Moderate Tour du Mont Thabor

Starting in Névache, the route first follows the Clarée through the lower valley, passing the Névache bridge and sections of woodland. Early on, you get views towards a waterfall beside the trail, and the route also passes Lac Bleu, a small lake close to the valley floor. The surroundings are still green and forested here, but the path is already rocky and uneven in places.

The route then begins a long and steady climb through larch forest and across the mountainside. The path is often narrow, with loose stones, exposed roots and rough sections that can slow your progress. As you gain elevation, the trees gradually become more scattered and the landscape opens into alpine slopes, with increasingly wide views across the Clarée valley and the surrounding peaks.

Higher up, the route continues across open and rocky mountain terrain. An out-and-back section leads to Lac Laramon, a mountain lake set below rugged slopes. After visiting the lake, you return along the same path and continue climbing across exposed plateaus and stony trails. The final section passes through a broad high-mountain landscape before descending towards Refuge des Drayères. With its length and more than 1,000 metres of ascent, this is a demanding first day, so an early start is strongly recommended.

Today is the longest and one of the most demanding days of the trek, covering 22.5 kilometres with more than 1,000 metres of ascent. Expect a full day in the mountains, with sustained climbs and long descents. A good level of fitness, sure-footedness, and an early start are strongly recommended.

From Refuge des Drayères, the route leads through varied Alpine terrain, crossing streams and passing a series of mountain lakes. You first reach Lac de la Clarée, followed by Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban. Later, the trail passes Lac Vert, known for its striking blue-green colour.

The lakes and surrounding mountain scenery make this a particularly beautiful part of the route, but the length of the day and the considerable elevation changes should not be underestimated. After the final descent, you reach the small village of Valmeinier, where you will spend the night in a comfortable mountain hotel.