Refuge des Clots - Hike from Singuigneret (Mizoën)

A scenic trail, fragrant with wild lavender, above Lake Chambon will take you to the Clôts mountain hut. Don’t miss the themed trail around Lake Lovitel!

This charming mountain refuge, nestled at an elevation of 1,515 meters, lies along the GR 50 and GR 54C trails, as well as the hiking routes leading to the Emparis Plateau, offering a splendid view of La Meije.

You’re sure to notice the Fontaine Pétrifiante waterfall towering above it, which has shaped its tufa formations over time. This remarkable site is protected by a biotope conservation order.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Starting point: Singuigneret parking lot (Mizoën)
Elevation gain: 367 m
Round-trip duration: 2 hours
Round-trip distance: 7.11 km
Difficulty: moderate; no physical challenges but some exposed sections.

MAP AND HIKING GUIDE
OBP Map No. 3 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds): Trail No. 343 – GR50
IGN TOP 25 3335 ET – Bourg d’Oisans, Alpe d’Huez

ITINERARY
From Mizoën, in the Ferrand Valley, drive through the village and then turn right onto the small road toward Singuigneret. Caution: the road is narrow. You will then drive around the hamlet to reach the parking lot at its edge.
The route begins with a balcony trail that winds through schist slopes, overlooking the Chambon Dam. It’s best to hold young children’s hands tightly on this walk, as the trail is quite “exposed.”
After this arid stretch, the arrival at the Lovitel oasis surprises with its lush greenery. You can take a detour (+500 m and 25 m of elevation gain) via a themed trail that loops around this wetland before reaching the refuge. Follow the signs: interpretive panels line the route, explaining the geology and wildlife of the small Lovitel Lake, leading to an orientation table that provides a lovely conclusion to the walk. From this viewpoint, as well as from the nearby mountain hut, enjoy a beautiful view of the “Petrifying Fountains” waterfall, whose white and ochre limestone formations stand out against the green of the surrounding vegetation.
On site, the eco-museum offers a pleasant extension to your exploration of the trail: it traces the traditional activities of this hamlet, which was once inhabited year-round.
The descent follows the same route as the ascent.

HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE

• Panoramic view overlooking Lake Chambon
• Lake Lovitel Nature Trail
• Orientation map
• Ecomuseum
• Les Clots Mountain Hut

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

• The resurgence of the Fontaine Pétrifiante waterfall: continue along the path above the refuge to reach it in 30 minutes. Views of the waterfall along the entire way.
• Hikes from the refuge: Haut-Dauphiné Loop (GR 50), a loop to the Emparis Plateau and back to Singuigneret, including Lake Noir and Lake Lérié on the Emparis Plateau. Option to connect to the GR 54 Oisans and Écrins Loop.

GOOD TO KNOW
In addition to being one of the few high-altitude wetlands in the upper Romanche Valley, Lake Lovitel has the unique characteristic of partially drying up during the summer, transforming into a marsh. This makes it an ideal habitat for amphibians, which benefit from the absence of fish—their natural predators. The ecological quality of the environment is remarkable. Several species of high conservation value are present at the site, notably the common adder’s-tongue and the common bog-rosemary, both of which are protected at the regional level.

IGN 3335 ET TOP 25 - Bourg d'Oisans, Alpe d'Huez