Back hike

Le Thabor

Valfréjus
Le Thabor - K.Mandray

You dream of doing a 3,000 m but have never dared? The Thabor is waiting for you! Without technical difficulty for those who are in good physical condition, this itinerary takes you into the magical world of the high mountains, with mineral and majestic landscapes.

Description

From the Lavoir, the first climb on a track is a bit steep, but you will quickly forget it when you arrive at the Loza water intake.

The path winds through the mountain pasture, from chalet to chalet, in the middle of Tarines chewing on soft grass and wild flowers.

Planted at the foot of Mount Thabor, which serves as a backdrop, the refuge waits quietly at the edge of the lakes Sainte-Marguerite and Lac Long, for hikers who need a break.

Then the path slips through the narrow valley pass before climbing to Lake Peyron and Col des Méandes.

The atmosphere becomes more lunar and the fullness of the site envelops you as you walk towards the chapel, like the French and Italian pilgrims who meet there every year.

At the top, enjoy the wide open spaces that the mountain offers you, with an incredible view of the high peaks of the Alps, from Viso to the Meije.

Yes, this hike is long, but you will come back with your head filled with grandiose images and the serenity of these stone giants.

Environments

  • In the mountains

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

  • Distance 23km
  • Type of route Round trip
  • Elevation gain 1255m
  • Negative elevation gain 1255m
  • Daily duration 07h00
  • Marked itinerary Yes
  • Nature of the land Earth
  • Maximum altitude 3178m

Opening period

From 01/06 to 15/10.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

  • Subject to favorable weather conditions

  • Subject to snow conditions

Location

Access and parking: after crossing the resort of Valfréjus, go up towards the gîte d'étape Les Tavernes. In the hairpin bend, take the right track leading to the parking of the wash house.

Animals

Animals accepted : Yes

Animals accepted with supplement : No

Topo/step by step

  • Start: From the Lavoir parking lot, follow the GR 5 up the lock above, following the carriageway for a few hairpin bends.
    1/ Reach La Losa next to a small reservoir, where the path splits into a crow's-foot.
    2/ Leave the right-hand route towards Les Sarrasins and follow the GR 5 to the Col de Vallée Etroite (2434 m).
    3/ At the Col, you can reach the Thabor refuge on the right for the night (you can return the following day via the Sarrazins path). Leave the GR 5 heading downhill towards the narrow valley, and traverse the magnificent high-altitude meadows.
    Cross a few large boulders on a short descent to reach the colorful Lac du Peyron, and follow its north shore.
    4/ Skirt the rocky bar overlooking the lake, then continue on to the grassy plateau of Les Chances du Peyron at the foot of the rocky Grand Séru needle.
    5/ The route then leads to the Col des Méandes, from where the final slope to the Thabor begins.
    6/ Just before reaching the summit, take a short break at the chapel of Mont Thabor (ND des Douleurs), a major pilgrimage site where Italian and French pilgrims gather every summer.

Le Thabor
Parking du lavoir 73500 Valfréjus
  • Distance 23km
  • Daily duration 07h00
  • Elevation gain 1255m
  • Negative elevation gain 1255m