Refine your search for walks in Vallée de la Clarée
Vallée de la Clarée walks
Lac Laramon - Lac du Serpent
Visorando Member
5.66 mi
+2,044 ft
-2,044 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A classic of the upper Clarée Valley with a magnificent panorama of the Cerces and Ecrins massifs.
Lac des Cerces and other lakes
7.49 mi
+2,172 ft
-2,142 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
A fantastic hike which, when the weather is fine, allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes dotted with lakes in infinite shades of blue.
The Long and Rond Lakes
5.57 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,467 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A family loop in the bottom of the Clarée valley to discover two beautiful mountain lakes.
Important note: During the summer (14 July to 15 August), access by private car from Névache Ville Haute to the car park at the Laval terminus is impossible between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A shuttle bus runs regularly to allow everyone to enjoy this beautiful valley. It is advisable to park your vehicle in the car parks at the entrance to Névache (Roubion).
The Cerces tour
10.62 mi
+3,261 ft
-3,235 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful, challenging hike that takes you around the Cerces Massif, from lake to lake...
There are a few tricky sections for those who are afraid of heights
Col du Chardonnet - Lac de la Mine
7.28 mi
+2,585 ft
-2,585 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A very pleasant and varied hike in a valley that has remained fairly wild. At the pass, there is a magnificent view of the Écrins Massif, the Cerces and the Grand Galibier Massif.
Col des Muandes - Rond, Muandes, Madeleine and Long lakes
9.13 mi
+2,930 ft
-2,900 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Enjoy a beautiful walk in the Haute-Clarée valley, which offers a festival of lakes reflecting the peaks of the Cerces (the Pointe des Cerces, the Roches de Crépin, the Pointe du Riou Blanc and the Pointe des Banchets). The Col des Muandes (2,828 m) offers a view of the Etroite valley and Mont Thabor.
Pic du Lac Blanc - Laramon, Serpent and Gardioles lakes
8.74 mi
+3,652 ft
-3,652 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
After admiring the beautiful lakes of Laramon and Serpent, and the Pic du Lac Blanc (2,980 m) in a mineral landscape, this circuit offers a stunning view of the Écrins and the Thabor massif. On the way back, you will discover the various small lakes of Les Gardioles.
Chavillon and Bellety lakes
6.10 mi
+2,270 ft
-2,274 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit two pretty lakes located on the link between the Névache Valley and the Vallée Etroite. The Lac de Chavillon is located at the Col des Thures, the crossing point between the two valleys mentioned above. The Lac Bellety above is on the border between the former provinces of Dauphiné and Savoie.
La Clarée with its banks and the Débaret waterfall
5.18 mi
+846 ft
-840 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Discover La Clarée from the right and left banks.
A pleasant walk, sometimes a little difficult but so enjoyable in the cool air.
A route close to the river, with flowers and vegetation depending on the season.
And, of course, the beautiful and impressive Débaret waterfall.
You start by walking through part of an authentic village, with its weathered, exposed timber houses.
Then, get up close and personal with nature at its most charming.
La Clarée right bank: from Névache to the Laval car park
6.13 mi
+1,444 ft
-49 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Between forest, mountain pastures and the banks of the Clarée, this walk takes you gently from Névache to the upper Clarée valley. It is also an opportunity to discover the hamlets and isolated chalets scattered throughout the valley. Don't forget to admire the pretty Fontcouverte waterfall on the way!
Please note that if you do this hike outside the shuttle bus operating period (information available from the tourist office), you will have to walk back to the starting point along the same route!
The Lake and the Porte de Cristol
8.07 mi
+3,064 ft
-3,035 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful, not very difficult walk starting from Névache. It will take you from the larch forest to the very mineral landscape that forms the setting for this lake. The place is quiet and imbued with a great serenity, which is lacking in most of the lakes in the region, which are often very busy.
Tour of the Gardioles Lakes
6.78 mi
+2,310 ft
-2,313 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A classic hike in the Clarée Valley, set against the magnificent backdrop of one of France’s most beautiful landscapes.This easy walk allows you to admire the reflections of the Cerces and Écrins mountains in the crystal-clear waters of the many Gardioles lakes. The scenery is so breathtaking that you should allow at least an hour or two longer than the scheduled time to complete the circular walk.Much of the route takes you far from the beaten track, sometimes off any path at all.
Aiguille Rouge - Col des Thures - Chavillon and Bellety Lakes
7.79 mi
+3,291 ft
-3,291 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike that takes you from a larch forest to a mineral world. We tackle the summit of the Aiguille Rouge with its splendid panorama, then the vast mountain pasture of the Col des Thures and Lake Chavillon, under the watchful eye of the three Wise Men of the Vallée Étroite. We extend the hike to Lake Bellety, which is less frequented but well worth the detour.
Lac de la Cula circular
3.81 mi
+1,542 ft
-1,542 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Here is a short hike, with a section off the beaten track, to a magnificent lake, a real vantage point over the Cerces massif. I recommend using the Visorando app.
The Cave of the Fifty Donkeys
7.11 mi
+1,749 ft
-1,745 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Val-des-Prés (Hautes-Alpes)
A very pleasant route along the banks of the Clarée with the discovery of a historic cave.
(Please note: the path through the Ravin des Sables is currently completely destroyed, so it is advisable to reverse the direction of the hike to reach the cave.)
Lakes of the upper Clarée Valley via Les Rochilles
8.35 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,470 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This is an easy route that allows you to see the three most accessible lakes in the upper Clarée Valley. If the weather is fine, you won't be able to resist the temptation to cool off in the many pools created by the torrent, and the surroundings are majestic.
Fort de l'Olive
4.75 mi
+2,530 ft
-2,513 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit one of the many forts covering the Briançonnais region, unfortunately now in ruins. This fort overlooks the Clarée Valley and in particular the Cols de l'Échelle and Cols des Acles passes on the Italian border.
The Gardiole route
8.58 mi
+3,937 ft
-3,937 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit a summit renowned for ski touring, but also in summer for the historical heritage associated with this place.
Mont Thabor from the Chalets de Laval
11.79 mi
+4,416 ft
-4,403 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
It's a round trip, but a magnificent one, where the trail winds its way among high-altitude lakes and takes you to the highest point, the area's iconic summit: Mont Thabor.
You will sometimes follow theGR® trail, sometimes unmarked paths, marked by almost too many cairns. Trust your map and your sense of direction, but still check your position before entering dangerous areas.
Chavillon and Bellety lakes
6.86 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,398 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike offering views of the Rois Mages massif and Mont Thabor, with most of the climb taking place in the forest.
Lake Cristol
5.57 mi
+2,329 ft
-2,303 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Visit a particularly pleasant lake nestled in the large cirque at the foot of the Gardiole.
In the Clarée Valley, Fontcouverte
7.33 mi
+974 ft
-961 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Route along the right and left banks of the Clarée, to discover the hamlet of Fontcouverte, in the heart of the Cerces Massif.
Foncouverte Waterfall
0.63 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
0h 20
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A family hike that allows you to discover the beautiful Fontcouverte waterfall in a short round trip.
4 days in the Clarée Valley (Cerces and Thabor)
30.15 mi
+12,549 ft
-12,520 ft
4 days
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This 4-day circular bivouac is for experienced hikers.
It does, of course, follow sections of marked trails (GR®,GRP®), but the nature of the terrain when off-trail requires extreme caution (rock falls) and a solid knowledge of navigation, especially in unpredictable weather. The daily summit climb is obviously dependent on your equipment (crampons?), weather conditions (snowfields?) and your physical fitness.
Col and Lac des Thures from Névache
6.41 mi
+2,014 ft
-2,011 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
In Névache in summer, the trails are very busy, especially those leading to the beautiful Lac des Thures, which is more accurately called Lac de Chavillon, but as it is located right at the Col des Thures, it is easier to associate it with this name.
The Clarée lakes route: Laramon, Serpent, Les Gardioles, Blanc
8.96 mi
+3,579 ft
-4,459 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike is certainly long, but it will allow you to discover one of the major areas of the wonderful Clarée Valley.
To the Haute Clarée peat bogs from the Laval chalets
6.87 mi
+1,368 ft
-1,368 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This easy hike will take us from the Chalets de Laval to the sources of the Clarée and their peat bogs, a real ecological treasure in their mountain setting, and incidentally to the small lake where this pretty river, often celebrated by hikers, has its source.
Grand Aréa via the Col de Buffère - Lacs Ronds and Cristol
10.98 mi
+4,419 ft
-4,413 ft
8h 55
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A viewpoint with a vast panorama stretching to the surrounding mountains, the summit of Grand Aréa at 2,869 metres offers a magnificent 360° view of the Guisane and Clarée valleys, as well as La Meije and La Barre des Ecrins.
Lac Rouge via Lac des Béraudes
3.85 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,096 ft
3h 35
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a hike where you will certainly be captivated by the unfailing beauty of the turquoise blue Lac des Béraudes and the equally blue Lac Rouge, which owes its name solely to the colour of the candle that dominates it. The route includes a few metres off the trail. One section may be tricky for some people; see the practical information and reviews.
Circular route between Roubion and Plampinet via the Route Forestière du Bois Noir
3.26 mi
+335 ft
-364 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A lovely, easy walk, mostly through a larch forest and, for a short stretch, along the Clarée. In summer, you can enjoy the magnificent alpine flora that accompanies you along the entire route.
The Col de l'Échelle tunnel
6.19 mi
+820 ft
-820 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A very peaceful walk along the road and through the forest to reach this small tunnel before the long descent to Bardonneche.
Pointe de Rochachille via Lac Biron
7.95 mi
+2,549 ft
-2,543 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A hike where you’ll be captivated by the unchanging beauty of Lac Biron with its emerald blue-green waters and by the panoramic view from Pointe de Rochachille stretching from Mont Blanc to Mont Viso.The ridge is somewhat exposed and may be daunting for those prone to vertigo.I recommend supplementing the description by using the Visorando app.
Hamlets of Névache
5.04 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,125 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Walk along the balcony to admire the Névache valley and the various hamlets strung out in a row. Strollers will also enjoy admiring the village's narrow streets with their sundials.
Circular Lac de la Cula starting from La Fruitière
7.40 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,044 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
In the Névache valley, a very pleasant circular path to discover Lac de la Cula and enjoy, from the circular path, a sweeping view of the Upper Clarée Valley.
Lac des Béraudes
2.56 mi
+1,578 ft
-1,575 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Here is a classic short hike in the Clarée Valley. No one has published it to date, which is why I am suggesting it. A magnificent little lake is the destination, accessible to families who enjoy hiking and to dogs.
This lake could well have been called Emerald Green Lake, as its colour is reminiscent of a precious stone set in a mineral setting. The landscape is spectacular, with its vertiginous cliffs and wild vegetation. The environment has remained in its natural state, but you’re sure to find a rock or two where you can sit down for a rustic picnic.
Tour of the Bois de Saint-Hippolyte
6.68 mi
+2,365 ft
-2,349 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This forest hike does not present any major difficulties. It is suitable for all experienced hikers. It can be done in all seasons, but I prefer autumn because of the colours of the larch trees. After the first snowfall, it is also possible to do this route on snowshoes. However, be careful of the often exposed slopes, which are prone to avalanches.
The ‘Promenade des Balcons de Névache’ circular walk
4.14 mi
+906 ft
-902 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A walk around the village of Névache to explore a beautiful forest and a charming forest hut.
Col de l'Echelle – Aiguille Rouge circular loop
5.88 mi
+2,651 ft
-2,654 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The hike from Col de l’Échelle to Aiguille Rouge is a classic route usually done as a round trip via an easy path.
The uniqueness of the route suggested here lies in the fact that it follows a little-known path for much of the ascent. Please note: as this path passes through areas prone to erosion, it is therefore reserved for experienced hikers.
Short circular loop from Laval to Les Drayères
3.71 mi
+469 ft
-469 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
At the end of the world, beneath the Cerces massif, this short, family-friendly circular walk leads to the Drayères refuge via the stony track on the left bank of the Clarée, before returning along the magnificent, bucolic little path on the right bank.
Rocher de la Grande Tempête and Pic du Lac Blanc
10.59 mi
+4,288 ft
-4,288 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A circular hike passing two viewpoints and numerous lakes, all set against the spectacular panorama of the Écrins and the Cerces. Three-quarters of the hike is off-trail, and even in the height of summer it is very rare to come across other walkers.At an altitude of over 3,000 metres, the Rocher de la Grande Tempête offers a splendid view of Mont Thabor and the Vallée Étroite. The Pic du Lac Blanc, meanwhile, provides views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Rouge.
Fontcouverte Campsite - Lac de la Ponsonnière
7.08 mi
+3,691 ft
-1,391 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
For this first three-day stage, the route offers magnificent views of the Écrins Massif at the Col du Chardonnet and then of the Grand Lac. We have chosen to camp at Lac de la Ponsonnière, but it is entirely possible to camp on the heights of the Grand Lac, near the pastoral house. This allows you to shorten the duration of this first day slightly and, above all, reduce the elevation gain by around 200m.
Circular Mont Thabor from the Refuge Laval
14.13 mi
+5,440 ft
-5,413 ft
11h 15
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The Clarée Valley is magnificent. Superb views from the summit, worthy of a 3,000-metre peak.
A very varied hike that takes you past 6 lakes in very different settings.
Aiguille Rouge and Lac Bellety
10.34 mi
+3,589 ft
-3,589 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A magnificent circular hike that avoids a mundane return trip to the Aiguille Rouge. This hike ventures off the marked trails on a few occasions, but civilisation is always in sight, so it’s impossible to get lost.
After the superb viewpoint at the Aiguille Rouge, the route takes in two lakes as well as a multitude of fairy chimneys in the Combe des Thures.
The Chardonnet and Aiguillette passes from Fontcouverte
9.05 mi
+3,602 ft
-3,586 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Starting from the Fontcouverte campsite, climb to the Col du Chardonnet via the Refuge du Chardonnet, then push on (with a bit of off-trail walking) to the Col de l’Aiguillette and the foot of the Peryou. Return via the Col de l’Aiguillette and the Crête du Chardonnet, then descend via the Chalets du Queyrellin.
Rocher de Barrabas or Guglia Di Mezzodi
9.75 mi
+3,743 ft
-3,720 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The Rocher de Barrabas or Guglia di Mezzodi is a peak on the Italian border with a particularly striking profile. It forms part of a veritable amphitheatre of Dolomite rocks on the Italian side. The view it offers is simply breathtaking.
Lakes Laramon and Serpent via the Chemin de Ronde, starting from Névache
12.11 mi
+2,897 ft
-2,877 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The two lakes, Laramon and Serpent, are a classic hiking destination in the Clarée Valley. For us, the journey is often more important than the destination, which is why we made our way there via the Chemin de Ronde, a route that’s well worth the walk in its own right.
Buffère Mountain Hut
2.98 mi
+1,627 ft
-98 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
You’ll gradually discover the Clarée valley. As you gain altitude, your view will widen. It’ll soon become truly extraordinary!
The Thabor Circuit in 5 days
50.44 mi
+16,581 ft
-16,614 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Valmeinier (Savoie)
This 5-day route takes you from mountain hut to mountain hut along theGRP® Tour du Thabor route, offering fabulous high-mountain landscapes and panoramic views at altitudes often exceeding 2,500 metres. The ascent of Mont Thabor to nearly 3,200 metres gives you the feeling of being on top of the world, where you’ll experience the effects of high altitude.
