01·Day by day

7 hiking days

Day01

Névache → Refuge Buffère

Grade

Length

4.17 kmkm

Ascent

491 mm

Descent

28 mm

Time

01:59

The first day is intentionally short, allowing you to arrive at the trailhead around midday and set off toward the first mountain hut.

From the parking area and bus stop opposite the Office de Tourisme de Névache, turn right and follow Rue du Pied de Ville southwest until you reach a small square. Here you will find the Church of Saint Marcellin and Saint Antoine (Église Saint Marcellin et Saint Antoine) and, beside it, a small drinking-water trough. Pass around the north side of the church and turn left, walking alongside a small cemetery. Immediately turn left again and continue between the buildings along the narrow Rue de l'Outre.

The street leads south across a bridge spanning the La Clarée River. After crossing, continue past the front of the building on your left until you reach a small trail junction. Take the right-hand path, Chemin du Villard, and follow it through a patch of woodland and open meadow.

Beyond the meadow, the trail begins a gentle ascent as it re-enters the forest, roughly following the course of the river. As you move deeper into the woods, the path narrows, with the river flowing to your right. The higher you climb, the more small waterfalls appear among the trees.

Approximately 2 kilometres from Névache, you will reach a trail junction known as La Gardiole. The route to the hut continues uphill to the left, heading south. However, if you arrive early on a warm summer day, it is worth following the riverside path that branches off here for another kilometre or two. This section passes several bridges and offers a number of excellent swimming spots, although the water remains cold even during the hottest months.

From La Gardiole, the hut lies a further 1.5 kilometres away. The trail climbs 268 metres through the forest and typically takes around one hour to complete.

Day02

Refuge Buffère → Refuge du Chardonnet

Grade

Length

12.54 kmkm

Ascent

958 mm

Descent

796 mm

Time

04:56

Head south and begin a gentle ascent of 360 metres over 3.2 kilometres across a broad plateau that gradually rises toward the day's first pass, Col de la Buffère. The route initially follows a corridor between two streams: the Ruisseau de Gardiole to your right and the Ruisseau de Buffère to your left. Beyond the latter rises the Crête de l'Echaillon, culminating to the south at Le Grand Area (2,869 m). To the west lies the Crête de la Tête Noire, the ridge you will spend much of the day circling before reaching its highest point, Tête Noire (2,922 m).

Shortly before the pass, several structures come into view on the right. These are the Ouvrages du Col de Buffère, part of the Maginot Line. Built in 1937 but never completed, the complex consists of three underground bunkers that remain inaccessible and played no role in the defence of France during the Second World War.

Around 500 metres beyond the bunkers, you reach Col de la Buffère (2,427 m), which offers expansive views south across the valley and toward the villages of Villeneuve to the east and Le Monêtier-les-Bains to the west.

Two routes branch west from the pass. Take the lower trail, which descends toward Petit Col via La Cota Bella. The upper option, the Sente des Grimpeurs ("Climbers' Path"), is a more demanding balcony trail, particularly toward its end as it drops back into the valley. Both routes circle the ridge above Le Monêtier-les-Bains and rejoin farther ahead.

The lower trail descends gently for approximately 3 kilometres, losing around 340 metres in elevation while overlooking the valley below. Along the way, you cross the Torrent de Merdarel before reaching open pastureland where sheep and cattle graze. Roughly 700 metres farther on lies the Source de la Moulette. Because of the livestock in the area, water should be filtered before drinking, and the spring may run dry late in the season.

From the spring, a path branches left (southwest), descending via Le Rocher des Chiens and the Chapelle Saint Alexis, where another water source can be found, before continuing all the way to Le Monêtier-les-Bains. This alternative route covers 5 kilometres and descends 709 metres.

Continue north from the Source de la Moulette. After approximately 750 metres, including a climb of 133 metres, you reach a junction where a trail descends from the right. This is where the Sente des Grimpeurs rejoins the main route.

Beyond this point, the climb steepens considerably. Over the next 2 kilometres, the trail gains 351 metres on its way to Col de Roche Noire (2,693 m). Rising to your right is the Dent du Diable ("Devil's Tooth"), a striking summit at 2,869 metres that marks the end of the Crête du Diable, a subsidiary ridge branching from the Crête de la Tête Noire, whose circuit you are now completing.

From the pass, descend 415 metres over 2.5 kilometres through the meadows of Le Raisin, following the stream of the same name to Lac du Chardonnet and the nearby mountain hut, your destination for the night.

Day03

Refuge du Chardonnet → Refuge du Clôt des Vaches

Grade

Length

6.14 kmkm

Ascent

465 mm

Descent

446 mm

Time

02:24

This is a short and relatively easy day, designed to leave plenty of time for one of the highlights of the region: an exceptional via ferrata route located near the hut at the end of the stage.

From the lake, follow the trail south and cross the Ruisseau du Raisin. The path then climbs westward toward a small mountain pass beside the hidden Lac du Chatelard. Continue along the rocky ridge on your left toward a green meadow. To your right lies a marshy area fed by several tributaries of the Ruisseau du Chardonnet.

The trail climbs gradually toward the pass, with Pointe du Demi (2,817 m) rising to your left and the jagged peaks of the Crête du Queyrellin to your right. If you took a swim in the La Clarée River on the first day of the trek, you may already recognise this impressive ridge from below.

The pleasant, moderate ascent gains 337 metres over 2.6 kilometres and ends at Col du Chardonnet Sud (2,638 m). Just below the pass on your right sits the small Lac de la Mine.

From here, a somewhat steeper descent begins, losing 422 metres over 2 kilometres to the hut below Col de la Vache, your destination for the night.

There is also a trail branching left (south) that climbs about 50 metres to the Crête du Chardonnet (2,713 m). From there, the route curves westward down to Col de l'Aiguillette (2,534 m), the starting point for one of the most impressive via ferrata routes in the area. The route circles the Aiguillette du Lauzet (2,717 m) and takes approximately three hours to complete.

This optional excursion is best undertaken with a qualified guide, who can provide the necessary harness, helmet, and safety equipment. Do not attempt the route without proper gear. When booking your accommodation, you can enquire at the hut about arranging a guide (see the hut reservation system).

Another worthwhile option is the climb from the hut to the iconic Arêtes de la Bruyère, which offers panoramic views of Le Grand Lac and the surrounding mountains.

Both excursions reward the effort with magnificent views from high above the Guisane Valley.

The hut itself is a modern refuge, built in 2025, and has already become a popular mountain restaurant as well as an overnight stop for hikers exploring the region.

Day04

Refuge du Clôt des Vaches → Refuge Des Drayeres

Grade

Length

11.55 kmkm

Ascent

550 mm

Descent

620 mm

Time

03:52

This is one of the most impressive and beautiful days on the trek. This section of the route is also known as the “Trail of the Four Lakes.”

Begin with a relatively gentle ascent of 190 metres over about 1.5 kilometres as you circle the Arêtes de la Bruyère ridge from the east. At the far end of the ridge stands the Clot d'Âne hut, used by local shepherds as summer accommodation. There is a water point here, although it is not always active.

From the saddle, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of Le Grand Lac, resting like a deep blue eye between the dolomitic ridges of La Bruyère and the Roche Colombe peak, which rises to 2,832 metres to the west.

Continue north, climbing another 195 metres over 2.3 kilometres to Col de la Ponsonnière (2,613 m). About 700 metres before the pass, you'll pass Lac de Ponsonnière, where you can filter water if you didn't find any at Clot d'Âne. It's also a perfect place to stop for a picnic or a coffee break.

From the pass, descend 200 metres on a good single-track trail toward the Plateau de Cerces and Lac de Cerces, a large alpine lake lying beneath one of the highest peaks in the region, Pointe des Blanchets (2,953 m). The grassy meadows surrounding the lake make an excellent place for lunch.

If you're especially hungry, you can leave the trail here and turn left (northwest), descending 276 metres over about 2 kilometres to the Buvette du Grand Galibier, a small mountain restaurant and water refill point. The restaurant is open from 14:00 between 1 July and 31 August.

From the restaurant, you can either return the same way or follow an old military road heading east, climbing 360 metres over 2.37 kilometres to rejoin the main trail. Along the way, you'll pass near the perimeter fence of Camp de Rochille, an active French military base. The detour adds approximately an hour and a half to the day's walk.

From Lac de Cerces, climb a relatively steep 164 metres over about 1.25 kilometres to Col de Cerces (2,574 m). From the pass, you'll enjoy a stunning view not only of Lac de Cerces below, but also of two more lakes on the far side: Lac du Grand Ban to the left and Lac Rond to the right. Rising above them are Pointe de la Plagnette (2,717 m) and the striking Aiguille Noire (2,869 m).

Continue east from the pass and begin descending along the shores of Lac Rond. Shortly after crossing the Seuil des Rochilles, you'll notice on your left a series of Maginot Line fortifications known as the Ouvrage des Rochilles. Like many defensive positions in this part of the Alps, they were built to defend France in the event of an invasion but were never used. Below the bunkers lies the small Lac de la Clarée.

The trail then turns sharply left (north) and continues descending through a rocky landscape. Watch your footing here, as sections of ancient stone paving are still clearly visible. These stones are part of a Roman road built nearly 2,000 years ago and once used by mule caravans carrying goods between Rome and Gaul.

You can also spot an old boundary stone engraved with a fleur-de-lis, the symbol of France, on one side and the Cross of Savoy, emblem of the historic Kingdom of Savoy, on the other.

From here, the trail continues its gentle descent, losing approximately 275 metres over nearly 3 kilometres before reaching the confluence of the Torrent de Brune and the La Clarée. There are plenty of good places to pitch a tent nearby, as well as a mountain hut for those staying indoors. As always, advance reservations are required if you plan to spend the night in the hut.

Day05

Refuge Des Drayeres → Refuge du Mont Thabor

Grade

Length

14.79 kmkm

Ascent

1090 mm

Descent

766 mm

Time

05:44

Head north on the trail climbing from the hut. After about 200 metres, the path turns east and crosses the Torrent de Brune twice. Continue ascending 175 metres over roughly 1.5 kilometres until you reach a small pond known as Lac Rond ("The Round Lake"), one of several lakes in the region that share the name because of their shape.

The Plateau de Brune is a dry, rocky landscape covered with low grass. It has a distinctly mineral character and, in places, feels almost lunar. Continue climbing alongside a small stream descending from the peaks above before the trail turns sharply north (left) to cross the Torrent de Brune once more.

A further climb of around 150 metres over another 1.5 kilometres brings you to Lac des Muandes, a far more striking lake whose waters take on a distinctive blue-grey colour. From here, a gentle but steady ascent gains 223 metres over the next 1.5 kilometres to Col des Muandes (2,828 m), the highest point of the entire trek.

The views from the pass are exceptional, particularly to the southwest. On a clear day, you can easily pick out the broad summit of La Barre des Écrins (4,102 m), from which the Glacier Blanc descends. Towering above the surrounding peaks, it dominates the horizon.

Begin descending east from the pass. Early in the season, patches of snow may remain on this slope, so microspikes and trekking poles are strongly recommended. After approximately 1 kilometre of walking and a descent of about 200 metres, initially on quite steep terrain, you will reach Lac Chardonnet.

Continue descending another 160 metres over roughly half a kilometre, cross the Ruisseau de la Vallée Étroite flowing from the lake, and begin a gentle climb northward. After gaining 143 metres, you arrive at Lac Blanc.

Continue across the plateau for about half a kilometre to Col du Lac Blanc, which passes directly beneath the distinctive summit of Le Grand Adret. From here, the trail descends slightly before climbing again, gaining 135 metres to reach Col des Méandes (2,718 m).

The route then turns sharply east and descends 280 metres in a long series of switchbacks stretching roughly 2 kilometres down toward Lac du Peyron. Throughout the descent, the iconic summit of Le Grand Séru (2,888 m) dominates the skyline to your right.

From the lake, continue north and then northeast, following a broad 3.5-kilometre arc around the large ridge ahead. Beyond it lies yet another Lac Rond ("Round Lake"), beside which stands the mountain hut where you will spend the night. As always, advance reservations are required.

Day06

Refuge du Mont Thabor → Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite

Grade

Length

7.78 kmkm

Ascent

30 mm

Descent

751 mm

Time

01:56

This is a very short and easy day, and the only one on the trek that is entirely downhill. It can be combined with the following day for those wishing to shorten the route by a day, but many hikers choose to treat it as a day of rest and relaxation. As the trail descends back below the tree line, it follows a series of streams that provide countless opportunities for wading, cooling off, or simply enjoying the sound of running water. There is also the option of a short detour to one of the natural highlights of the region: Lac Vert, the "Green Lake" (see below).

From Lac Rond, head east and descend toward the Col de la Vallée Étroite ("Narrow Valley Pass"). From the pass, continue on a gentle downhill trail, following a stream and crossing several small tributaries along the way. The path skirts the western side of La Grosse Somme before entering the Plaine de Tavernette, a broad, flat area fed by streams flowing down from the surrounding peaks.

Continue for about 1.5 kilometres on this easy descent as the full beauty of the Vallée Étroite gradually reveals itself. The valley narrows, the slopes become greener, and scattered trees slowly give way to a dense alpine forest.

At the junction known as La Fondrie, it is highly recommended to turn left (northeast), cross the Pont de la Fondrie, and follow the path that runs parallel to the GR57 toward Lac Vert.

This remarkable lake lies beneath Roche Pompée (3,164 m), directly on the border between France and Italy. The water is shallow, exceptionally clear, and filled with fallen tree trunks resting on the lakebed. Growing on and around these submerged logs is a microscopic algae of a vivid green colour, giving the lake its distinctive appearance. The combination of crystal-clear water, ancient trunks, and bright green algae creates a scene unlike anything else on the trek. It is an ideal place for a picnic or a leisurely coffee break.

Swimming is strictly prohibited in order to protect the fragile ecosystem that allows this unique algae to thrive.

After circling the lake, follow the trail south and then west until you reach a small wooden bridge crossing the stream. From here, you can either cross back to rejoin the GR57 or remain on the eastern bank and continue along a particularly beautiful forest path for another 2 kilometres.

Both options eventually lead to Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite, your destination for the night. There are numerous places to pitch a tent among the trees beside the stream, as well as a bar-restaurant and two mountain huts offering accommodation. Advance reservations for the huts are recommended.

Day07

Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite → Névache

Grade

Length

10.69 kmkm

Ascent

441 mm

Descent

621 mm

Time

03:27

Head southwest along a wide trail and climb gently for about 300 metres to the streambed of the Combe de la Miglia. Cross the stream with care and begin the gradual ascent up the wooded ridge of Pointe Muratière, which rises above you to 2,379 metres. The trail climbs in long, easy zigzags, weaving between forest and small clearings.

Whenever the trees open up, be sure to look back toward the Vallée Étroite from which you have come. There are excellent views here of both Le Petit Séru and Le Grand Séru, whose distinctive peaks have accompanied you for much of the trek.

Continue climbing until you reach the small Lac Chavillon, set at the edge of a broad plateau that transforms into a vast alpine meadow carpeted with soft grass at the beginning of summer. Here stands an unusual monument of pink marble granite dedicated to a mysterious shepherd named Joseph Giawelly, who once grazed his flocks on this plateau. It is a pleasant and peaceful place to rest after the day's main climb.

From the lake, continue for approximately 1 kilometre across the meadow on a very gentle descent leading to the Cabane Pastorale des Thures, which overlooks the Thures Valley that you will soon descend into. There is a water point here, although the cabin itself is not open to the public and remains in use by local shepherds.

Continue for another 750 metres along the edge of the escarpment until you reach a trail junction. From here, the route descends in gentle zigzags through the trees of two wooded ridges for approximately 2.5 kilometres.

After crossing the bed of the Torrent de Rubion, the trail gradually widens and, about 1 kilometre later, joins Lombarde Street in Névache. From there, continue west for approximately 2 kilometres to the bus stop and large parking area opposite the Névache tourist office, where the trek comes to an end.

02·Map room

Route map & GPX files

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03·FAQ

Before you set out

How to get there?

Everything you need to get from the city with the closest international airport to the start of the trek.

From Milano Centrale station, take the Trenitalia Frecce service departing at 12:00. This is the fastest option, reaching Torino Porta Nuova in just 1 hour and 2 minutes, although several slower departures are available throughout the day. From Turin, continue on a Trenitalia regional train to the border town of Bardonecchia, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes.

From Bardonecchia, a taxi can take you to the starting point of the trek at the tourist office in Névache in around 30 minutes. During the summer months, there is also a bus service between Bardonecchia and Névache, although it does not operate on a fixed timetable.

As the route is circular, another convenient option is to rent a car in Milan and drive directly to Névache, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes.

The first day of the trek has been deliberately kept short, allowing participants to arrive around midday and begin hiking without feeling rushed.

How to get back?

Everything you need to know to get back from the trek's end point to the city you came from.

From Névache, take a taxi or bus service (approximately 30 minutes) to the Italian border town of Bardonecchia. From Bardonecchia, regular trains depart hourly for Torino Porta Nuova, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 28 minutes. From Turin, frequent onward services run to Milano Centrale, taking approximately one hour.

The rail connections are straightforward and well coordinated, making the return journey to Milan both convenient and efficient.

Where to sleep?

A hotel room, refuge, or tent? All the options for this hike including tips, guidelines, and a summary of local rules around bivouacking.

Wild camping is permitted along the route, provided tents are pitched after 7:00 p.m. and removed before 9:00 a.m. the following day. Staying in the same location for more than one night is not permitted, and open fires are prohibited. Camping stoves may be used, provided all safety regulations are observed.

There are several excellent mountain huts along the route, but advance reservations are essential.

Good to know:

Important info, enrichment details about the hike, interesting anecdotes, recommendations, food, culture, and more to make your trip more successful.

The third day of the trek is intentionally short, giving those looking for an extra challenge the opportunity to hire a local guide, who can also provide the necessary equipment, and tackle one of the area's finest routes: the circuit around the Aiguillette du Lauzet (2,717 m). This optional hike takes around three hours and rewards hikers with superb views across the Guisane Valley far below.

It is also possible to combine the sixth and seventh days into a single stage. Many hikers, however, choose to make the sixth day a day of rest and exploration in the Vallée Étroite (“Narrow Valley”), a beautiful alpine valley with countless spots to cool off in crystal-clear mountain streams beneath the shade of larch and fir forests.

The valley is also home to the Lac Vert (“Green Lake”), one of the region’s most remarkable natural sights. Swimming is not permitted, but the lake is worth the visit for its extraordinary colours alone. Massive fallen fir trunks lie submerged in exceptionally clear water, while a microscopic green algae gives the lake its distinctive emerald hue, creating a scene that feels almost unreal.

GR57

7 hiking days

Route map & GPX files

Before you set out

Further reading

How can you tell if you're fit enough to do the trek you want?