Follow the GR57 to Col de Buffère (1 hr 15 to 1 hr 30). From the pass, leave the GR57 and head left along a well-marked trail that gradually becomes steeper. It takes around 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the summit of Grand Area at 2,869 m. From here, you'll have a superb view of the Guisane valley, the Meije, the Barre des Ecrins and the peaks of the Oisans region. On a clear day, you can almost reach out and touch Mont Blanc. The descent is made by the same route.
For the more experienced, there is the option of descending the north face along a more exposed path to reach Crête de l'Echaillon, from where you can head back down to the left towards Vallon de Buffère to rejoin the GR57, or to the right into Vallon de Cristol to reach Lac de Cristol and return to the refuge along the Côte Rouge path.
Alternatively, head S/E towards the St Joseph oratory, then follow the track south to Col de Buffère.
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