- Grade:
- ?
Moderate
- Duration: 8 days from the UK
- Walks on: 6 days
- Private Departures Available
Flight inclusive from £2090, Land only from £1795
Explore wild mountains, alpine meadows and glacial lakes on this week-long walking holiday based in a tranquil French valley.
Highlights
- Explore stunning Alpine mountain scenery on satisfying, high level daily walks
- Discover the diverse wildlife of this protected area of the Alps,
- Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the Claree Valley with its ancient cultural heritage, distinctive local architecture and lack of modern-day development.
- Stay in a traditional, family run hotel where you will enjoy a warm welcome, delicious regional dishes and comfortable rooms.
The beautiful Clarée Valley is situated in France near the Italian border; a hidden Alpine gem that has remained remarkably unspoiled. With an abundance of wildflowers, variety of wildlife, traditional Névache architecture and a network of mountain trails, the protected Clarée Valley is a hiker’s paradise.
The Clarée valley was saved from over development through the efforts Emilie Carles, daughter of a local farmer and author of ‘La Soupe aux Herbes Sauvages’ – a fascinating and evocative account of her life in the region. Emilie’s efforts halted the building of a motorway and ski lifts in this beautiful remote region, and all mountain activities must be made on foot – trekking in the summer and snow shoeing or ski touring in the winter.
On this excellent, newly improved walking holiday you will discover the full splendour of the Clarée Valley through a comprehensive programme of well-paced day walks in the company of a knowledgeable and highly experienced local guide who will readily identify the many different flowers, animals and birds you encounter. You will explore the varied landscapes, see several well-known peaks such as the Black Needle and the Hand, and immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery which rises from verdant valley floor to the towering backdrop of the Écrins mountains at over 4,000m.
Visit in early summer to see the Clarée Valley carpeted by a dazzling kaleidoscope of wildflowers alongside glittering, blue, glacial lakes. Whilst in the autumn months, the larch trees change to a gorgeous bright yellow, the mountain lakes freeze and, although rare, you may even enjoy a sprinkling of snow.
Throughout, your holiday you will stay at the welcoming family-run L’Echaillon hotel in Névache where you will find a well-equipped spa, comfortable accommodation and superb food with a daily menu of delicious local dishes; in fact everything you need to relax and replenish after a good day out on the trail.
Please note that this itinerary may vary based on weather conditions and/or the recommendations of your guide.
Private Departures
Clarée Valley - Walking Holiday in the French Alps - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Moderate
Duration: 8 days from the UK
Walks on: 6 days
Max. Altitude: 2,753m/9,032ft, Gardiole Peak, Day 6
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotel
Meal arrangements: All breakfasts, picnic lunches and evening meals are included: 7 x breakfasts, 6 x lunches, 7 x dinners.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fly London to Turin. Single group transfer across the border to your hotel at Névache. |
| 2 | Walk the Muandes Valley and lakes. |
| 3 | Hike the Chardonnet Valley to Col du Chardonnet. |
| 4 | Gardioles Valley and lakes walk |
| 5 | Walk along the Claree river to Nevache. Explore Névache and continue to Les Combes. |
| 6 | Hike around the Oule and Cristol valleys. Optional climb of Gardiole Peak. |
| 7 | Trek the Cerces Valley to Col des Cerces. |
| 8 | Single group transfer to Turin airport for your flight back to London. |
Leader: Local leader, Claree Valley
You will be met on arrival at Turin airport by your French guide, Antoine Allier. Antoine is a fully qualified mountain guide and has been guiding walking groups for over 18 years across France, Spain and Scotland. He lives in Névache with his family throughout the year and is very passionate about exploring the mountains. He is extremely knowledgeable about local history, mountain flora and the wildlife of the valley.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Turin. Group transfer to hotel.
You will be met at Turin airport by your guide and transferred in a private minibus to your hotel across the border in the south-eastern part of France. This will be a group transfer and takes approximately 2 hours; if you are booking your own flights please contact us to confirm arrangements.
Once you have passed the French-Italian border you will enter the Névache district and start zigzagging your way down to the base of the valley, passing through short mountain tunnels and getting your first tantalising glimpse of what the week has in store. The Clarée Valley is a glacial valley in the French Alps situated at 1,600m above sea level and entering it is rather like stepping back in time. Indeed, as you drive into the valley you may even find yourself delayed by the local shepherd and his herd of sheep, goats and donkeys.
Overnight: L’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 2 - Plateau and Col des Thures, Chavillon and Bellety lakes, 2,289m/7,506ft - 700m/2,296ft ascent. 12km – 5-6 hours.
Today you can start your walk straight from the hotel, heading north through a pine forest with glimpses of some very interesting landscapes. You climb to the plateau des Thures where you will find a couple of small lakes and can enjoy great all-round views. If you are happy with a bit of off-trail walking from here you can explore the ridge above the plateau to look out for chamois and to see the tiny, local ‘Bryce Canyon’.
Overnight: l’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 3 - Green Lake and Lavoir Lake, 2,281m/7,483ft - 700m/2,296ft ascent, 12km, 5-6 hours.
Today you will drive for 25 minutes to the hamlet of Les Granges in the Vallée Étroite (Narrow Valley), the twin valley to Clarée and part of the Névache communal territory. You are still in France here but part of this valley is in Italy. From Les Granges you walk through beautiful pine forest to reach Lac Vert (Green Lake) at 1,834m/6,017ft. The water here is so clear it almost seems as if the fish are flying!
You continue, more steeply now, to reach Lac Lavoir, where you will get spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including three summits named after the three wise men – the fine scenery here is somewhat reminiscent of the Dolomites.
Overnight: l’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 4 - Gardioles Valley and lakes walk, 2,680m/8,792ft – 850m/2,788ft ascent, 12 km, 6-7 hours.
Today you will discover the stunning Gardioles Valley and its many lakes, a really classic walk. The day begins with a short transfer to the trailhead before starting your climb up an old rocky trail surrounded by conifer trees and, during the summertime, hundreds of wild flowers.
You will see mountain dwellings, ruins and the Ricou Refuge on your way up to Lac Laramon - the first lake in the valley. It will take around an hour and a half to get to Lac Laramon and a further 30 minutes of ascent to reach Lac Serpent, a beautiful little green lake with incredible views across the Ecrins range. The final cluster of tiny lakes, known as the Les Gardioles find you high up in the mountains where you can fully appreciate the awe inspiring views.
You will then make your way back down the valley with the option of stopping at the refuge for tea and cake - so remember to take some cash with you on this day.
Overnight: l’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 5 - The Cristol Valley and lakes – 2,339m/7,673ft, 800m/2,953ft ascent, 14.5km, 6-7 hours.
Today’s walk starts straight out of the hotel along the Clarée river. You then climb across terraces and through a larch forest which turns a brilliant shade of yellow in the autumn. Initially the climb is steep as the path rises over the main valley shoulder to reach the suspended Cristol Valley, where sparkling lakes and flowers await you.
Once you are at the entrance of the valley (around 2,100m/6,890ft), the path becomes gentler and the forest slowly thins to make way for alpine meadows where the two Cristol Lakes are found. You descend by another path so you can visit the main hamlet of Névache, an unspoiled traditional mountain, renowned as a centre for cross country skiing in the winter. You will return to the hotel along the river.
Overnight: l’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 6 - Muandes Valley and lakes walk, 2,713m/8,900ft – 700m/2,297ft ascent, 6-7 hours.
The day begins with a picturesque 20 minute transfer to the end of the valley travelling through several small hamlets that make up the Clarée Valley.
Your walk starts on a wide gentle track, passing by the Cerces mountain range and La Main de Crepin (the Hand) before starting to climb up the Muandes Valley. The ascent is fairly steep to start with and the trail passes freshwater rivers, green-winged orchids and fluorescent lichen covered boulders. Looking back down you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Clarée Valley beneath you. After an hour and a half of steady climbing you will arrive at the first lake of the Muandes series - Lac Long.
After a short break to enjoy the glorious view and have a small snack, you will continue up to the next lake. A brief section of the trail requires you to scramble over rocks in order to reach Lac Rond where you may start to see glacier buttercups and patches of snow.
A further hour will take you up to the Lac des Muandes, 2,580m, where you will take a well-earned rest and enjoy your packed lunch. Here your guide will discuss the option to hike a little further up the valley to a viewpoint, 2,713m, over the Lacs de Madeleine and, together with your group, you will either continue up or start hiking back down on a slightly different trail.
Overnight: l’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 7 - Walk in the Chardonnet Valley up to Col du Chardonnet, 2,638m/8,655ft – 800m/2,624ft ascent, 6-7 hours.
Today's walk is in ibex territory and offers fantastic post-glacial scenery leading to a stunning viewpoint at the Col du Chardonnet. Following a short transfer to the Chardonnet Valley trailhead the path climbs up through pine woodland, bringing you out onto a wildflower meadow with a beautiful view of the Clarée Valley. You will pass by traditional log cabins, frothy waterfalls, the Chardonnet mountain refuge and simple shepherd huts on your way up the valley. During your ascent to the Col du Chardonnet, your guide will share some fascinating information about the glacier and how it has shaped this valley. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for the infamous 'whistling' marmots!
After walking for three hours you will reach the Col du Chardonnet. Here you will stop for lunch and have plenty of time to take in the exceptional panoramic view of the Roche Robert, Roche Colombe peaks and beyond on to the Ecrins National Park and its high summits, a very rewarding view (on a clear day). Once everyone is well rested, your guide may suggest exploring the col and show you remnants left over from old mine works, before heading back down on an alternative path. To make the most of the views, this walk could be rearranged for another day depending on the weather forecast.
Alternative walk: There is a slightly easier alternative walk which your guide may suggest you do today. The trail goes up the upper Clarée Valley to Rochilles lakes and col, 2,496m/8,188ft - 570m/1,870ft ascent, 6-7 hours of walking.
Once again, it is only a short transfer to the end of the valley road from where you will start your walk into the Cerces valley, climbing up to the three lakes that are the source of the Clarée River. On the way you will have superb views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Black Needle. The path passes the Drayeres Refuge and an old military outpost carved into the mountain face, and you can enjoy the vibrant pink rhododendrons and great yellow gentians that carpet the trail in the spring and summer months. Ibex can also be seen in this area. Well rested, you head back down the mountain to the Drayeres Refuge for a drink and snack if you fancy.
Overnight: l’Echaillon Hotel, Névache
Day 8 - Transfer to Turin airport. Fly to London.
After breakfast there will be a group transfer back to Turin airport for your flight to London.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Flights
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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Optional supplements
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Single Room Supplement
From £195
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
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- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
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What’s included
- An experienced English-speaking French guide
- Accommodation in a good quality hotel on a twin share, full board basis
- All breakfasts, evening meals and picnic lunches included - 7 x breakfasts, 6 x lunches, 7 x dinners.
- Economy class return air fares from the UK (if booking our flight inclusive option). If you are travelling land only, check with our office for transfer times at the airport.
- Single timed group transfers to/from Turin airport at the start and end of the holiday
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- A free Mountain Kingdoms Water-to-Go bottle
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Bar bills
- Tips
Video
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 4.75 (Based on 4 reviews)
If you like alpine walking, and have any interest in the flowers, this is the trip for you. The walks are satisfying in their own right, but there is also enough time to find out about and photograph the stunning variety of flowers that you will see. The guide, Antoine, has an encyclopedic knowledge, great enthusiasm and perfect English. The hotel is friendly, with good food. We visited the Claree Valley last October for the autumn colours. The change of season complemented this experience.
The Claree Valley far exceeded my expectations as a walking destination. Every corner we turned revealed another astonishing vista. The autumnal colours were so bright, the trees seemed to glow. The trip covers two valleys and each day begins in a different area. There are walks in the valleys, along the ridges, down through gorges and to high mountain ponds. The paths were well marked, if challenging in places. Our guide Antoine Allier was excellent - enthusiastic and knowledegable.
A beautiful unknown valley. We discovered so many wild flowers - new ones each day. Our guide, Stephanie, was very knowledgeable and friendly, adapting our itinerary due to changeable weather. The hotel was very good - excellent food and friendly staff.
This was such a wonderful trip and a very special place! The Clarée Valley has got to be one of the most beautiful areas I have been to. It is hiking and photography heaven. Antoine is a brilliant guide, very friendly and a fountain of knowledge. I would love to go back!