Refuge des Clots - Hike from Singuigneret (Mizoën)

A lavender-scented balcony path rising above the Lac du Chambon takes you to the small mountain hut of Les Clôts. Don't miss the Lac Lovitel theme trail!

This charming mountain refuge, located at an altitude of 1,515 meters, lies along the GR 50 and GR 54 C trails and is a starting point for hikes on the Emparis Plateau, offering a splendid view of La Meije.
You’re sure to notice the Fontaine Pétrifiante waterfalls, which tower above the refuge and form tufa concretions. The site is protected by a biotope conservation order. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging this phenomenon, which is unique to the Oisans region.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Starting point: Singuigneret parking lot (Mizoën)
Elevation gain: 365 m
Round-trip duration: 2 hrs
Round-trip distance: 7.11 km
Difficulty: moderate; no physical challenges but a few 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
In Mizoën, in the Ferrand Valley, drive through the village and turn right onto the small road toward Singuigneret until you reach the small parking lot at the village entrance.
The route begins with a balcony trail that crosses schist slopes above the Chambon Dam. It’s best to hold young children’s hands tightly on this walk, as the trail is quite exposed.
After a very arid stretch, the arrival at the Lovitel oasis is a striking contrast. A themed trail loops through this wetland area and leads back to the mountain hut. Follow the signposted route; it’s dotted with interpretive panels explaining the landscape, geology, and wildlife of the small Lovitel Lake, and ends with an orientation table. The mountain hut is just a little further on.
Once there, a visit to the eco-museum will round out your experience on the discovery trail; it traces the traditional activities of this hamlet, which was once inhabited.
The descent follows the same path.

HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE

• Panoramic view overlooking Lake Chambon
• Lake Lovitel Discovery Trail
• Orientation table
• Ecomuseum
• Les Clots Mountain Hut

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

• The resurgence of the Fontaine Pétrifiante waterfall: continue along the path above the mountain hut to reach it in 20 minutes. Enjoy views of the waterfall the entire way.
• Hikes from the mountain hut: 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.