Puy Vachier Lake

Puy Vachier Lake is at the bottom of a valley surrounded by rocky bar in a rather mineral world, close to the second intermediate of the cable car station; about 1 hour walk.
There is a lovely larch forest in lowlands of the Lake.
Starting from the middle station of the Télépherique des glaciers de la Meije, which has its valley station in La Grave. Ample parking is available adjacent to the bottom station.

From the middle station of the Télépherique, descend to a path junction just under the cableway. Turn left and follow the clear path. You are on the northern slopes of La Meije and terrain is quite barren and very rough. To your right are spectacular views across the Romanche Valley to Mont Thabor and in the distance Mont Blanc. At first the path descends before undulating across the mountainside. At the times the route of path is not too obvious but the usual flashes of red and white paint make navigation an easy task.

Reaching a path junction, bear left and start to climb up to the Lac du Puy Vachier. This lake is wonderfully located with bare rock providing a dramatic backdrop. From the lake you can see the next objective, the Refuge Evariste Chancel, which is perched about 30 minutes walking time above the lake. Refreshments are available in season although it might be worth continuing past the refuge to the Belvedere before taking a break.

The onward path is signed from the refuge and there are a couple of sections where care is needed with a significant drop off the path to your right. Signs suggest that caution is necessary! Eventually the climbing path leads to a small viewpoint surrounded by a low stone wall. This offers one of the greatest views in the area with a bird’s eye view of the Romanche Valley far below.

Having taken in the view, return by the same path back to the Gare de Pyrou d’Amont. You may wish to continue to the top station of the Télépherique, where you can have a closer encounter with the rock, snow and ice of La Meije. However after having completed this walk you will have enjoyed some excellent views of La Meije, especially from the Gare de Pyrou d’Amont.