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ROUTE 4

La Grave (1481m) – Les Terraces (1782m) – Le Chazelet (1786m)

Start	La Grave (1481m)
Distance	3km
Total Ascent	375m
Total Descent	70m
Grade	1–2
Time	1hr 15mins
Location	Northwest of La Grave

Writing of the Meije in 1871, Edward Whymper commented: ‘The view of this mountain from the village of La Grave can hardly be spoken of too highly. It is one of the finest road-views in the Alps… But from La Grave one can no more appreciate the noble proportions and the towering height of the Meije, than understand the symmetry of the dome of St Paul's by gazing upon it from the churchyard. To see it fairly, one must be placed at a greater distance and at a greater height.’ This walk gives an opportunity to do just that. It climbs the hillside directly above La Grave, visits two of the villages that enjoy a better perspective of La Meije, and provides a good introduction to the area. Although steep in places, it's neither difficult nor too demanding.

Walk up through the old village of La Grave, passing the ate 11th-century church on your left and, winding through narrow streets, bear left by the gîte d'étape called Le Refuge. At the upper part of the village bear left in front of Le Château. A few paces beyond this a path cuts right to Ventelon – but we go straight ahead on a track signed to Les Terraces (the route of GR54), which can be seen ahead on the steep hillside. The track soon goes through gently angled meadows, then forks. Take the right-hand option – a path which slants uphill and enters Les Terraces. Go ahead between farms and old houses, several of which are adorned with flowers, and come to the church on a road (40mins).

The Oratoire du Chazelet

Cross directly ahead, climb a little higher and rejoin the road at a hairpin bend. Walk ahead along the road, but then break away on a track cutting from it at a bend. This short-cuts the road and brings you up to the shrine of Oratoire du Chazelet (1840m) at the road's highest point.

Leave the road for a moment and take the path on the opposite side. This climbs a short distance to an orientation table which provides an extensive panorama dominated by La Meije and Le Râteau. To the northwest lies Le Chazelet. The Romanche is about 500m below, the valley's north wall plunges in crags to the river, while to the east Villar d'Arène can be seen, as can the road snaking up to Col du Lautaret. Along the hillside are clustered several hamlets and farms.

Return to the road and wander down to Le Chazelet (1786m: refreshments), a crowded village with a medieval atmosphere set just below the confluence of the Torrent du Ga and that of the Martignare.