Serre Chevalier: Lac des Partias from Casse de Boeuf

 

Les Partias Nature Reserve

Here’s a short walk from Casse du Boeuf chair lift south to Lac des Partias. Located inside the Des Partias Natural Reserve, the small lake lies in a valley at about 2100 m elevation (East of Ravin de Jafaret on the map).

On another heatwave day in the Southern Alps, it was great to use the familiar chairlift to reach the high ground, 2270 m in this instance. 

Serre Chevalier western flank
Serre Chevalier western flank
Col de Serre Chevalier
Col de Serre Chevalier
Descent from Col Serre Chev
Descent from Col Serre Chev
Trail to Partias
Trail to Partias

We climbed to a crossroads north of the Serre Chevalier Summit then took the trail along its western flank to Col de Serre Chevalier (2383 m). At the col which was bordering the Natural Reserve, there were no signposts nor marked trails straight down to the lake. We, however, saw a path marked with yellow-tipped sticks which we took. We descended in a grassy and blossoming slope, and merged temporarily with a trail circling from the west (in Ravin Mélivrin). Eventually we came to a spot above the lake. It looked more like a pond, and was dry this time of the year. There was a cottage by the lake and a shelter a bit further in the east as it was a pasturage area.

It was a tranquil spot, far from the ski lift system. The forest covered northern face of Crête de la Bréssiere dominated the beautiful scenery across the lake. 

We returned along the same trail shown on the map below.



Stream halfway to Partias
Stream halfway to Partias
Lac des Partias
Lac des Partias

Climb: 360 m
Distance: 5,7 km
Duration: 2 h 20
Map: 3536 OT Briançon Serre-Chevalier Montgenèvre


Lac des Partias from Serre Chev track


Salad with figs

Salad with figs

 

This salad is perfect on a hot summer day when the figs are in season. But you can just as well continue serving it well into autumn; the fig season is long in the South of France because of several fig varieties.

Serve the salad with some protein such as burrata, goat cheese, or smoke duck slices. They all go nicely with figs. Add some good country bread for a balanced meal.

2 servings

6 figs

1 green salad pepper

2 handfuls of baby salad leaves

2 mini burratas or goat cheese or smoked duck.

Vinaigrette of olive oil and red wine vinegar

Freshly ground black pepper


Wash and dry the figs and green pepper.


Divide the salad leaves on two plates. Cut the green salad pepper into two halves lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice  and divide on the plates.


Remove the stems from the figs and cut them into quarters. Divide on top of the salad leaves.


Divide the mini burratas or goat cheese or duck on the plates. Sprinkle with vinaigrette and grind over some black pepper.


Hike above Le Grand Lac (Monêtier-les-Bains)

 

Grand Lac



Le Grand Lac (2282) certainly is one of the most impressive alpine lakes in the Briancon/Serre Chevalier Region.

The starting point is from Le Pont de l’Alpe (1710 m) by the D1091. Due to the popularity of the trails, even the spacious parking can be quite full during the high season.

We have previously hiked around Aguillette du Lauzet, starting from Le Pont de l’Alpe.

This time we wanted to admire the picturesque lake.


Trail to Alpe du Lauzet
Trail to Alpe du Lauzet
Pics de Combeynot
Pics de Combeynot
Towards Clot des Vaches
Towards Clot des Vaches
Clot des Vaches crossroads
Clot des Vaches crossroads

We first ascended to l’Alpe du Lauzet (1951 m). One trail forked left, straight to the lake with one steep stretch equipped with a cable. We headed northeast, following the Rif Torrent. We reached a crossroads named Clot des Vaches (2209 m),  and merged with the GR57 trail. We forked left (north) and continued the ascent in the Rif Valley. 


The trail turned to the west before we reached a col (2436 m) above the lake. From here, the lake was partially visible. One trail descended down to its shore. We continued along the GR57, passing a cabane with livestock. Higher up, the entire lake became visible. We found a great spot for a picnic at about 2530 m where the Grand Galibier Massif dominated the landscape in the northwest and parts the Ecrins Glaciers a bit further in the southwest.


Ascent in Rif Valley
Ascent in Rif Valley
Col above Grand Lac
Col above Grand Lac
GR57 above Grand Lac
GR57 above Grand Lac
Returning trail along GR57
Returning trail along GR57

Climb: 850 m
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 5h
Map: 3535 OT Névache Mont Tabor Cols du Galibier et du Lautaret


Hike track above Grand Lac


Gazpacho soup

 

Gazpacho soup


This recipe is inspired by a starter at our hotel near Col d’Izoard. Served with some good country bread it makes a tasty light lunch on a hot summer day. When choosing the gazpacho, we still think that the Spanish Alvalle makes the best. You can replace fromage blanc with thick Greek youghurt.

2 servings

400 ml ready-made preferably organic gazpacho

4 tbsp. fromage blanc 0% fat

½ cucumber

1 oval tasty tomato

3 slices of Parma ham

Chopped basil leaves


Whisk the fromage blanc into the gazpacho and divide into two bowls. Chop the tomato and cucumber into small cubes and divide on top of the gazpacho. 


Chop the Parma ham into small pieces and divide into the bowls.  Decorate with basil and serve at once. 


Col des Ayes from Brunissard (Arvieux)

Col des Ayes northwest view


 We had previously done a loop hike from Brunissard via Col de Néal where the first stretch of the hike ran along the famous GR5 long distance trail.

We now wanted to explore the GR5 as far as to Col de Ayes (2477 m). Starting from Brunissard, the first less interesting part followed the road to the vast camping. It then climbed to Le Pré Premier and further along a dusty dirt road which went to the Chalets of Claypeto. Just before the chalets, the GR5 forked right towards Col des Ayes, and we were finally surrounded by a beautiful high alpine landscape. The first part was moderately steep, then levelled off a bit before a final ascent to the mountain pass.

Leaving Brunissard
Leaving Brunissard
Above l'Eychaillon
Above l'Eychaillon
Chalets de Clapeyto in background
Chalets de Clapeyto in background

From the col, we had great views towards the mountain massifs northwest of Briançon and to the massifs bordering Italy in the Queyras Regional Park in the southeast. The col was well frequented and there appeared to be trekkers on a several day tour with heavy gear.

If you want to avoid the first part of the itinerary it is always possible to drive up the parking near the camping ground.

It was another heatwave day in the region, and very warm at almost 2500 m altitude where we took our pause before returning back to Brunissard.


Towards Col des Ayes
Towards Col des Ayes
Last stretch to Col des Ayes
Last stretch to Col des Ayes
Return trail Mont Viso in horizon
Return trail Mont Viso in horizon
Pic du Cros Massif above Arvieux
Pic du Cros Massif above Arvieux

Climb: 700 m
Distance: 10,7 km
Duration: 4h20
Map: 3537 ET Guillestre, Vars, Risoul PNR du Queyras

Col des Ayes hike track


Lamb chops à la Thierry Marx

 

Lamb chops à la Thierry Marx


Thierry Marx is a Michelin star French chef who also directs cookery schools . He is now flexitarian and focused on the responsibility that catering sector has for the society and environment.

This recipe is loosely based on the interview on the French morning TV 1 Bonjour. In fact they only showed the presentation of the dish in his restaurant kitchen but the message was clear: cook from quality ingredients, cook from scratch and do not waste.

2 servings

4 local lamb chops

4 large slices of a round green courgette

4 thick slices of dark tomatoes

Olive oil

100 ml quick-cooking green lentils

Chopped mint leaves to decorate

For the red wine sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small shallot, minced

1 small clove of garlic, minced

150 ml red wine

1 tsp. dried Provençal herbs

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. tomato purée


Start by cooking the green lentils according to the advice on the package. When done, cover and set aside until needed.


In a frying pan, warm olive oil over medium heat and fry the courgette slices on both sides until golden brown and soft.


In another frying pan, warm 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat and sauté the tomato slices a few minutes on both sides.


In a small saucepan, sauté the shallot and garlic in 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat 5-10 minutes. Add the red wine, herbs, and black pepper. Raise the temperature and cook until reduced by about half. Whisk in the tomato purée, cover and set aside.


Warm a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat the lamb chops with some olive oil and fry about 3 minutes on both sides depending on the thickness.


For the presentation: arrange the vegetables in layers in the middle of the plates. Sprinkle the lentils around the vegetables and drizzle with the red wine sauce. Place the lamb chops on top of the vegetables and sprinkle with chopped mint.


Col de Malaure (Queyras)

 

Final push to Col de Malaure

In the Queyras Regional Park, we have previously explored some trails to mountain passes bordering Italy. From Valpréveyre above Abriés, we had earlier climbed to Col d’Urine.

Using Valpréveyre as a starting point, we now wanted to climb to Col de Malaure (2536 m) north of the abovementioned Col d’Urine and in a different valley.

Leaving Valpréyvere
Leaving Valpréyvere
Following Torrent du Bouchet
Following Torrent du Bouchet
Crossing Malaure Torrent
Crossing Malaure Torrent
Sheep flock by the trail
Sheep flock by the trail

Some sources say that Hannibal may have used the Malaure Pass when crossing the Alps. True or tale, the Italian side viewed from the col was very steep and rocky so hard to believe that elephants could negotiate this terrain!

We started from the parking in Valpréveyre, crossed the Bouchet Torrent and then headed east following the torrent in the woods. A bit higher, we crossed a stream again. The incline became steeper, and we came to a crossroads at 2230 m where the left-hand trail went to Col de Bouchet and Col de Valpréveyre. We forked right as planned. After climbing 300 m and 1.1 km including some steep stretches, we reached the narrow col where an Italian signpost with several destinations was erected. A narrow and steep trail descended on the Italian side. The Italian lowlands were not far, and typical fog and clouds (nebbia) were clinging to the relief.

We met nobody on the latter part of the trail. Many walkers preferred to enjoy the sunny and warm weather by the stream. Some went up to the Bouchet Pass with a small refuge on the Italian side.


Above tree line to Malaure
Above tree line to Malaure
Viewing Bric Bouchet
Viewing Bric Bouchet
Col de Malaure 30 min Away
Col de Malaure 30 min Away
Col de Malaure
Col de Malaure
Initial descent Col de Malaure
Initial descent Col de Malaure

Climb: 720 m
Distance: 9,6 km
Duration: 4h 15
Map: 3637 OT Mont Viso St-Véran Aiguilles PNR Du Queyras


Col de Malaure hike track


Burrata Gazpacho

 

Burrata gazpacho


This recipe is a tasty gazpacho variation which is easily made when the peaches and tomatoes are in season. Served with some good country bread it makes a nice light lunch during the heatwave.

2 servings

300 ml tasty gazpacho such as the Spanish Alvalle

4 tbsp. fromage blanc 0%fat or thick Greek yoghurt

2 mini burratas or 1 regular burrata, halved

2 peaches

Olive oil

8 black olives

1 oval tomato, cut into small pieces

Chopped basil leaves

Freshly ground black pepper


Cut the peaches into sections and grill them in a pan with some olive oil.


Whisk the fromage blanc into the gazpacho and divide into two bowls.


Divide the peaches into the bowls. Add the burrata, tomato, olives, and basil. Sprinkle with a little olive oil and grind over some black pepper. Serve at once.


Col du Tronchet loop from Brunissard (Arvieux)

Col du Tronchet


 We found out that the Tronchet Mountain Pass (2347 m) above Arvieux could be reached easily by doing a loop hike from the village of Brunissard.

We located a signpost at 1770 m elevation where the GR58 trail crossed D902 road. We headed east first along a country road before reaching Ravin du Partus where the GR58 ascended in a forest. 

Brunissard
Brunissard
View north of Brunissard
View north of Brunissard
Near Ravin du Partus
Near Ravin du Partus
GR58 above Brunissard
GR58 above Brunissard

Only at about 2100 m, the forest gave gradually way to verdant alpine meadows where flowers were still blossoming in late July. We passed a trail on our right-hand side to La Chalp (our return itinerary) then another path on our left-hand side leading to the Souliers Lake before reaching the col. We could enjoy our break south of the col on the beginning of the Glaisette ridge.


After descending to the abovementioned crossroads, we left the GR trail and continued along a very nice yellow-marked forest trail. Near Torrent du Grimaud we forked right towards Brunissard. Most of the trail still ran in a forest, and the trail was soft, easy on your feet.


We passed Les Aiguillettes, came to a dirt road and soon back to the GR58 trail, closing the loop just before Brunissard.



GR58 nearing Col du Tronchet
GR58 nearing Col du Tronchet
Alpine meadows before Col du Tronchet
Alpine meadows before Col du Tronchet
View east of Col du Tronchet
View east of Col du Tronchet
Descending back to Brunissard
Descending back to Brunissard

Climb: 610 m
Distance: 7,8 km
Duration: 3h 50
Map: 3537 ET Guillestre Vars, Risoul PNR du Queyras


Col du Tronchet loop track