This walk is part of the trek Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range.
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.
Calculated time: 3h30[?] 
Distance : 5.56km
Vertical gain : 672m
Vertical drop : 672m
Highest point : 3292m
Lowest point : 2620m 
Difficulty : Difficult
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Areas : Alps, Ubaye Valley 
Location : Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye
(04530)
Starting point : N 44.530236° / E 6.835963° 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 :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 2620m - Refuge du Chambeyron
1 : km 0.24 - alt. 2636m - Junction, leave the GRP
2 : km 1.02 - alt. 2881m - Pas de la Souvagea
3 : km 1.66 - alt. 3075m - Junction, indentation in the ridge
4 : km 2.3 - alt. 3292m - Summit - Pointe de Chauvet
5 : km 3.57 - alt. 2822m - Lac Noir - Lac Noir (Chambeyron)
6 : km 4.48 - alt. 2789m - Lac Long - Lac Long (Mercantour)
D/A : km 5.56 - alt. 2620m - Refuge du Chambeyron
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...
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
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.
17.13km
+808m
-1517m
7h10
Very difficult
Starting point in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye - 04 - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence The most demanding stage of the hike during which you'll go through at least 4 passes at over 2700 metres in altitude. Beautiful scenery all along the way! The "Lacs Marinet" offer the opportunity for refreshments before the final descent.
57.49km
+4162m
-4349m
5 days
Difficult
Starting point in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye - 04 - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Reaching over 3000 metres in altitude, Aiguilles de Chambeyron and Brec de Chambeyron form an impressive mountain range halfway between Queyras and the Moncantour. This hike offers a trek with no techincal difficulty, with passes over 2700 m in altitude and a summit of over 3000 m. Set in an outstanding landscape and for the most part within a high mountain setting.
6.21km
+757m
-13m
3h55
Average
Starting point in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye - 04 - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence First stage around the Chambeyron Mountain Range which, after a steady climb, takes you to the shelter with the same name. You'll end up in a breath-taking setting, at the foot of Brec de Chambeyron.
19.83km
+1509m
-1510m
10h00
Very difficult
Starting point in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye - 04 - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence A loop around Brec de Chambeyron, leaving from the hamlet of Fouillouse.
14.93km
+736m
-1011m
6h20
Difficult
Starting point in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye - 04 - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Quite a long stage but a steady route. A climb up to Col de Mary then a long downhill hike all the way to the shelter, in Chiaperra, Italy.
13.65km
+1189m
-1136m
7h20
Very difficult
Starting point in Acceglio - Province de Cuneo Last stage of this trek around Chambeyron mountain range, taking you back to France through Col de Sautron. You'll find yourself in superb wildlife setting when arriving at the pass.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
