Cultural and botanical discoveries of the Lautaret Pass on a hike

The hike is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, with a 2 km walk to the parking area at Lac du Pontet, at an altitude of 1900 meters. This short loop will first take us to the lake, then along a balcony trail to the summit of Aiguillon, offering breathtaking views of the Romanche Valley and the Meije peak. After our picnic lunch, we will descend towards Valfroide to reach the charming hamlet of Puy Golèfre, located at 1720 meters on the left bank of the Maurian stream. The return to Villar d'Arène will be via the new Côtes de la Ville trail.

The picnic is planned at Aiguillon.

Themes: Flora of mountain agricultural areas, flora of lakes, flora of sunny and shady slopes in subalpine areas, tall herb communities, natural and human mountain environment, art in the mountains.

The hike is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am, with a drive to the Portes parking area at an altitude of 1840 meters. This short circuit will take us from the La Grave state forest to the Col des Plagnes pass, then to the high-altitude hamlet of Les Clots, before returning to the vehicles via a beautiful traverse along a balcony trail through the alpine pastures.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the mill.

Themes: the different high-altitude trees, flora of the subalpine zone, flora and pastoralism, traditional architecture in the Pays de la Meije, panorama.

Visit the Lautaret Botanical Garden. Located at the crossroads of the Southern and Northern Alps, you'll discover over 2,000 species of high-altitude plants thriving thanks to the diverse climatic influences. You can learn about their geographical origins, medicinal properties, and culinary uses. Afterward, your guide will lead you to some of the most beautiful panoramic views in our mountains, including a visit to the Galibier Pass.

The hike begins at 8:00 AM, with a transfer by vehicle to La Grave. We will then ascend by cable car to an altitude of 3200 meters for an unmissable experience in the Pays de la Meije, offering breathtaking views of the Meije and its glaciers.

After a cable car ride up to the pass followed by a short walk, we'll take the cable car back down to the intermediate station at 2,400 meters, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the majestic Meije and its glaciers. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a botanical walk to Lake Puy Vachier, located at 2,382 meters, before returning to the starting point by cable car from 2,400 meters in La Grave.

Themes: Specific flora of the nival and alpine zones such as dwarf eritriche or king of the mountains, woolly genepi, edelweiss, evolution and exploitation of glaciers, history of the Meije, mountaineering and refuges in Oisans, 360° panorama up to Mont Blanc.

Hike departure at 9am to discover the Vallon du Petit Tabuc. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, this valley offers a breathtaking landscape, characterized by steep ridges, imposing cliffs and slopes covered with alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers.

Topics: vegetation zones, botany: basic concepts, major families, toxic and medicinal plants, larch flora.

The departure has already begun...

Your stay ends after breakfast.