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    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,982 m
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.1 km
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    8.5-12h
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Physical DIFF
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical DIFF
    Directions to Trailhead

    Sommets des Garrets

    Panoramic views from the Sommets des Garrets hike in Mercantour National Park, France''
    Measurement:

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    Table of contents

    One of the most beautiful hikes in Mercantour National Park. You have a superb view on the Lac d’Allos, very panoramic. You’ll walk on limestone rocks, through larch forests and grassy slopes, and you can find rare plants and birds: jewels for connoisseurs. But, it comes at a price: a lot of gradual altitude gain.

    Route Description for Sommets des Garrets

    From the parking lot take the only path that starting near the little house. After ten minutes, you’ll arrive at the first glacier threshold, where there once was an ancient lake, now a nice bog. The path will reach a trail that will arrive from the left. Ignore it.

    After 30 or so minutes (if you’re going at a good speed), go along to the left you’ll get to the second glacier threshold, from here you can see the Lac d’Allos 2,228 m.

    At the lake go left. You can stop at the Refuge du Lac for some refreshments (we highly recommend this) and then continue left.

    Follow the path that goes up in the direction of the Col de la Petite Cayolle.

    When you reach a large grassy plain, you should find a sign that says 2,258 m. From here, take the path on the right and continue direction Col de la Petite Cayolle.

    The path goes into the Ravin de Meouille and then reaches the edge of the Lac de la Petite Cayolle (2,588 m). The lake is nestled within the limestone scree, where the snow remains until June.

    In front of you there’s the Col de la Petite Cayolle (2,639 m) that you can reach in twenty or more minutes. From here you’ll have a view on the Western Alps: from the Monte Bianco to the Maritime Alps.

    Then, continue right. The path skirts around the lake. You’ll see the little pass (2,661 m) the divides it from the Lac de Garrets (2,621 m).

    From the lake, you can continue up, following the path and you arrived in on to the flat crest of the Sommet du Lausson (2,645 m) and the Pas du Lausson (2,602 m). From here, on the right, you have the trail that falls towards the Lac d’Allos.

    The path downhill brings you to the trail you originally went uphill on, in the Ravin de Meouille, at (2,351 m a.s.l.).

    The return is on the same path or, if you want, from the signal at 2,258 m, there a direct path the goes down to the Plateau du Laus.

    Insider Hints for Sommets des Garrets

    • If you still have energy, you can go up until the Mont Pelat 3,050 m, one of the highest peaks of this region. From here you have a panoramic view of Provence and - with a clear sky - you can see all the way to the Corse.
    • Try staying at The Refuge du Lac d’Allos. The food is great, the lodging is simple and you are right beside the lake.
    • Another option is the Refuge de la Cayolle. An equally charming establishment although it doesn’t have the benefit of being lakeside.

    Getting to the Sommets des Garrets Trailhead

    From Nice airport go up the valley of the Var by the RM 6202 and then by the D4202 until you reach Allos. At the first crossroad, go right on the D2 to Lac d’Allos. You’ll reach the starting point after 12.5 km. The parking costs 8€ per car per day.

    Route Information

    • When to do:

      June to end of October

    • Backcountry Campsites:

      In Allos or from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. on site

    • Toilets:

      Yes. Refuge Lac d'Allos

    • Family friendly:

      No

    • Route Signage:

      Average

    • Crowd Levels:

      Moderate

    • Route Type:

      Lollipop

    Sommets des Garrets Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

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