Clos Chevaleret, Hike from Le Perron

An accessible, stunning, and varied hike. Discover waterfalls, alpine meadows, and views of snow-capped peaks! All while enjoying panoramic views of the Grand Sauvage peaks, the Emparis Plateau, the Aiguilles d’Arves, and La Meije.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Starting point: Les Perrons hamlet in Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans (1,608 m)
Elevation gain: 571 m
Round-trip duration: 4 hours 15 minutes
Round-trip distance: 8.2 km
Difficulty level: moderate; involves crossing streams without bridges and hiking along the valley floor near the stream as well as through pastures.

MAP AND GUIDE
TOP 25 Map No. 3335 ET – Bourg d’Oisans, l’Alpe d’Huez, Grandes Rousses, Sept Laux (Alps)
OBP Map No. 3 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds): Trails No. 332 and 334

ITINERARY
The first part of the hike begins in the alpine pastures. Very quickly and without difficulty, you’ll reach a cirque formed by waterfalls known as the “Pont Ferrand Waterfalls” (the one on the left comes from the Pisserote stream, the one on the right from the Ferrand torrent). This marks the beginning of the hike’s sublime and majestic setting!

A steep initial climb through the slate quarry—a bit exposed but quick (about 15 minutes)—will take you along the Ferrand waterfall to its summit.

The ascent along the glacial waters of the Ferrand then begins on a 4-km undulating trail. The valley gradually reveals itself, eventually opening up onto green, flower-filled alpine meadows, set against the backdrop of the high (often snow-capped) peaks of the Grandes Rousses massif on one side and an imposing schist ridge on the other, the Échine de Praouat. The climb is gradual, pleasant, and punctuated by small streams that flow into the Ferrand.

You’ll soon reach the fork leading to Clos Chevaleret. From there, you’ll begin an ascent through the pastures until you reach the Clos plateau, which, depending on the season, may be occupied by shepherds and their flocks.

Yellow PDIPR signs.

TOP 25 Map No. 3335 ET – Bourg d'Oisans, L'Alpe d'Huez, Grandes Rousses, Sept Laux (Alps) OBP Map No. 3 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds): Trails No. 332 and 334
OBP maps are available for purchase at Oisans Tourisme visitor centers.