From the Granges de la Vallée Etroite, take a beautiful, easy path up to the Col des Thures (2194m), then head down to Névache via the gently sloping grassy valley at the top and along the well-trodden winding path by the Clarée (Cheminées de Fée). Once you reach Chalet Forestier (1,738 m), there are two options for getting to Névache. You can either take the south-facing scenic overlook (which starts just below the chalet), or the GR57 via the hamlet of Roubion (there is a free shuttle service from Roubion to Névache running from 12 July to 24 August).
From Névache, cross the river Clarée to join the le GR®57 on the right bank, which you follow until you reach Pont du Rately. A little further on, turn right onto the path that continues towards Fontcouverte and walk up to Refuge Buffère (1 hr 30, an easy route).
Option: From Vallée Etroite, walk up to the Fonderie (foundry). Turn left just before the Maison des Chamois on a path that is steep at first and leads around the Tête du Chien to reach Col du Vallon (2,645 m) following a good path. Come down the long yet little valley of Vallon towards Névache This is a relatively easy route. You’ll arrive just above Ville Haute.
Second option: From Névache, turn left shortly after Pont de l'Outre and walk up to Lac de Cristol. Go back to the start of the valley, then follow the Côte Rouge path halfway up the north face of l’Echaillon to reach Refuge Buffère.
Third option: From Refuge Buffère, climb to Col de Buffère and take the sometimes steep path to the left that leads to Grand Area (2,869 m, 2 hrs). Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Cerces and Oisans. Return via the same route.
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