Clarée lakes and refuges

Welcome

Depart from Névache, Tourist Office car park.

Leave your luggage (before 9.30am) at the gîte la Découverte, 150m from the car park (if you have chosen the luggage transfer option).

Please note that at certain times of the year, access to Névache is restricted, so you may have to park at the entrance to the town and take a free shuttle bus (5 minutes).

Dispersion

Around 4pm in Névache.

Individual equipment

Clothing: 

For the upper body, the 3-layer principle means you can deal with almost any situation:

- a long-sleeved undershirt made from breathable material.

- a warm fleece jacket.

- a waterproof, breathable windproof jacket such as Gore-Tex.

When walking, in fine, calm weather, an under-sleeve jumper may suffice. In rain, snow or wind, simply add the waterproof jacket.

In very cold weather or when taking a break, a fleece jacket is an essential addition. These 3 layers should always be in your rucksack, as the weather changes very quickly in the mountains.

Make sure your clothing dries quickly, so avoid cotton. Wool, silk and synthetic fibres are preferable, as they keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.

Remember to cover up before you get cold, but above all to uncover before you get too hot. Sweat is the hiker's enemy, because it moistens the clothes, which quickly freeze during breaks. It is therefore very rare to climb a mountain wearing a fleece jacket.

Avoid anoraks: too warm and bulky.

In your rucksack and on your person :

• 1 40/45-litre soft-frame rucksack.
• 2 telescopic poles.
• 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the rucksack.
• 1 long-sleeved sweatshirt made of breathable material.
• 1 fleece jacket.
• 1 waterproof and breathable gore-tex windproof jacket with hood.
• 1 rain cape
• 1 sun hat or cap
• 1 small, light hat with fleece gloves to protect against the cold or wind.
• 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
• 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and Vibram soles. Remember to "test" both new and long-unused boots beforehand.
• 1 pair of low gaiters (optional)
• Compulsory: 1 pair of high quality sunglasses.
• Mandatory: 1 sun cream and protective lip stick.
• 1 swimming costume (optional) and a small towel if you plan to swim in a lake or stream
• 1 thermos flask or water bottle, preferably insulated (minimum 1.5 litres).
• 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
• 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) for your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract.
• 1 small roll of toilet paper and tissues.
• 1 airtight plastic can (minimum capacity 0.3 litres) + cup + cutlery.
• 1 headlamp or torch.
• 1 survival blanket.
• 1 camera and/or binoculars (optional).

In your bag taken to the refuges

- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening.

- 1 pair of light trainers for the evening.

- 2 short-sleeved T-shirts, preferably breathable (1 for 2 to 3 days' walking).

- 2 pairs of walking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days' walking). Preferably wool or specific hiking socks. Beware of cotton for blisters.

- Underwear.

- 1 set of toiletries (focus on essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).

- 1 quick-drying towel.

- 1 pair of earplugs (optional).

- 1 sheet-bag for the refuge. Duvets are not necessary.

- And why not a little speciality from your region to share?

Personal pharmacy :

- Your usual medicines.

- Painkillers: preferably paracetamol.

- Sore throat lozenges.

- Mandatory: an elastic adhesive bandage, such as Elastoplast 8cm wide,

- Sets of adhesive dressings + disinfectant pads.

- Double-skin bandages (Compeed or SOS ampoules).

- tweezers.

Your luggage should not exceed 6kg, bearing in mind that most of your belongings are already in your rucksack for the day:

- The days are full, so there's no need to bring several books. It's quite exceptional to manage to read a complete book during the week.

- Wet clothes can be dried almost every evening at the accommodation. There is no need to bring a complete change of clothes for each day.

- Take a very light pair of shoes for the evening.

- Keep your first-aid kit to a minimum. In your rucksack, your personal medicines, a few bandages, elastoplast, etc. Your tour leader will have a first-aid kit with all the essentials. In your luggage, a few basic medicines (see equipment list).

- When it comes to toiletries, go for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits.

- If you're going away for several weeks, remember to pack a second bag for things you won't need during your trek.