Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur·France

Tour des Cerces

Photo © claphoteau (CC BY-NC 2.0) · Public Domain

Duration

2-3 days

Distance

47.2 km

Elevation gain

2514 m

Max altitude

2640 m

The Tour des Cerces invites you to explore the Hautes-Alpes through an alpine loop of 47.2 km, to be completed in 2 to 3 days. This trek crosses varied landscapes where dense forests, mountain lakes with crystal-clear waters, and rocky peaks reaching 2,640 m in altitude converge. You will also discover impressive cliffs and glacial remnants that shape this remarkable region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. With a positive elevation gain of 2,514 m, this loop hike allows for complete immersion in the Provençal mountain environment. The landscapes constantly evolve, from forest cover to bare ridges offering expansive views over the surrounding massifs. The Tour des Cerces will seduce hikers seeking authentic alpine experiences, away from overcrowded trails.

SummitsLakesForestsCliffsGlaciers

Stages

days

DifficultyModerate

Duration / day5h45

Distance / day15.7 km

Elev. gain / day+971 m

Hardest stage

2Refuge du Clôt des Vaches

18 km · +1,255 m · 6h45

Departure	Arrival	Accommodation on arrival	Duration	Distance	+Elev.	−Elev.
1 NévacheVillage	Refuge de LavalRefuge	RefugeRefuge de Laval	6h15	16.2 km	+1,160 m	−718 m
2 Refuge de LavalRefuge	Refuge du Clôt des VachesRefuge	RefugeRefuge du Clôt des Vaches	6h45	18 km	+1,255 m	−1,061 m
3 Refuge du Clôt des VachesRefuge	NévacheVillage	RefugeAu Vialaou RefugeCoeur Clarée RefugeLa Découverte RefugeAuberge du Clot	4h00	13 km	+498 m	−1,135 m