Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range (2) Pointe de Chauvet and Lac Noir

A climb to the highest point of this hike around the Chambeyron mountain range, at over 3000 metres in altitude. A summit offering an unobstructed view over Queyras and the neighbouring mountain ranges. A downhill route allowing a well-deserved rest by a lake.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range

Technical sheet

105409
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.56 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 673 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 674 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,288 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,614 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Starting at refuge du Chambeyron.

(S) Head north following the GRP "Tour du Chambeyron".

(1) At high point 2628, let the GRP head off to the right and keep heading north towards Pas de la Souvagea (pass). Keep heading north through a landscape which becomes more and more mineral. The trail turns left before reaching the pass.

(2) At the pass, do not take the trail heading north-west towards Maljasset small valley, instead head uphill to the right (north-east). Head off to the right (east) reaching a rocky ridge.

(3) Keep heading uphill, winding through the fallen rocks, sticking to a north-/north-east direction. The slope gradually gets steeper, finally reaching the summit.

(4) Start heading down the same way. A bit further down, locate an indentation allowing you to cross over to the eastern slope of the ridge (the left-hand side).

(3) Go left (south-east) along a footpath crossing the ridge and head downhill towards Lac Noir well in sight.

(5) Go around the right hand side of the lake. Get back to the GRP "Tour du Chambeyron" heading downhill to the right-hand side towards Lac Long.

(6) At the far end of the lake, turn right and follow the trail due west. Head downhill regaining the path you took at the beginning of the stage.

(1) Take a left, quickly regaining the shelter.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,615 m - Refuge du Chambeyron
  2. 1 : km 0.24 - alt. 2,631 m - Fork in the road, leaving the GRP
  3. 2 : km 1.02 - alt. 2,882 m - Pas de la Souvagea
  4. 3 : km 1.66 - alt. 3,075 m - Bifurcation, notch in the ridge
  5. 4 : km 2.3 - alt. 3,288 m - Summit - Pointe de Chauvet
  6. 5 : km 3.57 - alt. 2,818 m - Black Lake - Lac Noir (Chambeyron)
  7. 6 : km 4.48 - alt. 2,785 m - Lac Long (Mercantour)
  8. S/E : km 5.56 - alt. 2,614 m - Refuge du Chambeyron

Practical information

The hike uses trails that are sometimes outlined in the scree. When heading downhill, don't attempt to cross the ridge towards Lac Noir too early: wait until you reach the indentation which allows you to cross over to the lake easily (crossing earlier, you could find yourself stuck against rocky ledges). Be careful in any event. Only set about doing this stage in good weather.

Refuge du Chambeyron: shelter open from April to September. Catering, water source. Phone 04 92 84 33 83. No water sources apart from the stage shelters and gîtes so bring water supplies.

1/25000 scale map is a must. A compass wouldn't hurt...

In the nearby area

La Pointe de Chauvet (or Pointe Aval) is one of the lowest points of Aiguilles de Chambeyron. You'll be able to enjoy a superb view point over the surrounding mountains ranges.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Anti0che
Anti0che
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The loop via the Lac Noir is an excellent idea, the terrain is fun and much less thankless than it looks. We didn't see any trails, but the route is fairly easy to find. The chamois seem to like it here. It can also be fun to climb up to the refuge on the balcony path that passes through the Cloutasses crossroads, and come back down on the GRP via the Pas de la Couleta. In this way, apart from the last 300 metres below the summit, you make a nice loop (18 km) from Fouillouse, without ever going back over the same spot!

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Cedeka
Cedeka

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 30, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful viewpoint!
It's a steep climb from the refuge. The path is well marked.
For the unmarked option via the Lac Noir, the descent is not very "comfortable" but this is compensated for by the "off-piste" aspect, which allows you to see ptarmigan and chamois closer than usual!
It also makes for a more pleasant loop than a round trip...

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phdsvt0609
phdsvt0609

Hello .
I have actually uploaded some routes around the Brec de Chambeyron, which I plan to do in July 2018.
I would be delighted to leave a comment on my return. Philip

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