Hiking between the lakes and valleys of the Clarée
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-Emissions34.89 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the Clarée Valley on foot , surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. A true paradise for hikers, the valley is shaped by numerous small valleys that give it its distinctive topography, and is dotted with mountain lakes boasting turquoise or emerald waters . Enjoy the hospitality of the Clarée-Thabor company's mountain huts and escape each evening to the unique atmosphere of a night in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle below. A leisurely stay , perfect for peaceful walks and feasting your eyes on the stunning scenery!
The highlights
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The Clarée Valley is a small paradise for hiking
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A stay for those who enjoy taking their time to walk peacefully.
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The unique atmosphere of a night in the mountains every evening
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiker level 2/3 on a scale of 5: for average hikers
5 to 6 hours of walking per day
Mountain route with cumulative elevation gains of 500 to 800 meters uphill and/or downhill.
Backpack: we carry our belongings for the week and a picnic lunch each day. Once we arrive at the mountain huts, we lighten our load to continue the day.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
French
English
State-certified mountain guide, with perfect knowledge of the mountain range.
Program
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Welcome to Névache. Hike up to the Laramon, Serpent and Gardioles lakes.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at the Hôtel l'Echaillon in Névache to gather and organize before setting off on a 6-day trek. Today, you'll carry your belongings for one night. We'll take a short 20-minute transfer to Fontcouverte (1860 m). We'll leave some of our gear at the Ricou refuge before continuing towards the Laramon lakes (2359 m), then Serpent lake (2448 m), and if your fitness level on the first day and the weather permits, on to the Gardioles lakes (2690 m at the highest point). Return to the Ricou refuge for the night.
Elevation gain : + and - 800 m maximum for the Gardioles / Approximate walking time : 5h.
Day 1 -
Lakes of Cula.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll stroll through the Cula valley, searching for the small lakes hidden in this vast alpine pasture. The highest (and smallest) are nestled at 2781 meters, beneath the rocky ridge of the Rochers des Tempêtes. The route requires some off-trail hiking, but on easy terrain. We then descend to the Laval refuge (2010 m), where we'll stay for two nights.
Elevation gain : +800 and -900 meters maximum / Approximate walking time : 5 hours
Day 2 -
Lake Clarée, Rochilles lakes OR Muandes and Madeleine lakes.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Two possible day trips from Laval: either we follow the Clarée River to its source, where three magnificent lakes await us at the foot of the Cerces peaks. We can continue to the Col des Cerces (2574 m) for a spectacular panorama of the lake of the same name and the surrounding peaks. We can also wander through the wide Muandes valley, discovering the many lakes that dot it. The rocky landscape of the Madeleine lakes offers a wild atmosphere! Second night at the Laval refuge.
Elevation gain/loss : +/- 600 meters maximum / Approximate walking time : 5 to 6 hours
Day 3 -
Right bank of the Clarée, Chardonnet valley.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off with our overnight gear. We descend the valley, following the Clarée River along its right bank. In the morning, we stop at the Chardonnet refuge where we can lighten our packs. The afternoon's plan: the Chardonnet pass (2638 m), or the Casse Blanche lakes. The pass offers a superb panorama of the Écrins massif, while the Casse Blanche offers a wild and rugged landscape. Overnight at the Chardonnet refuge (2223 m).
Elevation gain/loss : +800 meters and -600 meters / Approximate walking time : 5 to 6 hours
Day 4 -
Fontcouverte, Buffère valley, Privé lake.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the refuge, we descend to Fontcouverte, following the Clarée River along its right bank, and ascend to the Buffère chalets. We can stop at the refuge to lighten our packs. Then we continue towards the small cirque nestled at the foot of the Privé cliffs to discover its small lake (2304 m). A more bucolic atmosphere awaits in this vast valley, followed by a cozy evening at the Buffère refuge (2076 m).
Elevation gain/loss : +500 and -600 meters / Approximate walking time : 5 hours
Day 5 -
Côte Rouge trail, Cristol lake, return to Névache and end of the stay.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
One last gem to finish: Lake Cristol. To reach it, we take the magnificent balcony trail of Côte Rouge, which rewards us with a beautiful view over the upper valley we've explored. In the Cristol valley, we'll find the large lake, and for those who wish, we'll go and find Lake Rond. After a final picnic at altitude, we descend back to Névache to rejoin civilization and part ways.
End of stay around 4pm.
Elevation gain : +400 meters and -850 meters maximum / Approximate walking time : 5 hours
Day 6
Note
We may sometimes need to modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in trail conditions, remaining snow, etc.) or directly at the guide's discretion (weather, group level, etc.). Rest assured, these modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is in mountain huts, with dormitories of 4 to 8 beds 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: the change of scenery, even in the accommodation. If you're worried about not getting enough sleep, don't forget your earplugs.
Access
Day 6 around 4pm in Névache at the same place.
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 (€6.60). Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance of your trip on the SNCF website.
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.
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
- 6 days of supervision by a qualified guide
- Food and full board accommodation from the picnic lunch on Day 1 to the picnic lunch on Day 6
- The transfers planned in the program
- Organization fees
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Luggage transport
- Cancellation, assistance, repatriation and trip interruption insurance
- Transportation to and from Névache
Options
- Additional night - Single room : CHF137.22 / person
- Extra night - Double room : CHF86.91 / person
- Extra night - Triple room : CHF83.25 / 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 (40/45 litres)
- 2 telescopic poles
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- 1 hat or cap for sun protection
- 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 airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.3 liters) + cup + cutlery
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket
- 1 camera and/or binoculars (optional)
- 1 sleeping bag liner (refuges have blankets or duvets)
- One change of clothes for the evening; the mountain huts have Crocs-type slippers or flip-flops.
- What you need to wash: a toothbrush, soap, and a lightweight, quick-drying towel
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.
They traveled with us
