Trekking around the Clarée Valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNévache / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions36.03 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
A splendid multi-day hike to discover the Clarée Valley, starting from the village of Névache. Come explore the superb and unspoiled landscapes that have made the Clarée famous. You will be captivated by the Cerces massif, the alpine valleys, and their numerous lakes . A route through diverse environments, ranging from lush vegetation to rocky landscapes. A trek enhanced by the extensive network of mountain huts in the area, allowing for a memorable escape in the heart of an exceptional natural setting . A true invitation to traverse unique mountain landscapes!
The highlights
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A true tour of the Clarée Valley
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The friendly atmosphere of the mountain huts
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Supervised by village guides
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiker level 4 on a scale of 5:
5 to 7 hours of walking per day
Mountain route with cumulative elevation gains of 650 to 1000 meters uphill and/or downhill.
This magnificent trek unfolds across a diverse mountain landscape: alpine pastures, scree slopes, snowfields, rocky or shale paths, short, slightly technical sections, stream crossings... It is therefore suitable for experienced hikers, comfortable on all types of trails and off-trail, in both dry and wet conditions. Good health, physical fitness, and the ability to move easily and maintain good balance will allow you to fully appreciate the magical landscapes and atmosphere of this Clarée Valley getaway!
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average daily elevation gain: 775 m
- Average daily descent: 850 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide, with perfect knowledge of the mountain range.
Program
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Névache – Laramon and Serpent Lakes – Ricou refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 AM at the ** hotel in Névache (1600 m), where you can park your car for the week. We'll set off directly on foot, hiking up the Clarée River. We can have a picnic at the Fontcouverte waterfall before continuing towards the Ricou refuge and the lakes overlooking it, the famous Lac Laramon (2359 m) and Lac du Serpent (2448 m). Classic spots in the valley with magnificent views. Overnight at the Ricou refuge (2115 m).
Day 1 -
Lakes of Cula and Muandes.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day of hiking on varied terrain, following the rhythm of mountain passes and lakes: the Cerces circuit, via Les Béraudes. We first climb through larch forests and then alpine pastures to reach the famous Lac des Béraudes (2504 m), with its turquoise waters. A long, ascending traverse over scree leads us to the Col des Béraudes (2770 m), a slightly vertiginous pass where the peaks of the Écrins massif welcome us. We then reach the Col de la Ponsonnière (2613 m), which marks the entrance to Savoie. We descend towards Lac des Cerces, then a final climb takes us to the pass of the same name (2574 m). On the descent, three more lakes await us, before we follow the first few kilometers of the Clarée River's turbulent course, all the way to the Refuge de Laval.
Day 2 -
Lake and Col des Béraudes – Col de la Ponsonnière and Col des Cerces
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day of hiking on varied terrain, following the rhythm of mountain passes and lakes: the Cerces circuit, via Les Béraudes. We first climb through larch forests and then alpine pastures to reach the famous Lac des Béraudes (2504 m), with its turquoise waters. A long, ascending traverse over scree leads us to the Col des Béraudes (2770 m), a slightly vertiginous pass where the peaks of the Écrins massif welcome us. We then reach the Col de la Ponsonnière (2613 m), which marks the entrance to Savoie. We descend towards Lac des Cerces, then a final climb takes us to the pass of the same name (2574 m). On the descent, three more lakes await us, before we follow the first few kilometers of the Clarée River's turbulent course, all the way to the Refuge de Laval.
Day 3 -
Chardonnet Valley – Casse Blanche Lakes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We follow the Clarée River down to the hamlet of Rif Tord. Then we climb to the hamlet of Queyrellin before reaching the plateau where the refuge is located (2227 m), and where we can lighten our packs. We can then explore the Casse Blanche area to find its two lakes, before returning to the Col du Chardonnet and its viewpoint overlooking the Écrins mountain range. We return to the refuge for the night.
Day 4 -
Roche Noire Pass – Buffère Pass and Refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Through the peaceful and wild Raisin valley, we reach the Roche Noire pass (2693 m), which leads us into the verdant alpine valley of La Moulette. We then follow a good balcony path – “the climbers’ trail” – overlooking the Guisane valley, its Serre-Chevalier ski area, and the town of Briançon, with a beautiful view of the Écrins mountain range. The Buffère pass (2427 m) brings us back down to the Clarée valley, from where we descend into the valley towards the refuge of the same name. An optional ascent of the Grand Area (2869 m, 450 m elevation gain and 2 hours additional) is possible. Overnight at the Buffère refuge (2076 m).
Day 5 -
Red Coast Trail – Cristol and Oule Lakes – Névache
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h03
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off for the neighboring Cristol valley via the Côte Rouge balcony trail, heading towards the large lake (2250 m). Crossing a small, unnamed pass (2516 m), we descend into the next valley, the Oule valley. There's an option to climb the small summit of Pic de Longet (2573 m) before returning to the lakes and the village. We plan to disperse around 4 pm.
Day 6
Note
The elevation gains and times given do not include optional extras. This itinerary is the basic framework of your hike. Each of our guides tries to add something extra to this hike: a summit, a detour to spot chamois, a partridge, marmots... a magnificent fossil, martagon lilies.
Important Note:
This magnificent trek unfolds across a diverse mountain landscape: alpine pastures, scree slopes, snowfields, rocky or shale paths, short, slightly technical sections, stream crossings... It is therefore suitable for experienced hikers, comfortable on all types of trails and off-trail, in both dry and wet conditions. Good health, physical fitness, and the ability to move easily and maintain good balance will allow you to fully appreciate the magical landscapes and atmosphere of this Clarée Valley getaway!
We may sometimes need to slightly modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (accommodation availability problems, changes in trail conditions, etc.) or directly at the guide's discretion (weather, group level, etc.). Rest assured, these modifications are always made with the aim of ensuring the best possible trip!
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is in mountain huts, with dormitories accommodating 4 to 8 people depending on the hut . Some are almost like hostels, while others are a bit more rustic. This is part of the charm of a mountain hike, offering a change of scenery even in the accommodation. Each hut provides comfortable bedding , and if you're worried about not sleeping well, don't forget your earplugs. You'll find hot showers in every hut, but you'll have to share the shower time.
Access
We ask that you vacate your rooms on Thursday morning before leaving for the refuge. You can leave your belongings in a room at the hotel and take a shower when you return on Friday afternoon.
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. Purchase of required tickets 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 (July - August). Roubion stop 350m from the hotel.
Information and timetables are available at https://www.autocars-resalp.com/lignes-horaires/briancon-nevache
Either by taxi at a rate of approximately €75 (excluding shuttle times), shared with others if possible depending on the schedule.
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
- Organization and supervision costs
- Food and full board accommodation from the picnic lunch on Day 1 to the picnic lunch on Day 6
- Hot showers in the mountain huts
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transportation to and from Névache
- Insurance: cancellation, assistance, repatriation and interruption of stay (optional)
Options
- Additional night - Single room : CHF140.88 / person
- Extra night - Double room : CHF89.65 / person
- Extra night - Triple room : CHF85.99 / 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 soft-frame backpack (40/45L)
- 2 telescopic poles
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- 1 rain cape
- 1 hat or cap for sun protection
- 1 pair of low gaiters (optional)
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
- 1 sunscreen and protective lip balm
- 1 small towel if you plan to dip your feet 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 airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.3 liters) + cup + cutlery
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket
- 1 camera and/or binoculars (optional)
- 1 toiletry kit
- 1 quick-drying bath towel
- 1 pair of earplugs or ear pads (optional)
- One sleeping bag liner for the refuge. Sleeping bags are unnecessary.
Clothing to bring
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 be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is essential. These three layers should always be in your backpack because mountain weather changes very quickly. 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.
Also, pack 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.
