where the views and scenery are extraordinary, with the Aiguilles des Corneilles and Chanrouge peaks.

(6) Take the path that descends steeply to the left, following the Lacs du Pêtre trail. You’ll reach a junction of paths at Plan du Pêtre.

(7) Take the path branching off to the left. The trail climbs through some of the wildest and most unspoilt countryside. Numerous edelweiss flowers add the finishing touch to this splendid route. At the next junction, there is a stunning view of the Merlets mountain lakes.

(8) Continue straight ahead for about a hundred metres to reach the Refuge des Lacs Merlets for the night (S).

The Refuge des Lacs Merlet is a small mountain refuge with 14 beds, where the manager has managed to preserve the mountain spirit. Everything takes place in the same room—accommodation and meals.
No hot water, no shower. But never mind, we had an open-air shower in a wash house. The welcome was most warm.

We camped out, and given the forecast temperature (-5°C on 12 August), the manager didn’t hesitate to lend us some blankets.
This extremely wild section lies off the beaten track of the usual Tour de la Vanoise route. But the descent along the glacier is absolutely extraordinary.

The Gebroulaz Glacier (see the alternative route https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-/168...).