4. From the Buffère shelter to the shelter of Le Chardonnet

Panorama

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A short stage, rather shaded from the sun in the heart of the Clarée valley which, for once, starts with a descent!

A forest path leads to the valley bottom, where you rejoin the Clarée. Clarée, it is aptly named. Its pleasant river banks and its coolness are a welcome relief in the summer. This tempestuous water course with its ever-shifting reflections is a paradise for trout, anglers and a diversity of wildlife drawn by its pure waters. Further up the valley, the larches are overhung by the peaks of Les Cerces, ochre- and red-tinted cliffs and jagged peaks of limestone.

Important information

Dans le Parc national des Écrins, les sentiers sont généralement praticables de la mi-juin à fin septembre.

Toutefois, les périodes d'accessibilité des itinéraires et les dates de pose des passerelles varient d’une année à l’autre en fonction de l’enneigement, des dégâts survenus en hiver et des conditions météorologiques.

Par ailleurs, l’état des sentiers n’est pas contrôlé quotidiennement et peut évoluer rapidement après un évènement météorologique (orage, crue...). Il est nécessaire de se renseigner auprès des maisons du parc national et des offices de tourisme du territoire avant votre sortie.

Pendant la randonnée, en cas de passage dégradé ou dangereux, faites demi-tour et signalez-le.

Description

From the refuge, follow the GR down towards the valley, pass a first alpine pasture and then a second (Le Serre); the footpath then runs into the forest. The path is made up of stones which can sometimes be slippery.

At the bottom of the descent, leave the GR57 and fork directly left towards the chalets of Basse Gardiole and La Meuille (signed). Go across the narrow wooden footbridges and the footpath comes out onto a large clearing with chalets on the right. The path continues, running close to a water course, and passes close to a bridge, the Pont de la Souchère. Do not cross the Clarée. Stay on the right-hand bank and continue towards the Pont de Lacha and La Meuille along a good path (signed). A short distance beyond the chalet of La Meuille, the path splits into two at a wooden gate. Here, stay on the right-hand path to see the scenic Fontcouverte waterfall. Stay on the footpath following the water course until you come to the restaurant La Fruitière and the Fontcouverte campsite.
The path then runs through this campsite for a short distance, to join the uphill path to the refuge of Le Chardonnet (signed). The footpath climbs directly up to the chalets of Laraux. Carry on along the GR57.
After a few steeper stretches, it runs into the forest for a short distance. At the footbridge, the landscape opens out and the shelter finally comes into view, perched atop a small promontory offering a magnificent view. This section is easy.

Departure : Buffère shelter
Arrival : Chardonnet shelter
Towns crossed : Névache

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Even though there are frequent stretches through the forest, sun cream is essential.
The detour to admire the Fontcouverte waterfall is really worth the effort!

Information desks

Tourist information office of La Clarée

Hameau de Ville-Haute, 05100 Névache

http://www.claree-tourisme.fr claree@hautesvallees.com (+33) 4 92 20 02 20

Information about hikes, accomodation, activities, events, shops and amenities.
The office welcomes you from Monday to Saturday , from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m all year. The office is open every day during the summer holidays

Find out more

Source

Parc national des Ecrinshttps://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr

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