Hike around Mont Thabor and ascent of its summit

August to September

4 days| 3 nights

Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Begin your trek in the Vallée Étroite, a little corner of Italy that became French, among mountain pastures, larch trees and the Pic du Cheval Blanc.

Reach the summit of Mont Thabor (3,178 m), with no technical equipment needed, and take in a 360° panorama over the Écrins, the Queyras, Italy and Switzerland.

Link mountain passes and high-altitude lakes in impossible colours, from Lac Rond to the lakes of the Muandes valley.

Follow the sources of the Clarée, in one of the last Alpine valleys without a ski resort, facing the Aiguilles d'Arves.

Itinerary

1
DAY1/ 4
- Accommodation·Mountain hut
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·100m
  descent
- D+·850m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·10km
  KM covered
We meet at 10am in the Vallée Étroite for a first introduction between the group and your guide. An explanation of the adventure ahead, a last check of the rucksacks, then we set off.

Here, you already feel a little elsewhere. The Vallée Étroite is a little corner of Italy that the twists and turns of history have made French. Long attached to the Italian side, it crossed over to the French side of the border after the Second World War. You can still see Italian-style barns, and the atmosphere is quite unlike anywhere else, far from the big resorts.

The climb to the Col de la Vallée Étroite is gradual and the view over this small valley is superb, with its mountain pastures, larch trees and the first peaks revealing themselves step by step.

From the pass, the mountain hut is not far away. Once our rucksacks are down, we have time to explore this magnificent area and its lakes, overlooked by the majestic Pic du Cheval Blanc. We share our first meal in the hut together, simple and warm, to kick off the trek.

2
DAY2/ 4
- Accommodation·Mountain hut
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·1200m
  descent
- D+·900m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·15km
  KM covered
We set off early to watch the mountains light up. We begin the ascent of Mont Thabor (3,178 m). While the altitude makes itself felt, the landscape that opens up before us is a fine reward. The path becomes rockier as we approach the summit slopes, but there is no climbing difficulty.

Mont Thabor is one of the few summits over 3,000 m in the French Alps that can be reached without technical equipment, and it has earned a real reputation as a viewing balcony. A small chapel, Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs, watches over the final climb.

At the top, the 360° panorama takes in the Écrins, the Queyras, Italy and Switzerland, and on a clear day you can even make out the silhouette of the Matterhorn in the distance. We take the time for a snack, a few photos and to pick out the routes we have covered.

From this rocky summit, we descend through welcoming mountain pastures to a magnificent little mountain hut, where we spend the evening and the night.
3
DAY3/ 4
- Accommodation·Mountain hut
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·830m
  descent
- D+·850m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·15km
  KM covered
We set off on a wild route, dotted with magnificent viewpoints over the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Rochers de la Grande Pare.

A steady climb through mountain pastures takes us to a pass overlooking the beautiful Lac Rond, an ideal spot to catch our breath and admire the water below.

The descent to the mountain hut, following the sources of the Clarée, invites contemplation. This mountain stream keeping us company gives its name to the whole valley, one of the last Alpine valleys without a ski resort. Here, the mountains have kept their unhurried rhythm. We settle in for our third night in a hut, before a convivial evening around the meal.
4
DAY4/ 4
- D-·1200m
  descent
- D+·750m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·14km
  KM covered
A final day dotted with numerous lakes, in all shapes and colours! The climb up through the Muandes valley offers a truly magnificent spectacle, which is matched only by the descent to Lac Lavoir.

We then head back down towards the Vallée Étroite, which marks the end of our trip in one of the most unspoilt valleys in the Alps!

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The guides who will lead your adventure

Christelle

Mountain leader (AMM)

French

English

Spanish

A mountain leader, anthropologist and scientific and social mediator, Christelle leaps happily from one group to the next to discover everyone's world and share her enthusiasm for the high peaks and little lost paradises that she loves so much. She'll be delighted to accompany you as you discover the local fauna, flora, culture and history.

Find out more about Christelle

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: Throughout your stay, you'll be accompanied by your guide, an experienced mountain guide who lives in the region and is passionate about what she does.

Accommodation: You will spend 3 nights in dormitory-style rooms in the region's mountain huts, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Meals: All meals are included from the first evening until lunch on the last day, giving you the chance to sample the region's specialities.

Not included

Transport to the meeting point.

Any personal expenses.

The picnic lunch on day 1.

Everything that is not included in "What the price includes".

What level to expect?

Level 3

Participants must be at least 18 years old

WHO IS THIS FOR?

You hike regularly and want to link several days at altitude, all the way to the summit of Mont Thabor (3,178 m).

You're at the right level if:

You can walk 5 to 8 hours a day, several days in a row
You can manage between 750 and 950 metres of ascent a day
You're comfortable carrying a rucksack of 5 to 8 kg (mountain huts: meals and shelter provided)
You're comfortable on varied terrain (scree, narrow paths at times)
You're comfortable at altitude, on steep and stony slopes with no technical difficulty
You have already been on mountain hikes

Take the level quiz

Getting there

Start · 10h00

Vallée étroite

End · 17h00

Vallée étroite

Transport

By train

Want to avoid traffic jams and travel in peace? The train is your best bet.

From your departure station, you can reach Briançon by train.

Good to know: there's a direct overnight train from Paris to Briançon (Intercités de nuit), a handy option for travelling in comfort and arriving well-rested in the morning.

The Vallée Étroite is difficult to reach without a car. From Briançon, you can try to arrange a carpool with the other participants, although this can't be guaranteed.

The expedition's meeting point is in the Vallée Étroite.

By car

Do you prefer the freedom of a road trip?

Car parking is available near the expedition's meeting point in the Vallée Étroite.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

How to register

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.

Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

4.7/ 5 · based on 90 reviews in this category

Denise H.

Guide très agréable, à l écoute des désirs et des aptitudes des participants. Refuge, accueil très sympathique, repas de qualité et très savoureux. Belle experience. Merci

Marie F.

Absolument ravie d’être passée par Wildhartt pour ma première expérience de trek/bivouak ! Notre guide Thomas était top, l’organisation parfaite (matériel, repas, logistique) La création du groupe Whatsapp en amont du départ est un vrai + Hâte de réserver ma prochaine aventure !

Christophe R.

Nous avons participé cet été à cette randonnée itinérante de 5 jours avec des ânes en famille, avec nos deux enfants de 8 et 11 ans, et nous en gardons un très beau souvenir. Un grand merci à notre accompagnateur, Romain, qui a parfaitement géré le séjour du début à la fin, y compris lors des moments plus compliqués. Il est très présent et prend en charge une grande partie des aspects pratiques, ce qui est particulièrement appréciable. Il faut cependant garder à l'esprit qu'il reste tout de même un certain nombre de choses à gérer en tant que participant, notamment lorsqu'on voyage avec des enfants. Le matériel fourni pour les ânes était parfaitement adapté et nous a permis de profiter pleinement de l'expérience. Quant au parcours, il était tout simplement magnifique, avec des paysages variés et superbes. Nous avons particulièrement apprécié le premier bivouac, qui se trouvait dans un cadre splendide, ainsi que la nuit en auberge dont le confort a été très apprécié après deux étapes fatigantes. Concernant les points plus mitigés, nous avons trouvé que le début du parcours était sensiblement plus difficile et technique que ce à quoi nous nous attendions au regard du niveau annoncé pour le séjour. La conduite des ânes demande un temps d'adaptation, et la combinaison de cette découverte avec des étapes de randonnée déjà exigeantes a rendu les deux premiers jours assez sportifs. Heureusement, Romain a su s'adapter à la situation en modifiant intelligemment l'itinéraire afin d'alléger la troisième journée. Cette adaptation nous a permis de récupérer et de profiter pleinement de la suite du séjour. Malgré cette réserve sur le niveau de difficulté du début du parcours, nous recommandons cette expérience pour la qualité de l'encadrement, la beauté des paysages et l'originalité de l'aventure avec les ânes.

Laetitia L.

Une randonnée magnifique, dépaysante, avec des paysages variés à couper le souffle. Grâce à Raphaël, nous avons pu voyager autant dans cet espace magnifique que dans le temps, grâce à ses explications sur la géologie de cet environnement.

Serge D.

Partis en rando-ânes en groupe réduit, nous avons pu bénéficier d’un guide exceptionnel qui par son implication, ses connaissances du milieu naturel et son expérience a rendu ce séjour de 5 jours dans les Cévennes inoubliable.

Frequently asked questions

Is there drinking water available every day in the mountain huts?

Yes, all the mountain huts on the route have drinking water. You can fill your water bottles every day, without the need for purification tablets or filters.

What equipment should I take with me?

A detailed list of recommended and compulsory equipment will be sent to you after you register, so that you can prepare your equipment with peace of mind.

How comfortable are the mountain huts?

The comfort is simple but warm. The mountain huts are heated, have sanitary facilities (toilets, hot showers) and offer quality hot meals. There are no sockets for recharging electronic devices, so bring an external battery if needed.

What is the size of the group on this trek?

You set off with a small group of no more than 10 people. It's the ideal way to create a friendly atmosphere, share good times in the mountain huts and enjoy an adventure where everyone has their place.

Do I need to take cash with me?

Yes, we strongly advise you to bring some cash in euros, as mountain huts rarely accept credit cards, and this can be useful for paying for personal items (drinks, snacks, hot showers, etc.).

Does climbing Mont Thabor require technical mountaineering skills?

No, no technical mountaineering skills are required. The path becomes steeper and rockier towards the summit slopes, but at no point does it involve climbing or glacier terrain. The guide chooses the safest route depending on the day's conditions.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.

Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful break — some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.

They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.

If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).

In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
24% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.

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