Les Plagnes via Les Clots

Description

This varied trail introduces hikers to the small ski resort of Le Chazelet and provides an exceptional panorama over the north face of La Meije, as well as all the villages in the canton. Granaries, terraces, oratories... all the magic of Meije country. Here, hiking is a chance to enjoy the architecture and traditions of Le Chazelet, as well as the unique plant life all around. From the car park, walk up the tarmac road passing above the village for about 200 m. Take the left-hand fork in the road before the first houses and follow the Chemin des Plagnes. After about 200 m, go up to the right along a small path leading to a cross. Follow the path upwards across the hay meadows to the second hairpin bend, and there take the small path (in the locality of Founcato), which goes up to the button lift, then runs alongside it as far as the wooden cross (locality of Jacques Mathonet). Continue along the path that crosses the Plagnes button lift, and rejoin the path that makes its way towards the Martignare valley. Head right and make for the “Col des Plagnes” (2106 m), following the markings, along the edge of the Chazelet forest. Go down the narrow path leading to the village of Les Clots (1916 m) (don’t take the path on the left leading to La Celle des Juges). Cross the upper part of the village and turn right onto a mountainside path. After crossing the small slate mines (cables), you come to a wide track that runs below the forest. Go down towards the oratory, passing the orientation table. You arrive at a road, which you follow for 300 m towards Le Chazelet. Walk through the village and continue on back to the starting point of the trip.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Pay attention when crossing the slate mines on the way back - use the cable to help you.

Getting there

Start: Hameau du Chazelet, La Grave (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/920147-Les-Plagnes-par-les-Clots). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 341 m, Parc national des Écrins