September, 2026
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Galibier (II)
1. We wanted to explore some of the surrounding trails but the Valloire town hall has issued municipal decrees prohibiting access to them throughout the summer, with only a few exceptions. Thus, I could only access to one spot I had previously identified, with a small chapel and the Aiguille Noire in the background.
2. After a night near Valmenier where the trails are also closed, Emile wants to return to our previous campsite from which we will set off on a hike the next day.
3. Dreamer in nature…
4. We enjoy the late afternoon to observe the local inhabitants. Here, a northern wheatear.
5. Including a family of marmots that aren’t too shy.
6. Youngs.
7. Watcher.
8. Taking care of himself.
9. Curious.
10. Sunset from our camp.
11. The next day, set off on another hike which first take us to Lake of Cerces where some hikers spent the night in tents.
12. Cottongrass.
13. A look back at the path so far. VivaLaVida is tiny down there.
14. The White Lake, on the climb to the Grand Galibier.
15. Panoramic view to the south…
16. It’s time to regain strength!
17. Pretty little lake of La Ponsonnière, behind the pass of the same name.
18. Back at our campsite, a shadow in the needles reminds me of a drawing of Don Quixote with his sombrero on his horse. Do you see it? 😉
That’s it for today; more to come soon.
Lautaret, Galibier and heights of Claree
After going back up to the Granon Pass the following morning, we set off on a hike to discover the Cristol lakes.
1. We discover the lake after passing through the Door of Cristol, a small pass 2 miles away from Granon.
2. View on the Aiguille Rouge, the Pass of Thures and Italy.
3. Emile the hiker. 😉
4. The place is really beautiful.
5. We then head back towards the Door of Cristol to discover the second lake called Round Lake of Cristol.
6. Upstream, there is a beautiful peat bog.
7. We do some groceries shopping in Serre-Chevalier and then head back up towards the Galibier. We find a boondocking spot at the top of a hill where only 4x4s can access. Can you spot VivaLaVida ?
8. Emile is practicing his dribbling there, it’s Soccer World Cup season! 😉
The next day, after passing the Col du Galibier, we go up on mountain bikes to discover the lakes near the Pass of Rochilles.
9. Grand Ban lake.
10. Recovery…
11. Round Lake and Pass of Rochilles.
12. Beyond the pass, this small lake marks the source of the Claree river..
13. The alpine pasture at the bottom of the military road on the Galibier side.
14. Our camp just above.
15. …near a beautiful stream.
16. We enjoy to cool off.
17. Late afternoon light.
18. View toward northwest.
More to come in the next article soon.
D5 Creation