La Clarée from refuge to refuge - Hiking in the Hautes-Alpes

Explore the Clarée from refuge to refuge, an experience that combines the majesty of the Alpine peaks with the rustic charm of mountain lodgings. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking peace and quiet, this valley offers the ideal playground.

La Haute Clarée: a unique gem

Along the river, forests and groves are interspersed with old hamlets where farmers of yesteryear spent their summers. When you walk there, you have only one desire: to stay.

In fact, some alpine chalets and mountain refuges have found a new purpose in welcoming hikers.
Beyond the refuges, several valleys surrounded by ridges and peaks lead to passes that allow you to cross into the Vallée Étroite, Italy, Savoie, or Guisane.

T.Blais

The climb to the shelters takes between one and a half and four hours.

Head there for an invigorating weekend surrounded by nature, contemplating the falling snow and the silent landscape of winter nights, or during the day for a gourmet break that will give you the strength to venture a little higher. In winter, the wardens regularly clear the access path, which starts from the Nordic route in the upper Clarée valley for each of the refuges.

M. Ducroux

Buffère Refuge: 1.5-hour climb – 500-meter elevation gain
Ricou Refuge: 3 hours of climbing – 500m elevation gain
Laval Refuge: 3-hour climb – 400m elevation gain
Refuge Chardonnet: 3.5-hour climb – 600m elevation gain
Drayères Refuge: 4-hour climb – 550m elevation gain.

When it comes to hiking, you'll be spoiled for choice, whether you're skiing or snowshoeing. You'll crisscross the Haute Clarée from refuge to refuge.

You will spend the night in comfortable cocoons in the heart of the mountains.

A refuge is a timeless atmosphere, a small temple of calm and a place to recharge your batteries. After beautiful days spent outdoors, exerting yourself intensely, you will find human warmth that warms the heart, as well as the warmth of a fire that warms the body.

T.Blais

Refuge Buffère

Chardonnet Refuge

Laval Cerces Clarée Refuge © Michel Ducroux

Laval Shelter

The trails below start from Névache and are of moderate difficulty. Check the weather and avalanche risk before setting off.

Don't hesitate to hire a mountain guide, ski instructor, or mountain leader to guide you. The Clarée mountain huts are generally open from the end of December.

Ski touring tour of mountain huts

Snowshoe tour of mountain huts

Find all shelters in Clarée

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