Hiking in the Cerces massif
Nestled between the Vanoise, Queyras and Écrins mountains, the Cerces massif is incredibly wild.
What makes this corner of paradise famous, just a stone's throw from the Italian border, are its crystal-clear lakes, its imposing scree slopes, its flowery alpine pastures and a myriad of summits that reach over 3,000 metres.
The hexaTrek opens the doors to this unique world.
The most beautiful lakes and landscapes of the Cerces massif
Surrounded by valleys, the Cerces massif lives entirely to the rhythm of the beating of one of the most picturesque valleys in the Alps - the Vallée de Névache or Vallée de la Clarée - which occupies its heart.
Mainly made up of limestone, the massif offers many short rocky climbs, but above all it is a paradise for Hexatrek hikers who will find a wilderness - with many beautiful lakes, passes and peaks.
All this near Briançon, which proudly announces 300 days of sunshine per year. But watch out for afternoon thunderstorms!
Mont Thabor
This mythical summit at 3,178 metres between Savoie and Hautes-Alpes offers a breathtaking view of the Queyras, the Écrins, the Grandes Jorasses, the Grande Casse, the Mont
Pourri, etc.
An alternative hike is possible using the GR®57 in the direction of the Roche du Chardonnet before returning to the HexaTrek via the Col des Muandes
The Long Lake
What an exceptional setting and valley, the colours of this place are incredible in autumn.
One of the most beautiful lakes in the region, of which there are dozens.
Lac des Cerces and view of the Grand Galibier
A must on the HexaTrek.
This lake is located in a sumptuous setting in the heart of the Cerces massif with a view of the Grand Galibier and the Aiguilles d'Arve...
Its colours and its geographical location in the heart of the Cerces massif make it an emblem of this region and a must on the course.
Lake of Grand Ban
The Grand Ban lake, nestled at an altitude of 2450m, on the edge of the high valley, at the crossroads of the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie, you will discover on the HexaTrek 3 magnificent lakes, as well as the sources of the Clarée, in a grandiose setting, passing by the Drayères Refuge.
Where to sleep in the massif des cerces, the best refuges.
Even if the practice of bivouacking on the hiking trails of the massif des écrins is generally tolerated, you will find some of the most beautiful refuges of the route here :
Refuge du Mont Thabor (FFCAM)
On the foothills of Mont-Thabor, west of the Etroite valley pass, the refuge du Thabor is a place where hikers feel an irresistible urge to hunker down.
It is the best base camp if you plan to climb Mount Tabor, an alternative to the Hexatrek.
Refuge des Drayeres (FFCAM)
The refuge des Drayères is a strategic point for hikers who want to take their time to visit the most beautiful lakes in the valley.
Located near the Lac Rond, the Lac du Grand Ban and the source of the Clarée, it is ideally placed for an immersion in the turquoise waters.
Refuge of the Rochilles camp
This unguarded refuge is open all year round and accessible to all.
Inside, only one room, bunk beds with 6 mattresses, 2 tables, 5 stools and a chair, no stove, no fireplace, but an exceptional view guaranteed!
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