Haute Traversée de Belledonne - GR 738 - Hiking 11 days
Cette superbe traversée de la chaine de Belledonne en 11 étapes, emprunte les sentiers des bergers. Débutant en Savoie, cet itinéraire sauvage vous conduira jusqu’à Vizille (Isère). On ne pouvait donc trouver plus beau symbole que de le labelliser GR 738.
11 stages of the GR 738:
- Stage 1: Aiguebelle (Val d'Arc - Bivouac area) - le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune). Duration: 6h30 and altitude difference: + 1245 m / - 685 m
- Stage 2: Le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune) - Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded). Duration: 8h and altitude difference: + 1805 m / - 825 m
- Stage 3: Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded) - Refuge de la Pierre du Carre.
Duration: 7h and altitude difference: + 1330 m / - 1440 m
- Stage 4: Refuge de la Pierre du Carre - Refuge de l'Oule. Duration: 7h30 and altitude difference: + 1290 m / - 1370 m
- Stage 5: Refuge de l'Oule - Gite de la Martinette. Duration: 6h and altitude difference: + 810 m / - 1400 m
- Stage 6: Gite de la Martinette - Refuge des Sept-Laux. Duration: 3h and altitude difference: + 1100 m / - 130 m
- Stage 7: Refuge des Sept-Laux - Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge). Duration: 5h and altitude difference: + 600 m / - 1 025 m
- Stage 8: Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge) - Refuge Jean Collet. Duration: 5h50 and altitude difference: + 1 060 m / - 875 m
- Stage 9: Refuge Jean Collet - Refuge de La Pra. Duration: 4h30 and altitude difference: + 950 m /- 780 m
- Stage 10: Refuge de La Pra - Chamrousse (Le Recoin - resort accommodation). Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins and altitude difference: + 475 m / - 915 m
- Stage 11: Chamrousse (Recoin) - Vizille. Duration: 5h30 and altitude difference: + 410 m / - 1 785 m.
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Along the Sentiers des Bergers, you too can transhume! During the summer months, follow in the footsteps of the herds as they make their way up to the summer pastures and let yourself be carried over the passes, through the Belledonne mountain range and its wonders. Belledonne is a land of hiking par excellence. The high mountain pastures offer landscapes without frontiers, wild and hospitable, the result of the harmonious union between shepherds and nature that has shaped this mountain for centuries.
1) STAGE 1: Aiguebelle (Val d'Arc - Bivouac area) - le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune)
Duration: 6h30
Difference in altitude: + 1245 m / - 685 m
Altitude: 320m min. / 880m max.
IGN 432 ET
Step by step: at Aiguebelle, take the road to Montgilbert, Le Planay, Fort de Montgilbert, le Pontet via le Manchet and les Granges.
Along the way: this stage is steeped in the history of iron. Mining sites dot the route from the Mollards ridge to the valley. Iron in the Belledonne has a 700-year history, from Durandal to the Schneider company. Since the Middle Ages, the Hurtières mines have been the most important in Savoie, renowned for the quality of their ore. The Song of Roland tells us that the Durandal sword was forged using ore from Hurtières. All along the ridge, from the Col du Champet to the Col du Grand Cucheron, there are many reminders of this past. Stopping off at the Grand Filon museum and visiting the mine galleries is a way of discovering the past. Stop off at the Grand Filon museum and visit the mine galleries to discover this exceptional heritage.
2) STAGE 2: Le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune) - Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded)
Duration: 8 hours
Difference in altitude: + 1805 m / - 825 m
Altitude: min. 880m / max. 1832m
IGN 3433 OT
Step by step: from the marsh at Le Pontet, take the path through the forest, past the ‘baraque à Michel’ and on to the Col du Champet. Follow the ridge as far as the Col de la Perche, from where you can overlook the Arbaretan mountain pasture. Descend to the sources of the Gargoton, climb to the Col de la Perrière and continue to the refuge of the same name.
On the way: the climb from Le Pontet to the Col du Champet is mainly forested. The ridge above the Chalet d'Arbaretan offers magnificent views of Mont Blanc. The ascent to the Col de la Perche and then the summit of Chapotet offers a bird's eye view of the Grande Montagne de Presle and Verneil mountain pastures. Local herds of heifers and suckler cows graze here from June to October. For a long time, these pastures were successful and popular, but the decline in livestock farming from the 1940s onwards and the abandonment of many mountain pastures led to a decline in dairy farming. As a result, there are now very few dairy pastures in Belledonne. As a result, the pastoral chalets on the Savoyard side are rarely used, as farmers go up to see their herds for the day before returning to their farms. The descent to the sources of the Gargoton and the ascent to the Col de la Perrière via the Combe de l'Arbet neuf is very wild and unspoilt.
3) STAGE 3: Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded) - Refuge de la Pierre du Carre
Duration: 7 hours
Difference in altitude: + 1330 m / - 1440 m
Altitude: min. 1761m / max. 1832m
IGN 3433 OT
Step by step: from the refuge, go to the Col de la Frèche, then to the Col d'Arpingon. Follow the path to the Férices refuge. Descend to Pré Nouveau, cross the Bens using the new footbridge, then climb into the Claran valley, over the Col de Claran to the Pierre du Carre refuge.
On the way: The stage begins with a short ascent of the Col de la Frèche and Col d'Arpingon. The latter offers a remarkable panorama of the foothills of the Grands Moulins, the Lauzière and Mont Blanc. Continuing along the path, you'll find the Férices refuge in a magnificent cirque, a veritable mineral conch. The stream Le Bens marks the border between Isère and Savoie. Long attached to the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, Savoie did not join France by referendum until 1860, and a few engraved markers (the fleur-de-lys on one side, the dauphin on the other) are a reminder of the history of these two departments. Then comes the Claran mountain pasture, a veritable nest of blueberries, used for three generations by a family of transhumants and their 3,000 ewes. The stage ends at the Pierre du Carre refuge. ATTENTION: check whether the refuge is guarded this summer. You can also sleep at the Claran refuge a little further along the route.
4) STAGE 4: Refuge de la Pierre du Carre - Refuge de l'Oule
Time: 7h30
Difference in altitude: + 1290 m / - 1370 m
Altitude: min. 1761m / max. 1836m
IGN 3433 OT
Step by step: from the refuge, follow the steps of the Échappée Belle trail, le Planay, Plan de l'Ours, le Praillet, l'Aup Bernard, la Bourgeat Noire, refuge de l'Oule.
On the way: this pendular stage (500 m downhill then uphill and 700 m downhill then uphill) is marked by its wooded paths. The Aup Bernard hut can be used as a refuge in bad weather and is a lovely place to take a break. At the very bottom, the village of Gleyzin or la Bourgeat Noire is typical of these hamlets and valleys that have been withdrawn from time. The traditional alpine chalets were designed to cope with the often harsh conditions, with hay as insulation and the proximity of animals for heating. At the end of the stage, you might want to pick a few mushrooms, because all it takes here is a thunderstorm to see them rise from the ground.
Camille and Christian will be delighted to welcome you, and Christian will never tire of telling you a thousand and one stories about his job as a breeder, his herds and his dogs.
5) STAGE 5: Refuge de l'Oule - Gite de la Martinette
Duration: 6 hours
Difference in altitude: + 810 m / - 1400 m
Altitude: min. 1075m / max. 1836m
IGN 3433 OT
From the gîte, walk 150 metres downhill towards La Pierre du Pin, then turn left (west). Climb up to the Léat cross and reach the lake and chalet of the same name. A real little paradise. Cross the combe de Tigneux and continue to the 2nd chalet de la Petite Valloire (or de la Fouetterie). Further down, pass by the 1st chalet of La Petite Valloire, recently renovated. Descend into the forest and join the side path to La Martinette.
On the way: one of the most difficult stages of the traverse, but also one of the most beautiful. The route joins the mountain pastures farmed by the flocks of sheep belonging to the ‘Portes de l'Eglise’ farmers' association. The scenery on this stage is spectacular. From the Lac du Léat onwards, blueberry, rhododendron and juniper vegetation has developed in favour of the Black Grouse. Then, a few clumps of alders stand on the path leading to La Croix. This rich mosaic of natural environments bears witness to the competition between plant species. Pastoralism helps to maintain a fragile ecological balance.
Jochen will welcome you to the stopover gîte.
6) STAGE 6: Gite de la Martinette - Refuge des Sept-Laux
Duration: 3 hours
Difference in altitude: + 1100 m / - 130 m
Altitude: min. 1075m / max. 2135m
IGN 3335 ET
From La Martinette, head towards the 7 Laux refuge. There are two ways up to the refuge, either via the Deux Ruisseaux or the Cul de la Vieille.
On the way: the area is one of the centres of ‘houille blanche’, the name given to the driving force of water used to generate electricity, thanks to the work of Aristide Bergès in Belledonne in 1878. Dams and penstocks have been part of the landscape here for decades. This passageway offers panoramic views of the wild massifs of Grande Valloire and Puy Gris, as well as the Haut Bréda valley and the 7 Laux ski area. Throughout the year, cattle herds and skiers follow one another in a perpetual waltz where grazing plays a decisive role in the quality of the snow cover and avalanche prevention. The 7 Laux plateau, perched at an altitude of over 2,200 metres, is home to pastures that are particularly difficult to farm. Only ewes destined for meat production manage to make the most of the meagre resources on the steep slopes. In this case, the flock comes from the south of France to spend the summer in the cool. At the refuge, Simon is ready to welcome you.
7) STAGE 7: Refuge des Sept-Laux - Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge)
Duration: 5 hours
Difference in altitude: + 600 m / - 1 025 m
Altitude: min. 1735m / max. 2135m
IGN 3335 ET
Step by step: from the refuge, return to the main path, following the Cottepens and Cos lakes southwards. Before the shepherd's hut, head due west and climb to the Col de la Vache (2556m), descending from the col through the scree. Follow the path across to the Pas de la Coche. Then descend to Habert d'Aiguebelle.
On the way: you cross the 7 Laux granite plateau. The 7 Laux mountain pasture is difficult to farm because it is so rocky. Only ewes destined for meat production graze here. The ascent to the Col de la Vache is via a narrow valley. From the pass, you can admire a splendid panorama of the eastern slopes of Belledonne, with the Taillefer and Grandes Rousses massifs, Grenoble and the Vercors massif to the west. These scree slopes are a refuge for ibex. Reintroduced to the Rissiou massif in the 1980s, they have colonised the Belledonne range to become one of the largest populations in the Alps. Once you reach the Pas de la Coche, you'll have a magnificent view of the Écrins glaciers. The Pas de la Coche is the lowest point on the summit ridge of the Belledonne, providing a link between the Grésivaudan valley and the Oisans region. In days gone by, it was used by peddlers to avoid the long diversions required by the Belledonne bypass. The end of the stage will take you to the Habert d'Aiguebelle, with the peaks of Chamechaude and the Dent de Crolles in front of you.
8) STAGE 8: Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge) - Refuge Jean Collet
Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
Difference in altitude: + 1060 m / - 875 m
Altitude: min. 1735m / max. 1960m
IGN 3335 ET
Step by step: from the Habert d'Aiguebelle, climb up to the Pas de la Coche. At the top, head south-west and follow the yellow signs. The path skirts and passes behind the newly waymarked Ferrouillet. Climb up to the Roche Fendue gap and the Mine de Fer pass, before arriving at the Jean Collet refuge.
On the way: at the Pas de La Coche, you find yourself back on the Oisans side, which you keep to until you reach the Roche Fendue breach. As you gain altitude, the landscape dries out, giving way to a mineral world. At the Col de la Mine de Fer (Iron Mine Pass), an excavation used for extracting iron is a reminder of the time when miners used to walk the sides of this valley. The path leads down through the wild valley to the refuge perched on a rocky spur overlooking Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley.
The new warden, Pauline, will welcome you.
For more experienced hikers, it's possible to do Les 7 Laux / Jean Collet directly (beware, it's a very long day).
9) STAGE 9: Refuge Jean Collet - Refuge de La Pra
Time: 4h30
Difference in altitude: + 950 m /- 780 m
Altitude: min. 1960m / max. 2109m
IGN 3335 OT
Step by step: from the Habert d'Aiguebelle, climb up to the Pas de la Coche. At the top, head south-west and follow the yellow signs. The path skirts and passes behind the newly waymarked Ferrouillet. Climb up to the Roche Fendue gap and the Mine de Fer pass, before arriving at the Jean Collet refuge.
On the way: at the Pas de La Coche, you find yourself back on the Oisans side, which you keep to until you reach the Roche Fendue gap. As you gain altitude, the landscape dries out, giving way to a mineral world. At the Col de la Mine de Fer (Iron Mine Pass), an excavation used for extracting iron is a reminder of the time when miners used to walk the sides of this valley. The path leads down through the wild valley to the refuge perched on a rocky spur overlooking Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley.
The new warden, Pauline, will welcome you.
For more experienced hikers, it's possible to go directly from Les 7 Laux to Jean Collet (beware, it's a very long day).
10) STAGE 10: Refuge de La Pra - Chamrousse (Recoin - resort accommodation)
Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Difference in altitude: + 475 m / - 915 m
Altitude: min. 1650m / max. 2109m
IGN 3335 OT
Step by step: this route follows the old GR®549 to Lac Robert. Go to Recoin via Lac des Pourrettes.
On the way: from the refuge, you descend through pastures dotted with ponds, streams and numerous crystal-clear lakes. The mountain is home to a local flock of around 1,500 ewes. All the way up to the Robert lakes, you can see the uninterrupted and majestic succession of Belledonne peaks and lakes, where shepherds and hikers regularly meet. You are entering a Natura 2000 protected area. The trail passes through a characteristic area with its sparse forest of cembro pines, a rare coniferous species, and hooked pines. After the Robert lakes, it's easy to reach the Chamrousse resort. A herd of 1,200 ewes from the south of France and a few heifers graze here from June to October.
In Chamrousse, you'll find a livelier atmosphere, with plenty of entertainment and events on offer.
Accommodation, restaurants and public transport available.
For more information, contact the tourist office on 04 76 89 92 65 or visit https://www.chamrousse.com.
11) STAGE 11: Chamrousse (Recoin) - Vizille
Duration: 5h30
Difference in altitude: + 410 m / - 1 785 m
Altitude: min. 268m / max. 1650m
IGN 3335 ET
Step by step: from Le Recoin in Chamrousse, reach Roche Béranger then descend to Vizille via the Col de la Madeleine. Pass through the hamlets of Mont Sec and Montjean. Arrive in Vizille on the main road (100m).
On the way: this last stage is different and reveals its charm with its mainly woodland descent. A splendid forest of many species. The views over the Matheysin plateau rival those from the more mountainous areas. The hamlets of Mont Sec and Montjean are authentic and let us discover the tranquillity of the people who live there. There is a steady descent to Vizille, where you arrive behind the château and its grounds. Vizille, cradle of the French Revolution: take a historical break and find out all about the birth of the Revolution.
Accommodation, restaurants and public transport available.
For more information, contact the tourist office on 04 76 68 15 16 or visit https://www.sudgrenoblois-tourisme.com.
- Stage 1: Aiguebelle (Val d'Arc - Bivouac area) - le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune). Duration: 6h30 and altitude difference: + 1245 m / - 685 m
- Stage 2: Le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune) - Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded). Duration: 8h and altitude difference: + 1805 m / - 825 m
- Stage 3: Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded) - Refuge de la Pierre du Carre.
Duration: 7h and altitude difference: + 1330 m / - 1440 m
- Stage 4: Refuge de la Pierre du Carre - Refuge de l'Oule. Duration: 7h30 and altitude difference: + 1290 m / - 1370 m
- Stage 5: Refuge de l'Oule - Gite de la Martinette. Duration: 6h and altitude difference: + 810 m / - 1400 m
- Stage 6: Gite de la Martinette - Refuge des Sept-Laux. Duration: 3h and altitude difference: + 1100 m / - 130 m
- Stage 7: Refuge des Sept-Laux - Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge). Duration: 5h and altitude difference: + 600 m / - 1 025 m
- Stage 8: Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge) - Refuge Jean Collet. Duration: 5h50 and altitude difference: + 1 060 m / - 875 m
- Stage 9: Refuge Jean Collet - Refuge de La Pra. Duration: 4h30 and altitude difference: + 950 m /- 780 m
- Stage 10: Refuge de La Pra - Chamrousse (Le Recoin - resort accommodation). Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins and altitude difference: + 475 m / - 915 m
- Stage 11: Chamrousse (Recoin) - Vizille. Duration: 5h30 and altitude difference: + 410 m / - 1 785 m.
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Along the Sentiers des Bergers, you too can transhume! During the summer months, follow in the footsteps of the herds as they make their way up to the summer pastures and let yourself be carried over the passes, through the Belledonne mountain range and its wonders. Belledonne is a land of hiking par excellence. The high mountain pastures offer landscapes without frontiers, wild and hospitable, the result of the harmonious union between shepherds and nature that has shaped this mountain for centuries.
1) STAGE 1: Aiguebelle (Val d'Arc - Bivouac area) - le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune)
Duration: 6h30
Difference in altitude: + 1245 m / - 685 m
Altitude: 320m min. / 880m max.
IGN 432 ET
Step by step: at Aiguebelle, take the road to Montgilbert, Le Planay, Fort de Montgilbert, le Pontet via le Manchet and les Granges.
Along the way: this stage is steeped in the history of iron. Mining sites dot the route from the Mollards ridge to the valley. Iron in the Belledonne has a 700-year history, from Durandal to the Schneider company. Since the Middle Ages, the Hurtières mines have been the most important in Savoie, renowned for the quality of their ore. The Song of Roland tells us that the Durandal sword was forged using ore from Hurtières. All along the ridge, from the Col du Champet to the Col du Grand Cucheron, there are many reminders of this past. Stopping off at the Grand Filon museum and visiting the mine galleries is a way of discovering the past. Stop off at the Grand Filon museum and visit the mine galleries to discover this exceptional heritage.
2) STAGE 2: Le Pontet (Yourtes du Yayla de Rochebrune) - Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded)
Duration: 8 hours
Difference in altitude: + 1805 m / - 825 m
Altitude: min. 880m / max. 1832m
IGN 3433 OT
Step by step: from the marsh at Le Pontet, take the path through the forest, past the ‘baraque à Michel’ and on to the Col du Champet. Follow the ridge as far as the Col de la Perche, from where you can overlook the Arbaretan mountain pasture. Descend to the sources of the Gargoton, climb to the Col de la Perrière and continue to the refuge of the same name.
On the way: the climb from Le Pontet to the Col du Champet is mainly forested. The ridge above the Chalet d'Arbaretan offers magnificent views of Mont Blanc. The ascent to the Col de la Perche and then the summit of Chapotet offers a bird's eye view of the Grande Montagne de Presle and Verneil mountain pastures. Local herds of heifers and suckler cows graze here from June to October. For a long time, these pastures were successful and popular, but the decline in livestock farming from the 1940s onwards and the abandonment of many mountain pastures led to a decline in dairy farming. As a result, there are now very few dairy pastures in Belledonne. As a result, the pastoral chalets on the Savoyard side are rarely used, as farmers go up to see their herds for the day before returning to their farms. The descent to the sources of the Gargoton and the ascent to the Col de la Perrière via the Combe de l'Arbet neuf is very wild and unspoilt.
3) STAGE 3: Refuge de la Perrière (unguarded) - Refuge de la Pierre du Carre
Duration: 7 hours
Difference in altitude: + 1330 m / - 1440 m
Altitude: min. 1761m / max. 1832m
IGN 3433 OT
Step by step: from the refuge, go to the Col de la Frèche, then to the Col d'Arpingon. Follow the path to the Férices refuge. Descend to Pré Nouveau, cross the Bens using the new footbridge, then climb into the Claran valley, over the Col de Claran to the Pierre du Carre refuge.
On the way: The stage begins with a short ascent of the Col de la Frèche and Col d'Arpingon. The latter offers a remarkable panorama of the foothills of the Grands Moulins, the Lauzière and Mont Blanc. Continuing along the path, you'll find the Férices refuge in a magnificent cirque, a veritable mineral conch. The stream Le Bens marks the border between Isère and Savoie. Long attached to the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, Savoie did not join France by referendum until 1860, and a few engraved markers (the fleur-de-lys on one side, the dauphin on the other) are a reminder of the history of these two departments. Then comes the Claran mountain pasture, a veritable nest of blueberries, used for three generations by a family of transhumants and their 3,000 ewes. The stage ends at the Pierre du Carre refuge. ATTENTION: check whether the refuge is guarded this summer. You can also sleep at the Claran refuge a little further along the route.
4) STAGE 4: Refuge de la Pierre du Carre - Refuge de l'Oule
Time: 7h30
Difference in altitude: + 1290 m / - 1370 m
Altitude: min. 1761m / max. 1836m
IGN 3433 OT
Step by step: from the refuge, follow the steps of the Échappée Belle trail, le Planay, Plan de l'Ours, le Praillet, l'Aup Bernard, la Bourgeat Noire, refuge de l'Oule.
On the way: this pendular stage (500 m downhill then uphill and 700 m downhill then uphill) is marked by its wooded paths. The Aup Bernard hut can be used as a refuge in bad weather and is a lovely place to take a break. At the very bottom, the village of Gleyzin or la Bourgeat Noire is typical of these hamlets and valleys that have been withdrawn from time. The traditional alpine chalets were designed to cope with the often harsh conditions, with hay as insulation and the proximity of animals for heating. At the end of the stage, you might want to pick a few mushrooms, because all it takes here is a thunderstorm to see them rise from the ground.
Camille and Christian will be delighted to welcome you, and Christian will never tire of telling you a thousand and one stories about his job as a breeder, his herds and his dogs.
5) STAGE 5: Refuge de l'Oule - Gite de la Martinette
Duration: 6 hours
Difference in altitude: + 810 m / - 1400 m
Altitude: min. 1075m / max. 1836m
IGN 3433 OT
From the gîte, walk 150 metres downhill towards La Pierre du Pin, then turn left (west). Climb up to the Léat cross and reach the lake and chalet of the same name. A real little paradise. Cross the combe de Tigneux and continue to the 2nd chalet de la Petite Valloire (or de la Fouetterie). Further down, pass by the 1st chalet of La Petite Valloire, recently renovated. Descend into the forest and join the side path to La Martinette.
On the way: one of the most difficult stages of the traverse, but also one of the most beautiful. The route joins the mountain pastures farmed by the flocks of sheep belonging to the ‘Portes de l'Eglise’ farmers' association. The scenery on this stage is spectacular. From the Lac du Léat onwards, blueberry, rhododendron and juniper vegetation has developed in favour of the Black Grouse. Then, a few clumps of alders stand on the path leading to La Croix. This rich mosaic of natural environments bears witness to the competition between plant species. Pastoralism helps to maintain a fragile ecological balance.
Jochen will welcome you to the stopover gîte.
6) STAGE 6: Gite de la Martinette - Refuge des Sept-Laux
Duration: 3 hours
Difference in altitude: + 1100 m / - 130 m
Altitude: min. 1075m / max. 2135m
IGN 3335 ET
From La Martinette, head towards the 7 Laux refuge. There are two ways up to the refuge, either via the Deux Ruisseaux or the Cul de la Vieille.
On the way: the area is one of the centres of ‘houille blanche’, the name given to the driving force of water used to generate electricity, thanks to the work of Aristide Bergès in Belledonne in 1878. Dams and penstocks have been part of the landscape here for decades. This passageway offers panoramic views of the wild massifs of Grande Valloire and Puy Gris, as well as the Haut Bréda valley and the 7 Laux ski area. Throughout the year, cattle herds and skiers follow one another in a perpetual waltz where grazing plays a decisive role in the quality of the snow cover and avalanche prevention. The 7 Laux plateau, perched at an altitude of over 2,200 metres, is home to pastures that are particularly difficult to farm. Only ewes destined for meat production manage to make the most of the meagre resources on the steep slopes. In this case, the flock comes from the south of France to spend the summer in the cool. At the refuge, Simon is ready to welcome you.
7) STAGE 7: Refuge des Sept-Laux - Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge)
Duration: 5 hours
Difference in altitude: + 600 m / - 1 025 m
Altitude: min. 1735m / max. 2135m
IGN 3335 ET
Step by step: from the refuge, return to the main path, following the Cottepens and Cos lakes southwards. Before the shepherd's hut, head due west and climb to the Col de la Vache (2556m), descending from the col through the scree. Follow the path across to the Pas de la Coche. Then descend to Habert d'Aiguebelle.
On the way: you cross the 7 Laux granite plateau. The 7 Laux mountain pasture is difficult to farm because it is so rocky. Only ewes destined for meat production graze here. The ascent to the Col de la Vache is via a narrow valley. From the pass, you can admire a splendid panorama of the eastern slopes of Belledonne, with the Taillefer and Grandes Rousses massifs, Grenoble and the Vercors massif to the west. These scree slopes are a refuge for ibex. Reintroduced to the Rissiou massif in the 1980s, they have colonised the Belledonne range to become one of the largest populations in the Alps. Once you reach the Pas de la Coche, you'll have a magnificent view of the Écrins glaciers. The Pas de la Coche is the lowest point on the summit ridge of the Belledonne, providing a link between the Grésivaudan valley and the Oisans region. In days gone by, it was used by peddlers to avoid the long diversions required by the Belledonne bypass. The end of the stage will take you to the Habert d'Aiguebelle, with the peaks of Chamechaude and the Dent de Crolles in front of you.
8) STAGE 8: Habert d'Aiguebelle (refuge) - Refuge Jean Collet
Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
Difference in altitude: + 1060 m / - 875 m
Altitude: min. 1735m / max. 1960m
IGN 3335 ET
Step by step: from the Habert d'Aiguebelle, climb up to the Pas de la Coche. At the top, head south-west and follow the yellow signs. The path skirts and passes behind the newly waymarked Ferrouillet. Climb up to the Roche Fendue gap and the Mine de Fer pass, before arriving at the Jean Collet refuge.
On the way: at the Pas de La Coche, you find yourself back on the Oisans side, which you keep to until you reach the Roche Fendue breach. As you gain altitude, the landscape dries out, giving way to a mineral world. At the Col de la Mine de Fer (Iron Mine Pass), an excavation used for extracting iron is a reminder of the time when miners used to walk the sides of this valley. The path leads down through the wild valley to the refuge perched on a rocky spur overlooking Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley.
The new warden, Pauline, will welcome you.
For more experienced hikers, it's possible to do Les 7 Laux / Jean Collet directly (beware, it's a very long day).
9) STAGE 9: Refuge Jean Collet - Refuge de La Pra
Time: 4h30
Difference in altitude: + 950 m /- 780 m
Altitude: min. 1960m / max. 2109m
IGN 3335 OT
Step by step: from the Habert d'Aiguebelle, climb up to the Pas de la Coche. At the top, head south-west and follow the yellow signs. The path skirts and passes behind the newly waymarked Ferrouillet. Climb up to the Roche Fendue gap and the Mine de Fer pass, before arriving at the Jean Collet refuge.
On the way: at the Pas de La Coche, you find yourself back on the Oisans side, which you keep to until you reach the Roche Fendue gap. As you gain altitude, the landscape dries out, giving way to a mineral world. At the Col de la Mine de Fer (Iron Mine Pass), an excavation used for extracting iron is a reminder of the time when miners used to walk the sides of this valley. The path leads down through the wild valley to the refuge perched on a rocky spur overlooking Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley.
The new warden, Pauline, will welcome you.
For more experienced hikers, it's possible to go directly from Les 7 Laux to Jean Collet (beware, it's a very long day).
10) STAGE 10: Refuge de La Pra - Chamrousse (Recoin - resort accommodation)
Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Difference in altitude: + 475 m / - 915 m
Altitude: min. 1650m / max. 2109m
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Step by step: this route follows the old GR®549 to Lac Robert. Go to Recoin via Lac des Pourrettes.
On the way: from the refuge, you descend through pastures dotted with ponds, streams and numerous crystal-clear lakes. The mountain is home to a local flock of around 1,500 ewes. All the way up to the Robert lakes, you can see the uninterrupted and majestic succession of Belledonne peaks and lakes, where shepherds and hikers regularly meet. You are entering a Natura 2000 protected area. The trail passes through a characteristic area with its sparse forest of cembro pines, a rare coniferous species, and hooked pines. After the Robert lakes, it's easy to reach the Chamrousse resort. A herd of 1,200 ewes from the south of France and a few heifers graze here from June to October.
In Chamrousse, you'll find a livelier atmosphere, with plenty of entertainment and events on offer.
Accommodation, restaurants and public transport available.
For more information, contact the tourist office on 04 76 89 92 65 or visit https://www.chamrousse.com.
11) STAGE 11: Chamrousse (Recoin) - Vizille
Duration: 5h30
Difference in altitude: + 410 m / - 1 785 m
Altitude: min. 268m / max. 1650m
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Step by step: from Le Recoin in Chamrousse, reach Roche Béranger then descend to Vizille via the Col de la Madeleine. Pass through the hamlets of Mont Sec and Montjean. Arrive in Vizille on the main road (100m).
On the way: this last stage is different and reveals its charm with its mainly woodland descent. A splendid forest of many species. The views over the Matheysin plateau rival those from the more mountainous areas. The hamlets of Mont Sec and Montjean are authentic and let us discover the tranquillity of the people who live there. There is a steady descent to Vizille, where you arrive behind the château and its grounds. Vizille, cradle of the French Revolution: take a historical break and find out all about the birth of the Revolution.
Accommodation, restaurants and public transport available.
For more information, contact the tourist office on 04 76 68 15 16 or visit https://www.sudgrenoblois-tourisme.com.
Opening periodFrom 01/07 to 30/09.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Contact
Haute Traversée de Belledonne - GR 738 - Hiking 11 days
Aiguebelle
73220
Val-d'Arc
Route
Type of route:
:
Aller / Itinerance
127
km (distance)
11000
metres (positive drop)
11000
metres (negative drop)
Chamrousse 1650 - Recoin
Departure/Arrival
Point of interest
General informations
- Services :
- Pets allowed
- Additional openings :
- Depending on weather conditions
- Depending on snow conditions
Equipments & Services
- Parking :
- Parking facilities nearby
Pics
Pics
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