The Muzelle et Le Lauvitel lakes
This fine Alpine crossing follows the GR54 and the Col du Vallon, providing hikers with a view over the Muzelle and Lauvitel lakes.
The Col du Vallon is the meeting point of two valleys that both contain a high-altitude lake, but otherwise have their own characteristics. A “total” reserve and a paved path are the charming features of the Lauvitel valley, while the Muzelle valley is enriched by pastoral farming, a refuge and peat bogs.
Route details
When you leave the village of L'Alleau, cross the little bridge and take the paved path rising steeply into the forest. Continue along the path alongside the left bank of the Muzelle torrent. Once you arrive at the foot of a large schist slope, the path crosses the torrent and zigzags its way up through several loops to reach fine grassland, then a hollow filled with a peat bog. You finally arrive at a small "hump", from where you can see the Muzelle lake and refuge. Go down to the lake, walk round it to the right as far as the spillway and cross the bridge. At the fork, turn right into the meadows. You cross an area of rocks, following the cairns. The way continues as far as the Col up a steep grassy slope. The descent to the Lauvitel is via the right bank of the Embernard stream, through a large number of bends, and across a few rocky slabs and a combe. You arrive at Lake Lauvitel and its chalets via Pré des Selles. From there, go to the Danchère by turning right at the fork. The descent follows an old paved path with small walls on either side. You will see the St Croix Oratory just before arrving at the first houses in La Danchère. To get to Le Bourg d'Arud on foot, cross La Danchère and take the path along the left bank of the Vénéon as you leave the village.
More details
Informations to download
Tips
Is in the midst of the park : The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.
Herd protection dogs : In mountain pastures, protection dogs are there to protect the herds from predators (wolves, etc.).When I hike I adapt my behavior by going around the herd and pausing for the dog to identify me.Find out more about the actions to adopt with the article "Protection dogs: a context and actions to adopt".Tell us about your meeting by answering this survey.
Go there
Latitude : 44.982966
Longitude : 6.120166
38860 Les Deux Alpes
Go there
Departure : L'Alleau.
Arrival : La Danchère.
Road access : Take the D530 towards La Bérarde. In Bourg d'Arud, turn right towards L'Alleau and park in the village..
Parking recommended : In the village of L'Alleau .
Information updated on 03/09/2026
by Parc national des Écrins
