Lac du Grand Méan via the Evettes circus

It's more than a hike, it's a high-mountain adventure. The Grand Méan glacier, an ice giant towering 3260 metres above sea level, is a sight you won't soon forget!

Description

After ascending the Arc river, the path enters the spectacular Reculaz gorges and continues to the impressive Reculaz waterfall.

Then cross the Roman bridge, as if suspended in the wild immensity of the steppe-like grassy plains.

From here, the route becomes wilder. Ibex are often present in summer. From scree slopes to rocky slabs, you progress into the heart of the Cirque des Evettes, under the gaze of the Albaron and Grande Ciamarella glaciers.

And here you are facing the glacial lake of Grand Méan, a little piece of Greenland or Patagonia. A cliff of ice falls directly into the lake, with small icebergs floating on its surface.

Strange noises emanate from the living glacier. Occasionally, a few blocks break off in a deafening din. Time seems to stand still.

For a gentle return to civilization, treat yourself to a gourmet stopover at the Evettes refuge on the way back.
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Additional welcome

Hiking times are calculated on the basis of reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

Environments

• Lake view
• In the mountains
• Waterfall view

Rates

Free access. At Bonneval sur Arc, turn right towards L'Ecot and park in the L'Ecot parking lot (fee payable July-August).
In summer, you can also take bus line 7 (Bonneval/Arc - L'Ecot) and get off at the terminus.

Itinerary

• Distance 14km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 1050m
• Negative gradient 1050m
• Daily duration 05h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Tricky passage Passage over a handrail where you have to put your hands down. The route is signposted as far as the Evettes hut, but is no longer signposted as far as the Grand Méan lake. Passage over rocky slabs that can be slippery. High mountain itinerary (2900 m)
• Nature of the land Pebbles, Earth
• Maximum altitude 2905m

Opening period

From 15/06 to 15/10.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favourable weather conditions

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

At Bonneval sur Arc, turn right towards L'Ecot and park in the L'Ecot parking lot (fee payable July-August).
During the summer season, you can take bus line 7 (Bonneval/Arc - L'Ecot) and get off at the terminus.

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement: No

to pass through the handrail, you must carry your pet

Topo/step by step

• Start: Ecot parking lot (free).
  1/ On the left bank of the Arc, head for the Refuge des Evettes "par les gorges de la Reculaz". The path follows the Reclulaz stream and then the Pareis stream.
  2/ A series of handrails takes you to the top of the gorge.
  3/ Shortly before reaching the refuge, descend towards the waterfall and the Roman bridge.
  4/ Once you've crossed the Roman bridge, you're on the Plan des Evettes.
  At the signpost of the same name, head for Lac du Grand Méan.
  From this point on, the route is no longer signposted.
  5/ The climb to the lake is through scree and rocky slabs.
  6/ Once at the lake, turn around on the same path and return to the Roman bridge.
  7/ Head for the Refuge des Evettes.
  8/ Stop off at the refuge at 2594 m to admire the Evettes glacial cirque before returning to the Ecot parking lot.