Tour from La Grave to the Plateau d'Emperis via the Pic du Mas de la Grave

Lake and glacier

Pastoralism

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3 days' walking to tackle the ascent of the Pic du Mas de La Grave and discover the Plateau d'Emperis, a stunning belvedere overlooking Les Écrins.

Throughout the trek, which runs through small villages and hamlets and is dominated by the majestic summits of Les Écrins, your every step is surrounded by beauty and awe. After a vertiginous climb up to the imposing Pic du Mas de la Grave, you are rewarded by a 360° vista of the magical Plateau d'Emparis and its lakes. Animal husbandry, nature and the high mountain environment will delight not only avid mountain heritage lovers but also those of a contemplative persuasion.

3 steps

Description

This excursion starts with a relatively short first stage inviting you to roam between villages and hamlets, to cross the Buffe valley and its alpine pastures, highly prized grazing grounds for the seasonal flock migrations. It ends at the refuge of the Pic du Mas de La Grave, standing at the foot of the peak.
The second day is dominated by the imposing presence of the Pic du Mas de La Grave (3,020m). From the valley, the climb up to the Pic is a must for experienced hikers, and offers an imposing 360° view. Then back to overnight in the refuges of Le Fay and Les Mouterres.
The last stage merges with the GRⓇ54 before running back uphill, offering hikers an unrivalled view from the Plateau d'Emparis and its two iconic lakes, Lac Nerié and Lac Noir. Here the high peaks of the massif come into view and the glaciers of Les Écrins and La Meije. This stage ends by passing through Le Chazelet and Les Fréaux, marking a return to civilisation through the Romanche valley.

Towns crossed : La Grave, Besse, and Mizoën

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Herd protection dogs

In mountain pastures, protection dogs are there to protect the herds from predators (wolves, etc.).

When I hike I adapt my behavior by going around the herd and pausing for the dog to identify me.

Find out more about the actions to adopt with the article "Protection dogs: a context and actions to adopt".
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Information desks

Information center "Col du Lautaret" (summer only)

Col du Lautaret, 05220 Le Monêtier-les-bains

http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/brianconnais@ecrins-parcnational.fr 04 92 24 49 74

Under the gaze of the Meije (3983 m) and surrounded by beautiful meadows celebrated in the great names of botany, the former hospice of the Lautaret called "refuge Napoleon" houses the reception and information Park center - Projections, documentation, books of the Park. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Free admission.

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Tourist information office of La Grave

RD1091, 05320 La Grave

http://www.lagrave-lameije.com lagrave@hautesvallees.com (+33) 04 76 79 90 05

At the Tourist Office you will find information about hikes, accomodation, activities, events, shops and amenities.
Opening hours:
- May to mid-June: from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
- Mid-June to mid-July and mid-August to mid-September: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
- Mid-July to mid-August: every day from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.

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