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Basecamp in the
heart of Belledonne
Very close to Grenoble, yet it feels so far away! We're staying at the Pra refuge, facing the lush mountain pasture. This will be our starting point for a long weekend exploring high peaks and secret trails, with time to savor the treats offered by the mountain refuge or read on the terrace.
Niveau : MOYEN (cliquez pour lire la description des niveaux de difficulté)
Hébergement : MOUNTAIN HUT
Public : HIKING FAMILY
Star-shaped hike from the Pra refuge
To enjoy the meals prepared by the wardens, the warm atmosphere of the evenings at the refuge, and to carry only the minimum, we will spend three nights at La Pra. Each day we will choose a different hike that will reveal all the diversity of the massif: We will go to observe wild animals, look for génépi or fossils, and climb one of the most emblematic peaks. In the evening we will be able to watch the large flock return to the nearby sheepfold. There will be something for the whole family!
3,5 days tour in Belledonne
To give you time to organize, we will leave on the first day after a packed picnic and climb to the refuge in the afternoon. The two intermediate days will be devoted to climbing two different peaks. The last day will bring us back to the valley at the starting car park via a third peak. We will have full board at the refuge from dinner on day 1 until the picnic on day 4. Sleeping arrangements are in small dormitories for 6/10 people, you will only need a silk sheet to sleep on, blankets are provided.
The most beautiful summits of the south part of the range
The Croix de Belledonne was the goal of many 19th-century mountaineers, and we'll follow in their footsteps. While never technical, this 2,926m peak will be the highlight of our trip. The hike to Grande Lauzière will radically change the atmosphere, as the summit is composed of a pile of black slates. We'll also climb to the summit of Grand Colon, which overlooks the Grésivaudan Valley, where we'll face the limestone peaks of the Chartreuse Mountains. Throughout the four days of this four-day trip, we'll pass by numerous crystal-clear lakes.
Carpooling is possible
Close to Grenoble and its amenities, you can reach the starting point in the foothills of Belledonne by carpooling from Grenoble train station. There are several gîtes and B&Bs nearby, and the Chamrousse resort and its accommodations are only a 40-minute drive away.
Example of a route for a 4-day stay in Belledonne with full board at the refuge
Day 1: 7km - 900m ascent and 100m descent (half-day)
We'll set off in the early afternoon, gradually leaving the forest and the exuberance of birdsong behind us to reach the mountain pastures. Arriving at Lac du Crozet, we'll be following in the footsteps of white coal, the hydroelectric power that enabled the region's valleys to develop paper mills and various industries. All that's left is to cross the Col de la Pra and then descend to the refuge that awaits us.
Day 2: 10km - 800m ascent and 800m descent
We'll set off light, carrying only our daily belongings, heading towards the Croix de Belledonne. In an increasingly alpine and mineral-rich environment, we'll reach the summit, which faces its larger twin: the Grand Pic de Belledonne. It seems so close, yet it can only be reached with mountaineering techniques. On the way down, we will take a look at the final hours of the Freydane Glacier and its glacial lake: Lac Blanc.
Day 3: 8km - 700m Ascent and 700m Descent
As the day before, we'll head towards the Grand Lauzière with the minimum of effort. Along the way, will we be lucky enough to cross paths with the three mountain ungulates that frequent this summit? The confident ibex with its males and gigantic horns, the stealthy chamois that skitters down the slopes with great agility, or the magnificent mouflon and its herds of several dozen individuals... At the summit, we'll go fossil hunting; the lucky ones might find a small fern that has survived millions of years to reach us!
Day 4: 8km - 350m Ascent and 1200m Descent
We'll say goodbye to the refuge and the herd and head back down to the valley. We will pass by the magnificent Lake Merlat and its setting of rocks tinted yellow by lichens and head towards the summit of the Grand Colon. From there, we will take in one last time the landscape that has welcomed us during these three days before descending towards the valley with the view of the Prealps in front of us.
Useful information for your hiking trip in BelLedonne, links to blog articles