Routes in the High Valleys
What if you let yourself be surprised by the benefits of roaming? Taking the time to reach two points, contemplating the gradually changing landscape, taking the time to reflect on life, and above all reconnecting with nature, with what's essential. It's happening in the Hautes Vallées of the hautes-Alpes, in La Grave, Clarée and Izoard.
De la Grave à la Clarée Itinérances dans les Hautes Vallées
"You'll set off from the foot of the Meije, a peak approaching 4,000 m, with glaciers in your sights, to arrive at the foot of Mont Thabor, on the edge of Italy. You'll cross flower-filled meadows, more mineral mountain passes - but always with one foot in the grass - high altitude lakes and rivers, majestic peaks and charming alpine chalets.
Departing from La Grave, you'll start your traverse by climbing to the Col d'Arsine via the Chamoissière and Alpe du Villar refuges. After the pass, you'll switch to the Guisane, in the Serre-Chevalier valley, before climbing from the Alpe bridge to the Col du Chardonnet.
Now you're ready for a trip to the Clarée to get to know these Dolomite-like mountains. Before reaching Névache, take the Chemin de Ronde and visit one of the many high-altitude lakes. Finally, you'll cross the Col des Thûres to discover the Vallée Étroite, where you'll enjoy Italian-style refugio cuisine."
Etape 1
De La Grave à l'Alpe du Villar par le GR 54
Starting from La Grave (1470 m), you will begin your itinerary by climbing to the Col d'Arsine via the Chamoissière and Alpe du Villar (2077 m) refuges on the GR54 "Le Grand Tour des Écrins".
Ascent: + 750 m, - 125m
Variation: via l'Aiguillon (2059 m) and the Lac de Pontet with a beautiful view of the Meije and the Romanche valley: + 1000 m, - 450 m
Etape 2
De l'Alpe du Villar au Casset
On this second day, starting from Alpe de Villar (2077 m), you'll reach Col d'Arsine (2320 m) and Lac d'Arsine (2458 m) before descending to the other valley and finishing at Le Casset (1500 m) / Le Lauzet (1650 m), in the Serre-Chevalier valley.
Ascent: + 530m, - 960 m
Stage 3 From Casset to the Chardonnet refuge
You will now reach the Clarée valley. Starting from Le Casset (1500 m) / Le Lauzet (1650 m), you begin the ascent to the Col du Chardonnet (2638 m), often accompanied by a few ibex, before descending to the Chardonnet refuge (2227 m).
Ascent: + 990 m, - 410 m
étape 4
Du refuge du Chardonnet aux refuges de Laval/des Drayères
This stage is all about rivers and torrents. Starting from the Chardonnet refuge (2227 m), you descend to Fontcouverte (1861 m), then follow the Clarée to its source: the Lac de la Clarée (2433 m) and return to the Refuge de Laval (2030 m) or refuge des Drayères (2180 m).
Elevation gain : + 570 m, - 770 m
Option: Take a detour via Lac Rond (2450 m) and Lac Long (2400 m) instead of Lac de la Clarée.
Documentation to download
Safety security
Choose a suitable route
to your physical and technical level.
Check the weather forecast before you leave
Pack the right equipment with foresight
In the mountains, conditions can change very quickly. Always remember to take good footwear, warm clothing, a raincoat, sun protection, water and food.
An easy route can get complicated
Remember that even a route that's easy in good weather can become very complex in bad.
Accompanied travel
Don't hesitate to ask our mountain guides for advice, so you can set off with complete peace of mind. They'll tell you all about the mountains as you walk.
