Self-guided trek in the Névache valley
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationNévache / Écrins Massif
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions51.32 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
The Névache Valley, also known as the Clarée Valley, is a mountain river fed by the rushing torrents of the surrounding valleys, such as the Acles, the Thures, and the Buffère, enriching each valley with magnificent waterfalls. The plant diversity is remarkable, with larches, Swiss stone pines, Scots pines, and mountain pines . Botany enthusiasts will be delighted by the richness of the mountain flora. If you are quiet, you might even spot a partridge or an ibex . From the Col des Cerces and the Col du Thabor, you can admire majestic peaks such as Monte Viso, the Écrins massif, La Meije, and Mont Blanc.
The highlights
-
A true tour of the Clarée Valley
-
Comfortable accommodation in Névache
-
Lunch boxes included
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiker level 3 on a scale of 5:
- 5 to 7 hours of walking per day. The hikes will be structured with several options.
- Backpack: you carry your belongings for the day and a picnic except from day 6 to day 7.
This hike is for people who want to walk without supervision but who are used to hiking in medium mountains with 500 to 900m of elevation gain and stages of 5 to 7 hours.
For some of the longer stages, we always suggest an easier route. Keep in mind that at the beginning of the season (early July), some mountain passes may be snow-covered but still accessible.
The elevation changes range from 400 to 1100m (1400m if climbing Thabor).
The stages range from 4 to 8 hours of walking depending on the options chosen.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 839 m
- Average daily descent: 902 m
Management
Program
-
Hotel check-in and reception
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at the accommodation in Névache in the late afternoon. You will be given a complete information pack with maps and a detailed itinerary, providing you with all the information you need for your hike.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Névache.
Day 1 -
Névache coast – Guion tower
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 4km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will transfer you to the Col de l'Échelle (1779m), from where you will ascend the ridge of the Côte Névache to reach the Col des Acles (2212m). Via the Vallon des Acles, you will descend to Plampinet (1476m). This is a route steeped in history with beautiful views over the valley and into Italy. From Plampinet, you can walk back to your accommodation or call us for a transfer by car.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Névache.
Day 2 -
Crossing the Thures
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Névache (1600m), you set off on foot through the Roubion valleys to climb to the plateau and the Col des Thures (2200m), where Lake Chavillon is nestled. You then descend the other side into the narrow valley (1765m). You can optionally climb the summit of the Aiguille Rouge (2545m), or take a short detour to Lake Bellety. This traverse across a vast open alpine pasture under the open sky is a classic hike in the valley.
Night in a mountain refuge at the barns in the narrow valley.
Day 3 -
Narrow Valley – Muandes Pass – Laval
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 11h
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Refuge des Granges, you ascend the narrow valley to reach Lac du Chardonnet via Prat du Plan, then the Col des Muandes (2828m). You reach the hamlet of Laval (2020m) and its refuge via the Vallon des Muandes and its three lakes. On this day, it is possible to optionally climb Mont Thabor (3178m) for those in good physical condition.
Night at the Laval refuge.
Day 4 -
Tour des Cerces
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1060 m
- Negative elevation 1060 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Laval, you set off for a day of epic scenery: the Cerces circuit via the Béraudes (2770m), Ponsonnière (2613m) and Cerces (2574m) passes. Numerous lakes and viewpoints punctuate this memorable hike.
Return and overnight stay at the Laval refuge.
Day 5 -
Lakes Laramon and Serpent – Chardonnet refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1026 m
- Negative elevation 880 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You set off from Laval on the Chemin de Ronde to reach the magnificent Laramon (2359m) and Serpent lakes. Then you descend to Fontcouverte (1850m) to regain your strength and climb up the Chardonnet valley to the Chardonnet refuge (2230m), a sublime cirque between the Grande Manche and the Queyrellin.
Night at the Chardonnet refuge.
Day 6 -
Roche Noire Pass – Buffère Pass – Névache
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 694 m
- Negative elevation 1317 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From the Chardonnet refuge, you reach the Roche Noire pass (2693m) and descend into the La Moulette valley. Following the Chemin du Roy, a path overlooking the Guisane valley, you climb back up to the Buffère pass (2427m). Then comes a beautiful, bucolic descent through pastures and along the Clarée river to Névache (1600m).
Your stay will end around 4/5 pm.
Day 7
Note
PLEASE NOTE: These programs may be modified at the beginning or end of the season due to snow conditions. Many other routes are available.
This trip is also available with a guide, departing every week in July and August.
Accommodation
The first two nights will be spent in a hotel** or gîte , in a room for 2 to 4 people with a bathroom for 3 to 4 people, then in mountain refuges , in shared rooms for 4 to 8 people.
mountain refuges , in shared rooms for 4 to 8 people.
Access
Day 7 in the late afternoon in Névache.
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE OR AFTER THE HIKE
If you arrive the day before or leave the day after, half-board from €94
Go to the starting point
From Paris, you have several options:
Either arriving on the Italian side via the TGV PARIS-OULX
From this station you will need to take a direct bus to Briançon. Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance of your trip on the website www.sncf-connect.com
Either Paris / Grenoble + bus Grenoble / Briançon
Either arriving directly from Paris/Briançon, by night train or daytime trains
From Marseille or Valence, there are direct TER trains to Briançon.
To travel from Briançon to Névache:
Either by regular shuttle (in season)
Either by taxi or private transport depending on the schedule and the number of people.
When making your reservation, please remember to let us know your arrival time.
Don't hesitate to call us, we'll help you with your application!
You can drive to the hotel, where there is a large parking lot. We'll keep this description brief, given that in this modern age, GPS is standard equipment in our cars and on our phones.
From the south, you go up the Durance valley to reach Briançon.
From the north and west, you can, like cyclists, take the Lautaret Pass and its spectacular views, or choose the comfort (and the price) of crossing into Italy via the Fréjus Tunnel, a road version of the ambitious railway project of the mid-18th century. Consider carpooling!
Price details
The price includes
- Half-board from day 1 before dinner until day 7 in the late afternoon
- Transfers planned in the program
- Complete file with detailed itinerary
- Guide to the Clarée Valley
- IGN TOP 25 map (1 map for 1 to 4 people, 2 folders for 5 to 8 people)
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to Névache
- Optional picnics: €80
- Cancellation, assistance, repatriation and trip interruption insurance
- Local transport not included in the program
- Shower tokens in some shelters
- Drinks and personal expenses
Options
- picnic : CHF73.18 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of 30/40L
- 1 airtight plastic container for picnic salads if you wish to bring them (minimum capacity 0.3 liters) + cup + cutlery
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- 1 pair of low gaiters (optional)
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
- 1 sunscreen and protective lip balm
- One swimsuit (optional) and a small towel if you plan to swim in a lake or stream
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum)
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- 1 small roll of toilet paper, tissues
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket
- 1 camera and/or binoculars (optional)
- 1 pair of telescopic poles is highly recommended
Clothing to bring
Clothing: for the upper body , the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations :
- A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof, and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may suffice. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is essential. Choose quick-drying clothing, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but more importantly, remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing, which quickly becomes icy during breaks. Try to avoid parkas: they are too hot and bulky. Bring a pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram soles . Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been worn for a long time beforehand.
