4 days (3 nights): Tour of Haute Clarée, starting from Névache (Ville Basse)

Cross the river Clarée on Pont de Fort Ville then follow the GR 57 which takes you to Vallon de l'Oule to enjoy its two lakes. You will reach Col de l'Oule (2,548 m), marked by a large cairn. Follow a ridge path to Col des Cibières (2,350 m) and pass around Croix de la Gardiole (2,750 m) as far as Porte de Cristol (2,483 m). Head down Vallon de Cristol, passing alongside the Cristol lakes. At the junction with Côte Rouge, veer left and follow a scenic path to reach the chalets de Buffère and the refuge (7 hrs).

From Refuge Buffère, head up Vallon de Buffère to Col de Buffère (2,427 m). Climb Grand Aréa (2,869 m), to enjoy a breathtaking 360° view, and then take the path along a scenic overlook to Vallon de la Moulette. From here, head up this little valley following the GR57 up and over Col de Roche Noire and back down staying on the GR route until you reach Refuge du Chardonnet.

On leaving Refuge du Chardonnet, rejoin the GR at the bridge, then follow the path to Col du Chardonnet (2,636 m). At the mine, start your descent by taking the alternative route on the GR, then climb back up to Col de la Ponsonnière. From here, take the path to Col des Béraudes (2,895 m), which includes a tricky stretch at the pass, then continue all the way back down to the Laval car park. From the car park, take the road to reach Refuge Laval.

From Refuge Laval, climb to Chemin de Ronde (2,396 m) and continue via Lac de la Cula to the fork at Lac Laramon. From this point climb up to Lac Laramon. From this point climb up to Lac Laramon and then Lac du Serpent, continuing to Pas du Lac Blanc (2,935 m). Follow the ski touring route (dotted blue on the map) down to Lac Blanc (2,695 m) and cut across the mountain pastures to join the GR and the chalets of Vallon. Return to Névache along the GR.