Tour of the Cerces by bivouac
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions5.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Do you dream of learning to hike independently ? This 3-day micro-adventure in the heart of the Cerces massif is designed to give you all the keys to bivouacking in the mountains .
Guided by a professional, you will master safety rules, the selection of appropriate equipment, and meal preparation in the field. Learning also includes choosing a good overnight location, respecting the environment and away from busy routes.
As for the route, you'll complete a spectacular loop around the Pointe des Cerces . The trail is punctuated by crossings of high-altitude lakes , wild panoramas, and opportunities to observe protected wildlife: ibex , golden eagles , and vultures . As night falls, enjoy the magic of the starry skies before drifting off to sleep in your tent.
A condensed and educational immersion to acquire a wealth of skills and confidently embark on your next self-guided treks.
The highlights
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Learning self-reliance while camping
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The panoramic views of the high peaks of the Ecrins and the gentle Clarée Valley
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The loan of high-end bivouac equipment
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This is a level 3/5 trip: suitable for people who regularly engage in physical activity, with 6 to 7 hours of walking and 700 to 1100m of elevation gain per day. There are sections off-trail. There are sections at higher elevations, but nothing too exposed. There are sections on snowfields in May and June (hiking crampons are provided).
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 694 m
- Average daily descent: 667 m
Management
French
English
Hi, I'm Tanguy, a Mountain Guide based in Briançon. I organize and lead treks with bivouac camping and stays in mountain huts in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. And in winter, I take you on snowshoeing trips, with nights spent in mountain huts or even igloos!
My specialties are bivouacking, the study of avalanches... and wolves!
Program
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Ascent to the Chardonnet ridge (2713m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 1030 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at Pont de l'Alpe, in the Serre-Chevalier valley (see the section for public transport access). Briefing, backpack check, distribution of bivouac equipment. A large crowd gathers at the start of this very classic hike, but no worries, we quickly leave the busy trails for a more scenic and wilder route. We gradually ascend into the valley's heights. The slope steepens, leading to a pretty little pass where ibex are often seen, then a second before a short but fairly steep climb to the day's high point, a ridge at 2700m altitude. Superb view over the valley and the nearby Écrins glaciers. The ridge gives a nice sense of height but isn't vertigo-inducing; the passage is wide enough to be comfortable. We descend the ridge to rejoin the GR trail at the Col du Chardonnet, which we follow to our first bivouac site of the trip.
Day 1 -
On the heights of the Clarée
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h15
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we're hiking in the beautiful Clarée Valley! At the beginning of the season, we take a bucolic route through larch forests, past streams, and along the banks of the Clarée River. Later in the summer, when the snowfields have melted and the rock partridge nests have finished, we take a very wild route, staying high up. Just before the Seuil des Rochilles pass, there's a small lake nestled beneath an imposing limestone cliff. This is where the lovely Clarée River originates. There are several attractive bivouac spots near one of the many lakes in the area: we choose the location based on the wind, the snow conditions at the beginning of the season, and our preferences!
Day 2 -
The Col de la Ponsonnière (2613m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A short climb to the Col des Cerces. Lake Cerces, and then a gentle ascent on the GR (long-distance hiking trail) to the Col de la Ponsonnière. At the beginning of the season, we take a different, steeper route on snow, which cleverly avoids the dangerous snowfields crossed by the GR trail. A leisurely descent on the GR with two possible routes depending on the snow conditions and preferences. Return to the parking lot around 2:45-3:00 PM to allow time for return journeys by public transport.
Day 3
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
Camping in the great outdoors in MSR Hubba tents, 1 or 2 person of your choice.
Access
Access by public transport :
The trek schedule is compatible with public transport from Grenoble and Paris: on the outward journey, the direct TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon at 7:13 am – Grenoble at 10:13 am, then the Zou LER 55 bus from Grenoble to Briançon, departing at 10:30 am and arriving in Le Lauzet at 12:40 pm. On the return journey, the LER 55 bus from Briançon to Grenoble, passing through Le Lauzet at 3:35 pm and arriving in Grenoble at 5:45 pm, then the train from Grenoble to Paris at 6:45 pm or 8:44 pm.
It's also possible to reach Briançon station by taking the Paris-Briançon night train, which arrives at 8:30 am, or by arriving the day before on the daytime trains from Marseille or Valence. Carpooling with me from Briançon is possible, subject to availability.
Go to the starting point
The trek schedule is compatible with public transport from Grenoble and Paris: on the outward journey, the direct TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon at 7:13 am – Grenoble at 10:13 am, then the Zou LER 55 bus from Grenoble to Briançon, departing at 10:30 am and arriving in Le Lauzet at 12:40 pm. On the return journey, the LER 55 bus from Briançon to Grenoble, passing through Le Lauzet at 3:35 pm and arriving in Grenoble at 5:45 pm, then the train from Grenoble to Paris at 6:45 pm or 8:44 pm.
It's also possible to reach Briançon station by taking the Paris-Briançon night train, which arrives at 8:30 am, or by arriving the day before on the daytime trains from Marseille or Valence. Carpooling with me from Briançon is possible, subject to availability.
Parking "Le Pont de l'Alpe"
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by Tanguy, a certified mountain guide.
- Two nights camping in tents
- Loan of technical equipment: tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, gas stoves and cooking utensils
- Learning the key techniques to achieve complete autonomy in mountain bivouacking.
The price does not include
- Meals: As the aim of this stay is to progress towards independence, I do not provide meals, but I will assist you in preparing them with advice before your stay on the types of food to choose.
- Return transport between your home and the meeting point for your stay at Pont de l'Alpe
- Drinks and personal expenses during breaks at a mountain refuge (bring cash, credit cards are not accepted)
- Your trail snacks (dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars) for small snacks during your hikes
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- 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 provided on site
- hiking poles
- 1 or 2 person tents
- bivouac mattress
- sleeping bag
- gas stoves and pots
Equipment to bring
- 40-50 liter backpack
- water filter or Micropur tablets
Clothing to bring
- high or low hiking boots
- pants and shorts
- Merino t-shirt
- polar
- puffy jacket
- waterproof jacket
- Depending on the weather conditions: waterproof gloves, hat, and trousers.
The Tanguy team
Our local expert, Tanguy, primarily works independently, creating his own trips. His approach involves choosing less-traveled routes and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the group's level and the conditions encountered. It's an ideal opportunity to explore off the beaten path while learning.
