Écrins and Clarée, the most beautiful lakes

A 6-day stay with a walking time of around 5 hours for 800 to 1000mD+ per day (medium difficulty).

Dates: mid-June to mid-August

Accommodation: stopover gîte

• Day 1: Briançon - Grand Lac (2293 m) from the Alpe bridge

Ascent: 750 m.

Negative climb: 750 m.

5h walking.

Lodging: inn.

Meals included: lunch, dinner.

Meals on your own: morning.

Transfer: 28 km, 30 min.

Welcome at 8:30 am at Briançon train station. You'll need to arrive dressed in your daypack, ready to go hiking. Transfer to Le Lauzet (20 min, 22 km). First we reach the alpine chalets of the Alpe du Lauzet, a veritable jewel of greenery and a summer pasture for the herds. We then climb up along the torrent du Rif to reach the plateau at the foot of the tête de la Cassille (3069 m). After crossing the Bruyère ridge, we return down to the Grand Lac for a picnic. Return by the same route, then transfer to Le Monêtier-les-Bains, where we settle in for the duration of our stay.

NB: depending on the level of the group, your guide may also suggest a hike to the Col de la Ponsonnière (2613 m), +900 m and -900 m, 6 h.

• Day 2: Lac Laramon (2385 m), Lac du Serpent (2456 m) and Lac des Gardioles (2688 m)

Total ascent: 830 m.

Negative vertical drop: 830 m.

5h30 walking time.

Accommodation: inn.

Meals included: morning, noon, evening.

Transfer: 80 km, 2 h.

Departing from the Fontcouverte alpine chalets, we make our way quietly up through the alpine meadows to discover Lac Laramon (2385 m). We admire the high peaks of the Clarée, reflected in the still water. We continue up to Lac du Serpent (2448 m), nestled in a small glacial cirque. Finally, we reach the Lacs des Gardioles (2688 m) before descending into the valley and transferring back to Le Monêtier-les-Bains.

• Day 3: Plateau dEmparis - Lac Lérié (2450 m) and Lac Noir (2435 m)

Elevation gain: 900 m.

Negative altitude gain: 900 m.

5h30 walking time.

Accommodation: inn.

Meals included: morning, noon, evening.

Transfer: 60 km, 1h20.

Transfer to Le Chazelet. The first 300 m of ascent are the steepest to reach the heights of Le Chazelet. We then climb very gradually on a balcony facing the Ecrins and the north face of the Meije to reach the Emparis plateau. This plateau was once the scene of the "mountain pasture war". The pastures of one commune were often occupied by farmers from the neighboring commune. Today, calm has returned. Our steps take us to Lac Lérié (2380 m) and Lac Noir (2440 m), where the Queen Meije takes center stage. The plateau is a wonderful vantage point from which to admire it. Back to our accommodation. Before dinner, Joëlle meets us at the inn to teach you how to make your own génépi. You'll make your own liqueur according to a traditional family recipe. All the necessary supplies and equipment are provided. You'll leave with your own preparation, which you'll filter three weeks later. All that's left to do is enjoy it with family and friends!

NB: depending on Joëlle's availability, this workshop can be held directly at her boutique, La Boutique de Marie, in Monêtier-Les-Bains, or on another day of the program.

• Day 4 : Lac de Cristol (2249 m) and Lac de l'Oule (2425 m) in a loop

Elevation gain: 600 m.

Negative altitude gain: 600 m.

5h walking time.

Lodging: inn.

Meals included: morning, noon, evening.

Transfer: 40 km, 1h20 min.

Transfer to Col de Granon (2413 m). We start the hike by following a wide, easy trail offering magnificent panoramic views of the Briançonnais and Ecrins ranges. The path climbs slightly to the Porte de Cristol (2483 m), dominated by the Grand Aréa (2869 m), before descending to the Lac de Cristol (2249 m) where the Crête de l'Echaillon rises to the west. We continue on to the junction of the GR5C and the GR57, which we follow up to the large Lac de l'Oule (2425 m), following the torrent of the same name, coiled between the Pic du Longet and the Montagne de l'Oule. Scree slopes and glacial moraines descend into the lake, dominated to the east by the Pasquier ridges. Return to our vehicle via the Oule (2546 m) and Cibières (2525 m) passes. Transfer back to Monêtier-les-Bains.

• Day 5: Lac d'Arsine (2458 m) from Arsine bridge

Total ascent: 750 m.

Negative climb: 750 m.

5h30 walking time.

Lodging: inn.

Meals included: morning, noon, evening.

Transfer: 45 km, 1h min.

Departure from the Arsine bridge for this long but beautiful day at the foot of the Neige Cordier (3614 m) and Agneaux (3664 m) peaks. After passing through a rocky lock, we reach the magnificent Alpe de Villar d'Arène valley, where the refuge of the same name nestles. Above the Alpe refuge (2070 m), we quickly reach the Arsine pass and lake (2455 m). Situated at the foot of vertiginous glacial north faces, the Lac d'Arsine offers a resolutely high-mountain landscape. Descend by the same route.

NB: if you wish, you can relax in the naturally warm waters of the Grands Bains du Monêtier after a day's hiking (payable on site). Located a 5-minute walk from your accommodation, the guide can also arrange a transfer by vehicle on request.

AME (Lists of AMEs who can accompany you depending on the date of your stay) :

Sophie Tangis

Catherine Caudart

Armel Morée

• Day 6: Col de Buffère (2427 m) - Lac de Privé (2300 m) - from Col du Granon

Ascent: 690 m.

Negative altitude gain: 690 m.

5 h walking time.

Meals included: morning, noon. Meals not included: evening.

Transfer: 30 km, 1 h.

Departure is from the first parking area on the Col du Granon (2172 m), below the Petit Aréa, which you pass to the left along the Chemin du Roy. This beautiful viewpoint trail runs along the Guisane valley between Le Lautaret and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. It covers a good part of the foothills of the Cerces massif. We take it to the Col de Buffère (2427 m), dominated by Grand Aréa (2869 m) and Tête Noire (2922 m).

From here, we enjoy a magnificent view of the Ecrins massif, including the cime de la Condamine (2940 m) and the montagne des Agneaux (3664 m). We continue our hike down the vallon de Buffère before leaving the path to begin the ascent to Lac de Privé (2300 m). This is only discovered at the last moment, just below the slopes of the Pointe de Buffère (2742 m). This haven of peace is the ideal place to observe wildlife (chamois and marmots) as well as anemones, mealy primroses, orchids and gentians. Return by the same route. Transfer to Briançon train station (35 min, 15 km). End of stay around 5 p.m.

In the event of a proven risk, we reserve the right to: reinforce our supervision (for accompanied tours) modify the itinerary of our tours, close a tour or destination for a shorter or longer period when we consider that the level of risk is not acceptable. Your safety and pleasure are our priority.