Mont Thabor from Laval

"Emblematic, and grandiose in its mineral setting": Known since antiquity, the Chapelle du Mont Thabor, located at an altitude of 3171 m, has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, as well as a refuge for many hikers.Built in the 15th century, this chapel belonged to the Escartons territory, which lasted until the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. In 1487, the Mélézet parish became responsible for maintaining the chapel. The chapel was completely rebuilt in wood in 1694, hardened in 1897 thanks to the generosity of the Mélézet parishioners, and finally restored in 1951. The people of Mélézet were also behind the Stations of the Cross built in 1860 on the last slopes of Le Thabor. That year, a typhoid epidemic claimed many victims. The local population went up in procession to implore the protection of the Virgin of Tabor and publicly promised to do this penance every year. At the beginning of August, pilgrims from Mélézet, Valmeinier, Modane and Névache gather here. It became Savoyard, then Italian, and finally, as part of the annexed territories, it was returned to France by the Treaty of Paris of February 10, 1947. For a time, it belonged to the Ministry of Finance, until the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the basis of archival documents, returned ownership to the commune of Bardonecchia. Of course, it is still French territory. This chapel is deteriorating day by day and will be swept away if nothing is done: The Association des Amis du patrimoine religieux de Névache is actively involved in saving it and is seeking to raise funds: if you would like to support their project, please visit their websites: amipatrimoinenevache.wixsite.com/monsite/ www.helloasso.com/associations/amis-du-patrimoine-religieux-de-nevache/collectes/objectif-thabor Please note: for safety reasons, as the building is in danger of collapsing, access to the interior of the Thabor chapel is now impossible, following a security mission.

Located in the magnificent Clarée valley in the Hautes-Alpes, the completely rebuilt Laval refuge offers a warm and comfortable welcome.Meije & Thomas, the janitors, and their team welcome you to the cosy atmosphere of the wooden chalet-style refuge. Winter access is by ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or skating. Leave your car at the Ville Haute parking lot in Névache and take the summer road, which is closed at this time of year, or drive along the right bank of the Clarée for a more bucolic atmosphere. The refuges are often perceived as inaccessible and reserved for a more seasoned clientele, but the Laval refuge is an exception to the rule. In summer, you can come either by car to the parking lot of the same name some 300 m upstream from the refuge, or by shuttle bus, depending on the time of day and the season: Accueil Tourisme Névache. On the first floor, two small dormitories with single and double beds for 4 people, and two dormitories for 7 and 8 people with single or double beds equipped with sheets and comforters (bring your own sheets and comforter bags). On the first floor, sanitary facilities and hot showers (bring your own toiletries). In the dining room, which seats between 36 and 40, a beautiful Masse (Tulikivi) stove radiates a gentle warmth that you'll appreciate whatever the weather! For humid summer days or snowy winters, a dryer running on excess energy from the pico power station will dry your clothes and shoes in no time. Electricity is provided by a pico-power station fed by the Cula torrent, making the refuge completely self-sufficient. In this friendly environment, we'll let you enjoy simple, generous, high-quality cooking, using organic and local produce, so that young and old alike will be rested and refreshed before setting off again, backpacked, to explore the many hiking trails that this luminous Clarée valley has to offer. Total immersion in unspoilt mountain nature guaranteed. The summer refuge is : Your base camp, for touring Mont Thabor (GR57), touring the Cerces massif, hiking to discover the beauty of lakes Béraudes, Long, rond, and many more. A stopover for motorcyclists on the Route des Grandes Alpes A thirst-quenching, gourmet stopover for cyclists and mountain bikers, A rest area for donkey trekkers, who can enjoy the meadows beneath the refuge. A meeting point where you can simply enjoy the view from the terrace and take full advantage of nature.

Ski instructors and mountain guides Anne & Boris welcome you at the bottom of the Clarée valley. The refuge is ideally located in an area rich in lakes, at the start of a wide variety of itineraries.Friendly and comfortable: The atmosphere is warm and friendly. The refuge team welcomes you for a night, a stay, a meal or a snack. Warm up by the stove after your mountain outing and enjoy a moment of sharing or relaxation in the new lounge. A library and board games await you. In the bright and spacious dining room, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the valley floor. Each dormitory is equipped with cosy comforters, so a fitted sheet is all you need. There are also hot showers and a place to dry your shoes. The refuge belongs to the FFCAM. We can accommodate 64 people in dormitories of 4, 6 and 8 places. Whenever possible, we reserve a dormitory for the same group. The dining room and 4 dormitories for 32 people (with blankets) are at your disposal when you're not on guard duty. Please leave the refuge clean and pay for your night in the box inside the refuge. To facilitate our organization and the smooth running of the refuge, we ask you to book your half-board on line or by telephone during the seasons on +33 (0)4 92 21 36 01. Cuisine: We offer simple, healthy, home-cooked cuisine! Most of the products we use are organic or locally grown. If you wish, we can prepare snacks for your hikes the following day. Just let us know when you arrive at the refuge. All day long, we serve à la carte meals and offer the possibility of eating on the terrace in the sun or inside by the stove. In the evening, a communal meal is served in the dining room. For those with special dietary requirements, we'll do our best to accommodate. NEW YEAR'S EVE Come and enjoy the early winter powder at the refuge des Drayères. Whether you're ski touring or snowshoeing, it's ideally situated at the center of many easy itineraries. In a magical setting, you'll find the refuge in its coat of snow. We offer a convivial mountain meal, homemade mulled wine and a festive aperitif... Simplicity and sharing after a beautiful day in the mountains are part of the magic of life in a refuge during the winter season. Try the New Year's Eve experience at the Drayères refuge! For bookings, ensure your bed on our online reservation, deposit required: 10€ per person per night. For further information, please contact us by telephone on 06.45.74.07.93 Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information: Mail : refugedesdrayeres@gmail.com Phone : 04.92.21.36.01 Facebook : Gardien Refuge des Drayères