The route starts from the picturesque hamlet of l'Ecot. After ascending the Arc, the path gradually enters the spectacular Reculaz gorge, overlooking the torrent.
At the end of the refreshing gorge, the path descends towards the waterfall and crosses the Roman bridge, as if suspended in the wild immensity. Streams meander through the grassy, steppe-like plains.
From here, the route, which is no longer marked, becomes increasingly wild. A sector where ibexes are very often present in the summer.
From scree slabs to rocky slabs, you progress in the heart of the Cirque des Evettes, under the gaze of the Albaron or the Grande Ciamarella, renowned glacial peaks.
But it is in front of the blue-green glacial lake of the Grand Méan 2876m, a little piece of Greenland or Patagonia, with small icebergs floating in the lake and an ice cliff that falls directly into the lake, that you will have the most emotions.
Sometimes you can hear strange noises emanating from this living glacier, from which a few blocks can break off in an impressive din that tears the usual silence of the place. One has the impression here that time stands still, that only the time of a wild nature with a slow and continuous evolution remains.
Plenitude, meditation, soothing and rejuvenation in paradise, where everything begins...
A wild area where ibexes are very often present in the summer period.
Also, to return to civilisation gently, treat yourself to a well-deserved gourmet stopover at the Evettes refuge on the way back.
The Grand Méan lake via the Evettes circus
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.
About
Difficult passages
Passage on handrail where you have to put your hands down. The itinerary is signposted up to the Evettes refuge but is no longer signposted up to the Grand Méan lake. Passage on rocky slabs that can be slippery. High mountain itinerary (2900 m)
Map references
TOP 25 IGN 3633 ET
Further informations
Stone, Ground
0/ : Parking de l'Ecot , free of charge.
1/ : On the left bank of the Arc, take the direction of the Refuge des Evettes " par les gorges de la Reculaz ". The path runs along the Reclulaz stream and then the Pareis stream.
2/ : A succession of handrails takes you to the top of the gorges.
3/ : A little before arriving at the refuge, go down towards the waterfall and the Roman bridge.
4/ : Once you have crossed the Roman bridge, you will be on the Plan des Evettes.
At the post with the same name, head towards the 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 back on the same path and go back to the Roman bridge.
7/ : Take the direction of the Refuge des Evettes.
8/ : A short stop at the refuge at 2594m to admire the glacial cirque of the Evettes before going back down to the Ecot car park.
Prices
Free access. At Bonneval sur Arc, turn right in the direction of Ecot and park in the Ecot car park. (paying july-august)
In summer, possibility to take bus line 7 (Bonneval/Arc - L'Ecot) and get off at the terminus.
Reception
The duration of hiking trails is calculated using 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.
Period of practice
From 15/06 to 15/10.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
- Pets welcome
Contacts
Access
At Bonneval sur Arc, turn right in the direction of Ecot and park in the Ecot car park. (paying july-august)
In summer, possibility to take bus line 7 (Bonneval/Arc - L'Ecot) and get off at the terminus.
