Refuge du Chardonnet: An easy hike to discover beautiful places in the Clarea.
The Claree Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful corners of the Alps to satisfy your hiking desires. As for the refuge of the Chardonnet: step to discover the mountain more widely, or end in itself, you decide! This warm refuge, real good address of the Clarea, is perfect for both. We'll tell you about the hike that leads to it. In addition to being short and easy, it is a very nice family-friendly route: well-traced trail, beautiful forest, picturesque pasture hamlet, green plain and stream on the background of beautiful sharp peaks.
Location : Massif des Alpes > Hautes-Alpes > Valle de la Claree > Nevache. For more hiking ideas or walks in the sector of Nevache, Claree or Hautes-Alpes, do not hesitate to read our article « The most beautiful corners of the Hautes-Alpes : Izoard, Clarea, Grave » .
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FROM RANDONNEE:
2h (A/R)
5kms
+370m of elevation
→ DISTANCE : Round trip of 5kms.
→ DURATION +/- 2H.
→ DENIVED - 370m.
→ DEPARTURE POINT : Parking Fontcovered 1.855m altitude.
→ DIRECTED POINT : Chardonnet Refuge, 2.227m altitude.
→ ROAD ACCESSES : Right after the town of Briançon, direction Montgeneve. Take the direction of the hamlet « The Vachette » then continue to the village of Nevache. Follow the main road (D301T) to the campsite in Fontcouverte to park at the parking directly opposite.
→ SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS None, but learn about the road conditions especially in winter. inforoute05
DESCRIPTION OF Hiking the Chardonnet refuge
> Departure from Fontcouverte near Nevache and then crossing a pretty hamlet of pasture.
Once parked in front of the campsite of Fontcouverte, cross the road then take the wide path that goes up to the left (variant GR57) towards the Chalets de Laraux. The start of the route is well indicated with a large sign. The first part gradually climbs into the forest until it crosses the hamlet of the pasture and then reaches the grape stream and the beautiful larch forest.
> In a bucolic valley, the trail follows the grape stream to the Chardonnet refuge.
Once the forest has passed, the panorama opens onto a beautiful valley. Follow the well-conceived trail that crosses the stream by a small bridge and then climbs towards the refuge. Soon, the wood of larch browns and the Chardonnet stands out from the green box: you arrived.
> Explore the surroundings
Once you're upstairs, whether you're here for the day or night, don't hesitate to walk around. Lots of lovely corners, natural habitat of marmots and ibex, are located around the refuge less than an hour walk away. Many other hiking routes are possible from the refuge.
> Bonus : Spend a night at the shelter
You know if you went through our article. « Discover the most beautiful corners of the Hautes-Alpes« (Izoard, Clarea, Grave), the refuge of the Chardonnet is one of our favourites! Staying there at night makes it even better to enjoy this sublime mountain setting, while enjoying the comfort and excellent cuisine of Nicolas' refuge, guardian of the place for 23 years.
Don't forget to book in advance!
With 39 places (and its fame), the refuge is often well filled in high season. If you want to spend one night reserve in advance to ensure a place and half board.
Useful links to prepare the hike:
→ Find out more about weather conditions: Blue weather.
→ Information on road access conditions: InfoRoute05.
→ The mountain rescue number: first call the 112 to give the alert, you will be put in contact with the mountain rescue unit (PGHM or CRS).
PGHM Hautes-Alpes:
04 92 21 58 58
CRS Briançon:
04 92 23 01 65
Office de tourisme Hautes-Vallées :
04 92 20 02 20
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This hike to the Chardonnet refuge?
If you have any Questions, Remarks, or just want to trade or even if you have loved this article: do not hesitate to leave a comment, we always answer.
For other ideas of hikes, walks or typical addresses to discover the Clarea or the Hautes-Alpes, you can read this article: « The most beautiful corners of the Hautes-Alpes« .
