HIGH ALPES | Discover the High Valleys: Clarea, Grave, Izoard

Izoard, the Clarea,
the Grave:
small pearls preserved from the Hautes-Alpes.

This article takes you to discover the Hautes-Alpes. More specifically, three valleys in the northern part of the department: Izoard, Clarea and La Grave. Together, they form the territory known as High Valleys.

Less known than their more touristic neighbours or (too) popular places in the Alps, however, these three beautiful valleys contain Treasures. We loved to discover their confidential and wild corners, typical villages and hamlets, the sweetness of life that reigns there, the fabulous lakes of altitude, the glaciers and giant mountains that bloom with the 4,000m... And meet their inhabitants, who would never leave these pieces of paradise « for nothing in the world » Hey! Izoard, Clarea and Grave are real little pearls preserved Southern Alps. Undoubtedly, they are part of the pretty corners of France and mountains which we especially enjoyed discovering.

1. The Izoard Pass and the « Deserted bass », 2.362m.

His name resonates as a legend in the world of the Tour de France... And for cause! The Izoard Pass and its « Deserted bass » They didn't steal their fame. Every year, cyclists, bikers, motorists come in numbers to follow the path of this ribbon that snakes in the mountains. Starting first in a sublime forest, the laces (pins!) no longer end up chaining to transport us in a other world : at the turn of a corner, the dense forest is clear and leaves room for... The planet Mars? The Moon? You'll see! The road to the Izoard Pass is certainly one of the most beautiful tracks in the Alps South. Nothing better than taking the time to go through it.

2. La Vallée des Fonts de Cervières

The valley of the Fonts de Cervières is the little confidential pearl of the Izoard. When you take the small road that leads from the village of Cervières, you feel like you are entering a secret valley. After 10 minutes on a rather winding and narrow route, the panorama opens: the only small road sneaks in the middle of the flowery pastures. Around, the forest then the peaks at more than 3,000m above sea level close the horizon. The small chalets grouped in hamlets are the final touch of this deeply soothing and... Pittoresque Hey! In this little little valley, little to do... If it is to enjoy the present moment, the nature, and to chew in a piece of cheese (is produced here) ♥) not thinking about anything else!

3. Hiking of the Tour du Lac des Cordes.

This trekking that is carried out by loop on the day is ideal to discover the Izoard valley. Well marked trail, stream, waterfall, magnificent larch forest, alpine pastures, panoramic ridges and of course... Lake! In addition to having as a starting point (and arrival) the beautiful valley of the Fonts and the friendly refuge of the same name (the beer at the end of the route is very appreciated), this itinerary is the perfect opportunity to discover a whole mosaic of beautiful landscapes of the Alps. It was with Jean-Maxime, a mountain guide, that we had discovered. We're talking about this experience down here.

A detailed topo of this walk was prepared Here.

4. Lake Orceyrette

Here's another little pearl of Izoard. A blue pearl itself, and what a blue! Lake Orceyrette is one of those places that look like a postcard decor. We discovered it by electric ATV accompanied by Greg: the lake can join by car, but access it by bike (and without too much effort!) by the track that runs the forest is an experience that you are recommended. In the open air, we enjoy even better the beautiful nature around us! Lake Orceyrette is nestled in the middle of the Ayes Wood Reserve. Classified Natura 2000, this beautiful forest of larchs and pines is one of the highest in France: it peaks at 2000m altitude. Up there, some trees reached the age of 600! One of the must-sees of Izoard.

♥ LOCAL PRODUCTORS: tastings, local products and great encounters in Izoard, Hautes Vallées.

• The Farm of Lasseron To Cervières. « For centuries, mountain people from all over the world have been taking their animals to the pastures of altitude in summer. In Europe, those who stay there are today very rare... But in the peaceful valley of the Fonts, at the borders of Queyras and Italy, an irreducible family still spends the beautiful season at the foot of the Chalps... ». It's the story of the Brunet family and their farm in Lasseron. When we met Myrtille, one of the three girls, he was asked how many generations his family had been practising this profession. His answer? « Since Always Hey! ». Here, breeding and cheese production is a passion. Their days are rhythmic by goats and cows as well as by the seasons. Although rest periods are rare, « for nothing in the world » Myrtille would leave her 16 cows and her little corner of paradise in the Fonts de Cervières. The memory of his meeting near his chalet in Les Chalps has a special place in our memory. It has the flavor of delicious cheeses tasted in the midst of flowery alpine pastures, rocked by friendly and simple discussions, surrounded by mountains... Without lying, the cheeses from the farm in Lasseron are a wonder. And when you see how animals are raised, it's double happiness! We can only warmly recommend you go meet the Brunet family.

♥ ACCOMMODATION AND RESTAURANT: typical address and nice refuge in Izoard, Southern Alps.

• The Refuge Napoleon, Izoard Pass, 2.290m.
  How can I talk about Izoard without talking about him? We loved staying at the Napoleon refuge, a real good address on this Route des Grandes Alpes. First, its location – a few pins from the top of the Izoard Pass – is magnificent. Below, the road flows into the heart of a peaceful and lush larch forest, these conifers that are the pride of the Alps. It's almost like a tale! A little higher, the lunar landscapes of the Desert Casse and an incredible panorama of the peaks at more than 3,000m await visitors. But the Napoleon refuge is mostly the smiles and the good mood of Marie and Corentin, site guards for four years. Beloved, full of spirit and especially in love with this high mountain environment, they have made this place a temple of good living and pleasure of simple things! The rooms with mountain décor are comfortable, warm and tastefully decorated. Home-made dishes are generous and comforting. Finally, their dessert buffet – homemade cakes and pies – is legendary. Many even come from far away to taste the famous lemon pie! In winter, the refuge is joined by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing and the kilometers of descent can be made... In luge, under the moonlight!

♥ GUIDES AND ACCOMPANIERS: filling up experiences in the Izoard alongside true mountain ambassadors.

• AzimutIn Cervières: « Ride today, work tomorrow » Hey! It is the creation of this super small business in Cervières that offers all-inclusive adventure stays, mountain accompaniments and bike and ski rental. Their specialty is mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking, freeride skiing. It was with them (Greg) that we went to discover Lake Orceyrette by electric mountain bike. The team is young, dynamic and super friendly. We recommend them if you want to have fun adventures in the mountains.
• Office Mountain Visa TrekkingTo Briançon: Hiking, Canyoning, Mountain biking, Snowshoeing... The team offers a beautiful range of mountain activities in Briançon and Serre-Chevalier in the Hautes Alpes. The guides and guides (we had done the Tour du Lac des Cordes accompanied by Jean-Maxime) are real ambassadors passionate about this natural environment. This was our first accompanied walk and we loved it: the understanding was good immediately, the friendly and enriching exit (thanks to him the hike took on another dimension, we learned so much about everything around us!). Committed and sensitive to developing sustainable tourism, they are also recommended to you.

1. The Refuge du Chardonnet: day hike or overnight experience at the refuge, 2.227m above sea level.

When we talked about a postcard refuge, we thought very strongly of this beautiful refuge typical of the Alps made wood browns larch. Step to discover more widely the mountain or end in itself, it is you who decides: the refuge of the Chardonnet, true good address of the Clarea, is perfect for both! The little walk that leads there is very beautiful (we made a Article the surroundings of the refuge, the natural habitat of marmots and ibex. The cuisine here is homemade, organic, local and, whether it's lunch or evening, is delicious! Finally, Nico, the guardian, breathes energy and good waves of the mountain. Imagine: he set foot in the Chardonnet shelter 23 years ago... Today he has 43, and he is Still not gone Hey! To discover this place, we understand why. Of course, the Chardonnet shelter is also a great place for enjoy a beautiful evening and night in the mountains and may be the departure of other hikes.

2. The Fontcouverte waterfall

If you go around to discover the Chardonnet refuge, don't miss the little walk to discover this beautiful waterfall. From the car park in Fontcouverte, 30 minutes will be enough to go back, but allow a little more time for enjoy along the trail and on site. The small ribbon of land that sneaks into the greenery is often in the shade of the forest and is very pleasant. Flat, it runs along the beautiful river of the Clarea : the universe is quite enchanting and the desire to land on the edge of the clear water is strong! Upon arrival, we discover the impressive waterfall, not so high but wide and powerful (we had discovered it in June, the flow can be different according to the seasons)! It's a discovery that we enjoyed very much and we recommend.

3. Via corda de l'Aiguille Rouge, 2,545m.

One word: wow Hey! This via corda is perfect for filling up sensations while rubbing at one of the emblematic peaks of the Clarea: the Red Needle, at 2,545m altitude. At the top, the award: a 360° panorama of Nevache and the Italian mountains. Although it represents a certain challenge – especially for those who are not familiar with the climax tie – we do not regret the day dedicated to this challenge above Nevache. From the beginning to the end, i.e. from the departure of our guest rooms at 8am, until the 16h beer shared with Alain (our guide), we have loved the experience Hey! A via corda is a cross between via ferrata and mountaineering. It is a route equipped with metal steps and pins, but not wired. We are progressing in harmony with each other by ensuring with carabiners. Alain was a great guide who managed to put us in trust throughout the adventure! This via corda with it is a great opportunity to discover this mineral world (sometimes red, hence the name of this summit!) of high mountain, playing field of the chamois.

4. The transhumance festival in Nevache.

It takes place every year around mid-June: this party where conviviality is a must-see if you wish to take part in one of the oldest traditions of these mountains Hey! The transhumance is the time of year when the herds climbed to the pastures to enjoy the good grass of altitude. In Nevache, since 1927, it is a major event since the commune, the owner of the pastures, saw thousands of animals passing through the alleys: imagine, they flooded from Provence to come and spend their summer days here! As this event also marks the beginning of the beautiful season, this mountain tradition is always associated with on a holiday. Every year, a joyful meeting is organized in Nevache to celebrate it: artisanal market, music, dances, exhibition space that revives the history of transhumances, drink, traditional meals... And then, at the beginning of the afternoon, accompany the shepherds and their herds to the pastures!

♥ LOCAL PRODUCERS: tastings, local products and great encounters in Nevache, in the valley of the Claree.

• The Plampinet goatmeat Nevache. « Happiness does not buy but cheese, yes. It's almost the same! » Welcome to the temple of goat cheese... Manon Temple! Native to Nevache, when this young animal osteopath learned that Plampinet's goat shop was looking for a new owner, she jumped on the occasion. Since then, in these buildings built at the foot of the mountains in 1983 and becoming a small institution in the Clarea valley, Manon has put a heart to look after his 45 goats. We had the opportunity to discuss with her during our visit to the goat shop. It was a real pleasure to meet this young breeder and producer who gives so much Love to his goats that of passion making cheeses. Manon is the breeder who gives a name to all her goats and continues to care for the oldest, even if they no longer produce milk: « I love them, and they make me good ». We want all producers to be like her! You will understand, we can only recommend that you take a gourmet break at this goat shop.

Plampinet goat farm is located on the Nevache road, a few kilometers before the village. Farm sale of farm goat cheese. From fresh to refined and specialties: tomme, cabriollette, cabrior and blue. Open year round, every day in summer (10-20h) and 6 days/7 the rest of the year (10:30-18h – closed on Wednesday). More info just Here.

♥ ACCOMMODATIONS AND RESTAURANTS: typical addresses, charming guest rooms and very good tables in Nevache, Clarea Valley.

• LHostel du Clot Nevache. The Auberge du Clot is a bit the end of the end of the small road that crosses the village (and ends on the way, then squarely in the grass, elsewhere). For a minute, we doubted we could find a hostel there and yet... The beautiful wooden chalet is there. In reality, we are a few minutes from the centre of the village, but we feel like we are here apart with only the nature that surrounds us. In this peaceful environment, the large elegant chalet Gives only one desire: quickly go snuggle inside! Wanted not to pass, on the contrary, when you discover its pretty rooms. But to be honest, when you think about the Inn of the Slot... We also think a lot about its restaurant Hey! We would teleport ourselves well again to our evening table, with the homemade soup that smokes and the succession of dishes of the terroir, all cooked with a lot of greed and finesse. And dessert... No, we're not telling you anything. That's the chief's surprise.
• The Joy of Living Nevache. We could write an article just about this place. The Joy of Living is, since 1973, the warm guest house of Claire and Isabelle. Here, the mountain style comes with warmth, modernity and elegance. In the living room, the crept fireplace and soft armchairs only require that we come to the bathroom, one of the 1000 books of the library in hand. Upstairs we find spacious rooms and one large spa, all made of wood. Located at the foot of the mountains, the 20-hectare estate also has a farm where ponies and lamas are killed, as well as a certified organic farm. In line with Claire and Laëtitia's values, energy is eco-produced on site! Finally, the cuisine, concocted by Claire, is a part of the mountain products, fresh and natural (it's not uncommon for the menu to be drawn up according to what they picked the day before, for sure, this melt in the morillae will remain engraved in our memories ♥). Claire also has a crazy talent to prepare vegetarian dishes as varied and gourmet as the rest of her kitchen and this is rather rare! Well, we're gonna stop there (even if we'd like to talk to you about our cool discussions with Isabelle -real Bible!- on this. « most beautiful valley in the world » What is Nevacha!).

♥ GUIDES AND ACCOMPANIERS: filling up experiences in the Claree Valley with real mountain ambassadors.

Alain Tallaron : « You see it when you talk to a mountain man, you see that they live the mountain in a deep way, that they have it in them: you see it in their eyes ». These are his words and yet they describe him so well to him: Alain is one of our most beautiful encounters in the Hautes-Alpes. Well known in the Clarea Valley, this mountain guide has many years of experience. Botanical hiking (he loves and has a lot of knowledge), but also hiking, snowshoeing, electric mountain biking, climbing, via corda... In addition to being a force of nature, he is an extremely caring person who has drawn from these years of mountain practice a rare simplicity and wisdom... Our via corda with him (you know) and our exchanges are really good memories.

Contact: 06 08 30 69 09.

Antoine Allier: It was with Antoine that we discovered the refuge of the Chardonnet and the beautiful waterfall of Fontcouverte. We enjoyed the two days spent with this medium mountain coach. In fact, it's pretty simple, when you walk around the Alps by his side: you feel like you're at home! Coming here from a very small age, he fell in love with this environment and the Nevache valley. He lives there today with his wife and two daughters. In addition to learning a lot about the natural environments that we've travelled together, we've enjoyed discovering the way we see and live the mountain: humble, respectful, passionate, true and simple. Just like him!

Contact: 06 07 65 98 14.

1. The Lautaret Garden, 2,100m.

Welcome to this small botanical paradise nestled in the mountains, on the heights of the Col du Lautaret. Due to its geographical location and its geological specificities, the Jardin du Lautaret is often introduced as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe. And because: with more than 2,000 species from 60 different alpine mountains (from Andes to Africa, to Siberia!), this garden is a real invitation to a tour of the plant world. It's easy to spend hours there. Especially if you give yourself time to enjoy the different spaces that invite you to relax, sometimes in the shade of dense vegetation, sometimes at the edge of the water. All facing an exceptional setting: the great peak of the Meije and its glaciers. The Jardin du Lautaret is a place of visit (explorations!) but also research: it houses a CNRS station, the National Centre for Scientific Research. For more than 100 years, scientists and students from all over the world have been studying the biology of alpine plants and the effects of climate change. We loved the guided tour (included in the entry ticket) that makes us make a real overview of the mountains (and the stakes...) of the world. It's good to stop in this kind of place and forget our little concerns to open up to the beauty and fragility of what surrounds us.

Opening: from the first weekend of June to the first weekend of September, every day from 10am to 6pm. Tariff: 7€ (+18 years), free for children under 12 years of age. Daily guided tours included in the entry ticket from June to August at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 4pm. More info and fair rates Here.

2. The Embaris plateau

This altitude plateau is one of the more beautiful places Southern Alps. Ranked Natura 2000, this plateau houses several lakes that form an incredible balcony with views of giants of ice: the glaciers of the Meije and its Grand Pic at 3.973m above sea level. We dedicated a 15km hiking article which loops through the beautiful Lake Lérie, Lake Noir and the plateau of Emparis. With a bivouac at the key, it was one of our most beautiful experiences in the Hautes Alpes.

You can consult the article on hiking of the Emparis plateau and Lake Lérie and Lake Noir just Here.

3. The Grave cable car

It's time to wake up your mountaineering soul! With its 1750m of ascent in 30 minutes, the route of the cable car of the Grave alone is adventure and an invitation to contemplation... D other world. Sitting in the cabin, you can observe the multitude of landscapes that offer the Grave Valley: from dense forests to millennial glaciers. Peyrou train station in Amont, an intermediate station located at 2400m, offers contemplative experiences to admire and understand the surrounding environment. Possible walks from the station. The chairlift then teleports you to 3200m of altitude This is the railway station of the Ruillan pass, the arrival of the cable car. You then find yourself at the gates of one of the last great alpine glaciers: that of the Girose, well known to skiers, mountaineers and... sculptors (to understand, rdv at next point). Up there, the face-to-face with glaciers is taking, unlike the panorama... Impregnable on the valley of La Grave. We did not have enough beauty to do this during our visit, but accompanied glacial walks or mountaineering initiations are possible. Please contact Office of Guides of La Grave. The restaurant La Cabine 3200 also offers good generous dishes up there in an atmosphere chalet de haute... Very high mountain.

More info about the La Grave-La Meije cable car and prices Here.

4. The ice cave of the Girose glacier.

This cave and the sculptures it includes were entirely shaped by man's hand, at the picket, then, more finely, by the sculptors in order to give life to the creatures of the mountain. Located 5min walk from the arrival of the La Grave cable car, it is immersed under the ice at a depth of more than 30 m. This glazed den is visited by long corridors lit with small coloured lights. A fascinating universe that reveals the bowels of the glaciers around us.

More info about the ice cave just Here.

5. Meeting with a national park guard

A few steps from the Lautaret Pass is the Ecrins National Park, a highly protected mountain area to preserve its rich biodiversity. With 91,800 hectares, 150 peaks at more than 3,000m and 740kms of marked trails, this park is an immense haven for fauna and flora, as well as their guests: mountain lovers. Chamois, ibex, raptors, marmots, and species of the ice age such as alpine lagoons or snow voles inhabit this place. To learn more about this place, people and those who protect it, do not hesitate to visit the House of the National Park at the Lautaret Pass. We had the opportunity to meet Cyril, guard of the Park, and enjoyed discovering his profession. You will also find a lot of information, a sales space and a projection space.

♥ LOCAL PRODUCERS: tastings, local products and great encounters in the Grave.

• LLautaret Workshop at the Lautaret Pass. Welcome to the land of thousands of sweets... Honey! Véronique and Jérôme have set up their delicious shop on the heights of the Col du Lautaret where, after more than 15 years in beekeeping, they now devote themselves to the transformation of the precious nectar. Honey from the Alps, gingerbread, nougat, jam, spread, sweets, biscuits... Here the good one homemade honey is available in all its forms, for the pleasure of gourmets but not that. Sensitive to the health benefits of propolis (mixture of wax, saliva and resins taken from conifers), Véronique & Jérôme also offer a range of 100% natural products ranging from cream to soap. We loved to meet Jerome, a mountain of character with this little side as sweet as the gourmets he makes.

♥ ACCOMMODATIONS: good places to stay in the Grave

• Hotel le Faranchin in Villar-D Built in 1976 in the heart of Villar-D Over all these years, this establishment has become a Well known address in the Valley of La Grave. Faranchin offers 35 recently renovated rooms with mountain atmosphere, most with balcony and views of part of the Meije. We enjoyed the young dynamic team and the kindness of David and Sabrina. Located between the Col du Lautaret and the village of La Grave, it was also a perfect base camp to radiate in the valley. Another point we enjoyed: the hotel restaurant offers every Thursday a vegetarian day menu (but even on other days, they have always offered us alternatives adapted to our demands!). The leader is other than David himself. Driven by his craft, he has a heart to satisfy his guests by offering a varied menu, generous cuisine and local seasonal products.

♥ RESTAURANTS: the good tables around which to satisfy / gather in the valley of La Grave.

• The Cabin of 3200, at the top of the cable car of the Grave : Avalanche of flavors in anticipation! If you followed us so far, you have to guess why we loved this address so much... How not to fall under the charm of this wooden restaurant nestled at the foot of the glacier of the Girose, surrounded by its high peaks? Whether after visiting the ice cave or initiating mountaineering, you are advised to take a seat on the terrace or push your front door to enjoy an incredible panorama around a generous dish. Home-made pizzas are tested and approved.

• Brasserie des Glaciers at the Col du Lautaret: Located at the top of the Lautaret pass (yes, again it), the Brasserie des Glaciers is located at the bottom of the Lautaret Logde & Spa hotel. With its convivial room all in dark wood and its small touches of lights there and there, we are immediately immersed in an atmosphere between pub and chalet of altitude. The Brasserie des Glaciers offers a beautiful brasserie cuisine and essential burgers. Like the region, the plates are (very) generous and warm atmosphere, ideal for fuelling energy with in addition to good local beers!

• Restaurant Faranchin in Villar-D We have already quoted this restaurant a little higher when we were talking about the hotel Faranchin. « The Faranchin » and its terrace are open to all and not only to hotel guests. It is a great place to eat good dishes prepared by David according to the golden rules: local and seasonal products.

End of the discovery of these 3 pretty valleys of the Hautes-Alpes.

Did you like this article? We hope he gave full of great ideas to live your own getaway in the Hautes Vallées, north of the Hautes-Alpes department. If you have any questions, comments, or just enjoyed this article, don't hesitate to let us know by leaving a comment. We'll be happy to read you and Let's always answer.

This way, other ideas for getaways France, in mountain or roadtrips in the heart of exceptional villages.