Pétarel Lakes by the Andrieux
La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar

Pétarel Lakes by the Andrieux

Lake and glacier
Panorama
Embed this item to access it offline

This ascent in a forest setting enables you to benefit from the grandiose panorama of the Mount Olan massif.

The silent forest cover of Silver Firs, populated by enormous ants, gives a mysterious character to this ascent. Then, the landscape of the lake offers hikers wonder and serenity.

11 points of interest

  • Flora

    Yellow Figwort

    There are plants that are like no others. That is the case of the Yellow Figwort. Its tall size (30 à 80 cm), its hairyness, its square stalk with large indented leaves and its yellow-green colour form a combination that catches the eye. A very rare plant in the Hautes-Alpes, its distribution area covers all of central and Southern Europe, the Pyrenees and Russia. It flowers between April and July. It probably escaped from Medieval medicinal gardens  cultivated by monks. Its habitat is particular: in ruins and old walls. Please do not pick it since it is interesting simply to observe it.

  • Fauna

    Boreal Owl

    The Boreal Owl is a typical species from the conifer forests.  It is present throughout the year in the mountainous areas of France. In this forest, there live several individuals who are hard to spot.. Easily recognizable, the Boreal Owl has golden-yellow coloured eyes, circled with black topped with clear coloured eyebrows. It most often nests in holes bored by the Black Woodpecker or in natural cavities in old trees.It feeds on small mammals : field mice or voles that it hunts at night.

  • Fauna

    Red Ants

    Numerous anthills are present in the forest area. Anthills are composed of accumulated vegetable detritus.. The principal rôle of the dome is the thermoregulation of the anthill, in particular for the brood. In fact, the temperature of the ants’ eggs must not go above 25°-30°C. The weight of this habitat can be amazing: up to 20 kilos for a nest of 3 m cubed.. Apparently anthills are a sign of a healthy environment. So please respect these little creatures!

  • Panorama

    Cime du Vallon

    The Cime du Vallon is an easy stretch of snow to hike or ski across in Winter and in Spring. Starting from Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, it offers a difference in levels of 2 350 m. 

  • Panorama

    Pic des Souffles

    The first summit in the valley at an altitude of more than 3 000 m, It is hardly visited by mountaineers. At the beginning of the story of mountaineering, the pic was highly frequented by local guides who opened the first trails. Currently rated AD (quite difficult) it has been equipped. The approach is long but worth it for the suspended atmosphere. The passage to the refuge of the same name will leave nobody unmoved. 

  • Panorama

    Pic de l'Olan

    The Pic de l'Olan is a summit like a beacon in the valley. Its North East face is one of highest and wildest in the Alps. like the Walker rocky spur or the Drus (in the Mont-Blanc massif). Its name is a deformation of ‘Auran’ which signifies « windy mount ». The first ascent of Northern summit was carried out on 29th June 1877. For mountaineers, it represents a good climb accessible to all levels accompanied nevertheless by a high-mountain guide.

  • Panorama

    Pic Turbat

    A pretty 3 000 m achievable as an athletic hike in summer, it can be seen from the Souffles de l' Olan refuge.It is also a lovely belvedere over the first part of the valley and across the large North-West face of the Olan. On the way back, a pause beside the little Lautier lake is not to be missed.

  • Geology and geography

    Granite at Pic Turbat

    This very compact granite (on the facing slope), consists of fine grains, and the clear colour which is specific to Pic Turbat. It is formed from drops of granite that came back up across le magma, and which were then uncovered due to erosion.

  • Geology and geography

    Combination of minerals in the Olan and the Turbat

    The mineral combination (situated in the facing slope) consisting of the Olan and the Turbat offers an interesting reading of the diverse geological layers. This site is characteristic of alpine territory. These last high mountainss at the heart of the massif exceed the crystalline base by 3 500 m.

  • Lake

    Pétarel Lakes

    The Pétarel lakes are relics of a long glacial and geological history. They are the result of glacial abrasions in the Hercynien granite, base rock of the Ecrins massif. 

  • Lake

    Scientific monitoring of the Pétarel Lakes

    A scientific protocol was put in place on the lake at Pétarel in order to follow the evolution of fish, zooplankton and phytoplankton.This lake constitutes a singularity in the mountain parks, it is a witness to climatic and historical evolution. This protocole is carried out with other services: The Mediterranean Institute for Continental and Marine Biology (IMBE), The National Office for Water and Aquatic Environments (ONEMA) and the Departmental Federation of Fisheries in the Hautes-Alpes.

Description

From  Andrieux car park at  the level of the fountain place  cross the main road in front of the small chapel and go towards the end of the village in the direction of the pine forest.. At the level of the entrance to the National Park indicated by signposts, climb the track going up to the left. At an altitude of 1 400 m, leave the track going towards la Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar and des Portes hamlet (a bit higher up) on the left, staying on the same path.  The ascent continues for some time in the forest which brightens up progressively.. Walk carefully through the last rocky  passages. A large cairn signals your arrival at the lakes. Return using the same itinerary.

  • Departure : Hameau Les Andrieux, la Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar
  • Towns crossed : La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Sensitive areas

Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.

Short-toed snake eagle

Impacted practices:
Aerial,
Sensitivity periods:
MarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Contact:
Parc National des Écrins
Julien Charron
julien.charron@ecrins-parcnational.fr
Find out more

Recommandations

Under the glacial cross cliff, certain crossings can be slippery especially in wet weather. NB :  the bivouac is only allowed (from 19h à 9h) and rubbish must be taken away in order to preserve the site.

Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Information desks

Valgaudemar Park house

Ancien Asile Saint-Paul, 05800 La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar

http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/valgaudemar@ecrins-parcnational.fr04 92 55 25 19

Information, documentation and a reception area with permanent and temporary exhibitions. La Maison du Parc is labeled "Tourism and Disability". Free admission. All animations of the Park are free unless otherwise stated.

Find out more

Access and parking

From Saint-Firmin, take the D985A/route de La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, continue on this road to the Andrieux hamlet.

More information

Source

Parc national des Ecrinshttps://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr

Report a problem or an error

If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: