Take the D 25 from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye towards Maljasset. After passing the hamlet of Les Hugues and after the second hairpin bend, take the small road on the right towards Fouillouse. Parking is compulsory at the entrance to the village.
(S/E) From the car park, follow the tarmac road up and through the village.
This quickly turns into a lane and leads to the end of the village after the hamlet of Serret to a signposted crossroads.
(1) At the sign, turn 90° to the left onto the Chambeyron path.
The trail climbs northwards and then makes a long north-westerly traverse through juniper bushes to reach the Cloutasses crossroads.
(2) At the sign, turn right towards the refuge.
The trail winds its way up, offering stunning views of Pic de Panestrel and Pics de la Font Sancte, as well as Brec de Chambeyron.
It then heads eastwards, crossing on an almost horizontal path under the Bec Roux in the direction of the Brec de Chambeyron.
After a rocky section that allows you to bypass the Tête Viturière ridges, it gently descends towards the Chambeyron refuge, overlooking Lac Premier opposite the imposing Brec de Chambeyron.
(3) At the refuge sign, take the north-east path towards Lac des Neuf Couleurs and Col de la Gypière.
The trail passes in front of the old Jean Coste refuge and quickly reaches a fork where you should take the right-hand trail, with the left-hand trail climbing up to Pas de la Souvagea.
It climbs up the scree and passes close to Lac Rond, visible on the left, then runs alongside Lac Long.
After passing the lake, the slope levels out and the path becomes easier on a slightly undulating plateau that leads eastwards to Lac des Neuf Couleurs, nestled in its basin at the foot of Fréma.
(4) From the lake sign, head south up the path towards Col de la Gypière.
Follow a steep climb up the side of the Brec de Chambeyron to reach the pass.
(5) At the pass sign, take the path eastwards towards Tête de la Fréma.
On the climb, take the path on the right, which is sunnier on the southern slope.
This trail climbs steeply, crosses a steep passage and then continues its ascent on the Italian side.
Take a ledge on the left followed by a second ledge on the right to reach the summit slab adorned with its ornate cross.
(6) Return in the opposite direction via the same route to your parking spot (S/E).