Hiking - 6 days around Cervières, a wild valley in the French Alps
6 days from 755 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
Comfort 
FRRA607 
Maximum altitude 2600 m
Stamina level : 2 
Direct train from Paris Pros
- A valley away from mass tourism, where life on the mountain pastures is much the same as it was in days gone by!
- Cosy accommodation facing the mountains, with the option of single or double rooms
- A variety of walks in a small area
- Supervised by a local guide who will help you discover the secrets of his valley!
In a nutshell
Situated between the Queyras, Ecrins, Clarée and Italian Piedmont, the Cervières valley has so much to offer! This place is surprising, endearing and seriously authentic. This holiday, based in our lodge, gives you the chance to discover a new valley every day from a short distance away. The programme is simple, you take care of nothing (we take care of everything) and you let yourself be carried along: in the morning, we don't start too early, the hikes are easy and take you to the best places in the area. You take the time to enjoy yourself, to meet people, to relax. After the hikes, back to our lodge, your nest, this little hotel-bar-restaurant where it's good to live and have a good time! Nestling in the valley, with a superb view, it's the meeting point for the locals, where you can meet the local farmer as well as cyclists and mountain bikers. The welcome here is unique, the life simple, the evenings punctuated by the boules pitch, the foosball, the fireside chats and the local entertainment. Come and stay with us, you'll love it!
Back at the lodge in the evening, it's simple: relax, shower, chat (not on Snap!!), play foosball, get to know the locals, play pétanque, chill out...
Day to day
Day 1 - Welcome and short tour of Italy
Welcome in the early morning at one of our meeting points, presentation of the week by your guide, we check that everything is going well, that you have the right pumps, a water bottle and a rucksack bigger than a school kit. A short transfer to the plaine du Bourget, one of the largest high-altitude marshes in Europe, our "little Montana", paradise on earth. The landscape opens up, you'd never think from down here that a suspended valley stretches all the way to Italy! Climb up to the Col Bousson and its small lake, where you pass herds of sheep (behhh), then cows (meuhh) and marmots (whistle) as soon as you cross the Italian border. After a short break at the Mautino refuge, we climb up to the Cîme Saurel before descending to Lac Gignoux, otherwise known as the Lac des 7 couleurs. We continue on to a third lake, Lac Noir, covered in a carpet of pink flowers in midsummer, before descending to the plain via the old alpine farmhouse of Les Fraches. It's easy to imagine what life on the mountain pastures must have been like until just a few decades ago... Back to the lodge by minibus. Relax at the lodge!
Ascent: +/- 500m
Meals included today: picnic - dinner
Accommodation included today: lodge
D2 - Lac de la Douche
We change valleys, heading for the hamlet of Casset and the Petit Tabuc valley. We are in the Ecrins massif.
We walk along the torrent, first on a dirt track and then on a wide path to Lac de la Douche. Known for its turquoise waters from the surrounding glaciers, we can then climb a little further to reach the Arsine springs, a must-see spot in the Ecrins massif offering a magnificent panorama of the peaks and glaciers. A feast for the eyes!
Ascent: +/- 400m
Meals included this day: breakfast - picnic - dinner
Accommodation included by day : lodge
D3 - Narreyroux valley
We head for Puy-Saint Vincent, a little further south in the Ecrins. From there we head for the Narreyroux chalets.
After a short break between the chalets to take in the scenery, we set off again in the direction of the valley. The path leads us to a combe where small waterfalls cascade between fields of flowers and larch forests. Always heavenly. Back to the minibus and then to the lodge, where we put on the Birk, play pétanque, baby, cool!
Ascent: +/- 300m
Meals included today: breakfast - picnic - dinner
Accommodation included during the day: lodge
Day 4 - Lac des Cordes
Today we're changing sides: we're attacking the north face! After a short transfer to the Fonts valley, we start by climbing through a pleasant larch forest, before emerging among the rhododendrons and attacking the rocky lock that holds back the magnificent Cordes lake. Get out your phone, you're going to make some people jealous on Insta... it's simply stunning! Via the Col des Marsailles (2600m), we begin the descent to the hamlet of Les Fonts de Cervières, where a good local beer awaits us in the refuge of the same name. Along the way, we may see a few edelweiss, depending on the season... Return to the minibus on an easy track along the river.
Ascent: +/- 650m
Meals included today: breakfast - picnic - dinner
Accommodation included by day : lodge
Day 5 - Upper Clarée Valley
Departure for the mythical Clarée valley and its terminus: Névache.
The path, dotted with streams, winds its way up to the first lake, Lac Long, then on to Lac Rond, before beginning the looping descent to the Drayeres refuge for a drink! Visit the old village of Névache then return to the minibus.
Ascent: +/- 500m
Meals included on this day: breakfast - picnic - dinner
Accommodation included by day : lodge
Day 6 - Col d'Izoard- Lac de Souliers
Take the minibus up under the Izoard on the Queyras side to begin the climb to Lac de Souliers. Another beautiful alpine cirque, under the eye of the Pic de Cote Belle. We take a short tour of the cirque before returning to the minibus. Transfer back to the lodge and end of the tour.
Ascent: +/- 300
Meals included on this day: breakfast - picnic
Accommodation included during the day: none
This is an example of a walking programme in the Cervières valley and the Briançonnais. Weather and snow conditions, as well as the level of the participants, may lead the guide to modify it or to do certain routes in a different order. We ask you to respect his choices. We may also have to change accommodation within the same range for logistical or availability reasons.
Meeting and leaving
Meeting points
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Briançon in front of the Train Station
Meeting time: 8.45 am
Leaving time: in the afternoon
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Meeting time: 9 am
Leaving time: in the afternoon
Get together - practical information
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Please wear your hiking clothes on day 1.
On the last day, the return journey will take place in the late afternoon.
We always do our best, but we can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop of points where you'll be able to leave your car during the entire trip.
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Access
Train & TGV access: www.voyages-sncf.com
Car access: www.mappy.fr
Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr
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Parking
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended) or just in front of our accomodation.
How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?
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Skill level **
No particular difficulty. Off-path possible.
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Stamina level ***
Have already hiked at altitude for several hours. Practice an endurance sport once a week.
Please note: If you do not have the required level, the guide will be able to ask you to leave the group for the well-being of the whole group. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any doubts!
Group size
4 to 14 participants
Guiding
Azimut selected mountain guide.
We have a great bunch of mountain guides, and select our guides mainly for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Meet our guides and instructors just around the corner
Daypack
Bring your personal items (rain jacket, fleece, sun cream, etc.), your picnic and water for the day. A 30-litre rucksack is recommended.
Pricing
The price includes
- The organisation
- All travel by minibus from one of the meeting points
- Half-board accommodation in a lodge for 5 nights
- Supervision by a mountain leader for 6 days and all expenses (accommodation, meals, travel)
- The AZIMUT welcome pack
The price does not include
- Round trip transport to one of the meeting points
- Any personal equipment hire
- Your personal insurance
- Picnics for the 6 days
- All drinks, including at meals, extras in accommodation, personal expenses and anything else not included in the "price includes" section.
Payment
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance due latest 30 days prior to departure.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you are properly insured in the event of cancellation. It is compulsory to be insured for search and repatriation costs. When you register with us, you can take out insurance through our partner insurer, with several options covering the activities on offer and the risks incurred (please note that this insurance is only valid for European nationals).
Tipping
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Getting around
Azimut's minibus is used throughout the whole trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and open: we can chat, sleep and listen to our own music !
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation & meals during the trip
This trip takes place in our Lodge nestled in the village of Cervières, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. You will be looked after by Isabelle and her team, who will offer you an exceptional welcome and a living space designed to help you spend some quality time in peace and quiet. The food is simple, natural and of high quality, with a careful selection of beers and wines. Rental equipment is located under the hotel, and our agency and team are just a stone's throw away. The lodge is made up of "lodge" rooms for a maximum of 3 people with shared WC and showers + hotel-style rooms with WC and shower (single or double room option on request).
Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex.
Lodge (self-catering) on a half-board basis, shared toilets and showers, bed linen provided, towels provided.
Possibility of sleeping in a hotel room (WC, shower room in room) in the same building as the lodge, subject to availability:
- Hotel single room supplement: €95/person
- Hotel double room supplement: 55€/person
Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the lodge, picnics at lunchtime, our picnics are made up of quality produce, cold meats, bread, cheese, a bar of chocolate, fruit or dried fruit, seeds.
Snacks: Details are important, especially during exercise. We've chosen to provide tasty, high-quality cereal bars.
⚠ If the Lodge is unavailable, the trip will take place in twin or triple rooms in a comfortable and simple gîte in the Briançonnais. In such a case, you will be informed before departure.
Accommodation before and after the tour
As soon as you register, we'll send you the names and contact details of the lodge so that you can spend a night before or after your trip. If you arrive in Briançon by train, we will provide a hotel shuttle service (€10 payable to the hotel), so it's very easy to come and meet us.
Phone & WiFi
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Wifi available in the Lodge.
4G and mobile coverage is unreliable.
Gear & equipment
Clothing:
The following equipment list contains a series of tips on equipment and is compulsory to take with you, but does not oblige you to have the latest equipment. If you want to re-equip yourself or add to your equipment, take advantage of our advice to ensure you have the right gear that's light, warm and comfortable. Good equipment makes for a successful holiday!
Headwear:
- Cap or hat
- Light hat or Buff for cooler weather (even in summer, the temperature can drop!)
- Protection 3 or 4 sunglasses
Bodywear:
- Long-sleeved and short-sleeved technical underwear (synthetic or merino wool, don't wear cotton in the mountains!)
- Lightweight fleece jacket
- Jacket with a waterproof and breathable membrane such as Gore Tex or soft shell, lightweight and compressible to take up less space in your rucksack.
- Light gloves (fleece or soft shell)
- Hiking trousers and hiking shorts
- Waterproof rain trousers
Footwear:
- Hiking socks ("double-skin" socks are very effective against blisters!).
- Hiking shoes: if you only need one pair, take high-top shoes. Trail shoes are acceptable as long as you're used to going into the mountains in them and you also have a pair of high tops for the days when they're recommended.
- Small hiking gaiters can prevent gravel and dry grass from getting into your shoes... practical!
Luggage & other:
- Water bottle or Camelbak: a total liquid volume of 1.5 to 2 litres is recommended. Please note that you won't be able to refill your water bottle on most hikes, and you shouldn't drink water from streams, even if it looks clean!
- Sunscreen factor 50/lip protection/pocket knife/liquid (for the days when we come across a refuge - no dispenser in Cervières).
- 30-litre rucksack
- Toiletry bag & first-aid kit
Toilet bag with personal kit
The guide is equipped with a first-aid kit, so bring your own Compeed bandages in case of a blister, Doliprane and any medication you may be taking.
Our partner brands
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
And last but not least...
Don't forget to
- Leave contact details with your friends and family
- Bring your papers and I.D. (passport and visa if necessary)
- Bring your contract number and documents related to your insurance (if you've chosen not to have insure coverage with us)
- Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one for free online www.ameli.fr
- Check that you have the right equipment
- Take spare batteries and a charger for your electronic devices (camera, video recorder, tracking devices etc)
- Bring some cash and your credit card
- Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not happen to not make it to the summit !
- Before leaving: water the plants, empty the rubbish bin, turn off water and gas, and tell your partner that you're going to have a good time (please not by text message), that you've well deserved... If you don't follow the latter recommendation, you'll most probably kick yourself when you get back!
We're waiting for you! Bon voyage with AZIMUT!