a clear view of les Aiguilles de Chabrieres
to a chaotic landscape of boulders and pinnacles
the trail follows the ridge and provides stunning views of the lake
since 1986 you can skip the strenuous climb and use the telesiege from the Reallon skistation
this is the Serre du Mouton, presently without sheep
going down you have to watch your footing
to the north are the mountains from the Massif des Ecrins
far in the distance you can see the Durance River upstream from Embrun
a hike to les Aiguilles de Chabrieres
Les
Aiguilles de Chabrieres is a set of steep weathered outcrops on a mountain ridge to the north of Lac de Serre Poncon.
The
peaks reach 2403 m above sealevel and tower some 1600 m above the lake.
There is a nice hiking trail that starts at
Lac
de St Apollinaire (1450 m) and first winds through the Joubelle forest untill it reaches the meadow of Serre du Mouton
(1870 m).
The trail continues on a ridge from where you have an unobstructed view of Lac de Serre Poncon.
Continue up-mountain to the
telesiege de Chabrieres (2113 m) and further to a large cross called Croix du Vallon. From here you can enjoy a great panorama.
From
here the going gets touch. Via an opening through the rocks you reach a steep area with large boulders and huge pinnacles.
Most people do not proceed to the real top as that climb is too dangerous for the unexperienced.
In winter the
whole area turns into a snowy wonderland, ideal for winter sports.
We hiked the Chabrieres trail every summer from 1984 trough
1989 , enjoyed the fantastic views and the refreshing waters of lake Apolliniares afterwards.
the Pic de Chabrieres lurks in the distance
on the way up to St Apollinaire there is a nice view of Lac de Serre Poncon
the trail sneaks through a steep and narrow passage
at times you need to proceed on all fours
finally we return at Lac de St Apollinaire
Lac de St Apollinaire is a real hidden gem with refreshing waters, especially when you return from a strenuous hike
