Serre du Mouton and Lac Saint-Apollinaire

Park at the ski lift car park.

(S/E) The route starts to the left of the ski lift ticket offices. With your back to the chairlift, turn right onto the wide Joubelle track until you reach the first junction.

(1) Follow the path to the right, which climbs through the larch forest until you reach a flatter section that slopes gently downwards.

(2) Turn left. Follow the path uphill until you reach the edge of the forest. You’ll come to a signpost.

(3) Continue to the right along this steep, stony path which leads to the Aiguilles de Chabrière and the Serre du Mouton, an altitude of 1,976 metres.

(4) Enjoy the panoramic view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon that unfolds before you. Head back down to the previous junction.

(3) Turn right onto the descent towards Lac Saint-Apollinaire and head for the Cabane de Joubelle.

(5) Continue along the path leading to the hut, then take the^GR® 50 and^GRP® Tour du Lac de Serre-Ponçon opposite, heading towards Lac Saint-Apollinaire. You can take a shortcut by turning left onto the Route Forestière de Youbelle. Otherwise, continue downhill to the lake.

(6) Walk round the lake, then head back up a little way along the same path and continue on the^GR® to the right, which leads to the D509t road.

(7) Turn left onto this road and follow it for 300 m until you reach a path on the left.

(8) Leave the road by turning left and follow the^GR® until it joins the D609.

(9) Follow this road to the left for about 250 m. Leave the^GR® at a bend and continue along the road leading to the starting car park (S/E).

Option to shorten the circular route: at (5): turn left onto the^GR® alternative route along the forest track, which will take you back to (1).
(5) Water point and picnic tables at the Cabane de Joubelle.
(6) Benches around Lake Saint-Apollinaire.
Sturdy walking shoes and walking poles are recommended.