Hike to the Refuge des Evettes and Grand Méan Lake - Stage 2 - From the Refuge des Evettes to l'Ecot via Grand Méan Lake

A "Coup de coeur" hike, approaching the border glaciers at the bottom of the Haute Maurienne valley. A spectacle that nature offers us and that we must show to our children today. Memories for life guaranteed.

Additional welcome information

You must book your overnight stay at a mountain hut in advance. Stay on the trails, follow the signs, and take your trash with you.

Environments

• Lake view
• Mountain location
• Waterfall view
• Less than a 10-minute walk from a bus stop

Prices

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 14km
• Itinerary type One way
• Positive elevation gain 434m
• Negative elevation gain 100m
• Roaming duration 2 days
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Marking details Yellow trail markers. The route is unmarked from Plan des Evettes to the lake.
• Delicate passage The route is marked all the way to the Evettes refuge, but there are no signs beyond that point leading to Lake Grand Méan, and some sections involve walking on rocky slabs that can be slippery. High-altitude route (2,900 m).
• Nature of the terrain Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2905m

Opening period

This route is accessible outside of snow season and is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up until the day of departure.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Departure from the Evettes Refuge—accessible only on foot.

Documents

• LOGO-HIKING-COLLECTION

Animals

Animals accepted: Yes

Animals accepted with supplement: No

To get past the handrail, you'll need to carry your pet.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 2/ After a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast—which you'll need to build up your strength—backtrack slightly, then head downhill toward the waterfall and the Roman bridge. Once you've crossed the Roman bridge, you'll be at Plan des Evettes. At the signpost of the same name, head toward Lac du Grand Méan. From this point on, the route is no longer signposted, so be careful!
  The ascent to the lake is through scree and rocky slabs. Ibex are often present in summer. From scree slopes to rocky slabs, you make your way through 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 with a deafening roar. Time seems to stand still.
  Once at the lake, turn around and follow the same path back to the Roman bridge, then head to the Refuge des Evettes for lunch. The descent to l'Ecot follows an easy trail through the Plan des Roches.