Lavey Refuge, Muande Valley

Description

An accessible hike along La Muande. The path leads to the Lavey refuge, the starting point up to the glaciers. The Vénéon valley contains several smaller valleys, such as the Lavey valley, which is one of the most prestigious. It opens the way towards such famous summits as Les Rouies, La Tête des Fétoules, L’Aiguille de l'Olan and the Pointe Maximin corridor. From the car park, take the path marked "Vallon de la Lavey" near the signs marking the Ecrins National Park entrance. Walk below the village as far as the River Vénéon, then cross the magnificent stone bridge over the torrent (remember to close the barrier behind you). With the Lavey waterfall to your left, take the winding path leading up to the Raya chalets. Continue along the right bank of the Muande torrent as far as the new arched stone bridge. The route continues along the left bank as far as the Lavey refuge. The way back is through the villages of Le Souchey and Le Clot (in dry weather): 50 m before the stone bridge as you come down from the refuge, stay on the left bank of the Muande torrent. The path rises slightly before arriving at the village of Le Souchey. Then go down towards the Vénéon and Le Clot, and then cross a large wooden footbridge over the Vénéon. Go up the path and, just before the village of Le Clot, take the path leading to the Champhorent car park.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• The circuit has some steep sections and is slippery in wet weather. Keep an eye on children in the exposed sections.

Getting there

Start: Parking Champhorent, Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans (38).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/955154-Refuge-de-la-Lavey%2C-Vallon-de-la-Muande). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 613 m, Parc national des Écrins