Serre Bernard par la Berche
The climb to Berche (Brèche on the IGN map) is a very nice alternative to the classic climb to the Plateau d'Emparis.
From the starting point of Chazelet (1770 m), descend towards the village along the car park. At the first junction, do not go up into the village but take a hairpin turn to the right towards the foot of the ski lifts. At the second junction, stay on the hillside (do not
not go down to the torrent).
Continue along the wide track and at the next junction, turn left and cross the stream at the "mine bridge" (old silver-lead mine). Go back up the wide bends before reaching the Querellé hill.
Continue on the good track then after about 2 km, turn left towards the ruins of Plaquejoue (1985 m).
From this point, take the tractor track on the left then climb steeply up the slope, bearing slightly to the left to reach the ruins (place called La Selle).
From this point, the Berche is in sight and forms a notch in the wide schist wall. Continue following the posts and cairns in the direction
from the pass (2386 m).
The descent crosses wide meadows, passes very close to the Serre Bernard hill and then leads to Chicot and the pass (2164 m), which overlooks the Chazelet. At this point, you join the GR 54.
Follow the GR54 down to the benches (Lieu-dit La Pouillate). At the benches, turn left and take the path that crosses the Plateau d'Emparis ski lift and reaches the hamlet of Clot Raffin.
Take the path that leads to the bridge located at the start of the ski lifts. Go back up to Chazelet by a wide track to reach the starting point of the route.
not go down to the torrent).
Continue along the wide track and at the next junction, turn left and cross the stream at the "mine bridge" (old silver-lead mine). Go back up the wide bends before reaching the Querellé hill.
Continue on the good track then after about 2 km, turn left towards the ruins of Plaquejoue (1985 m).
From this point, take the tractor track on the left then climb steeply up the slope, bearing slightly to the left to reach the ruins (place called La Selle).
From this point, the Berche is in sight and forms a notch in the wide schist wall. Continue following the posts and cairns in the direction
from the pass (2386 m).
The descent crosses wide meadows, passes very close to the Serre Bernard hill and then leads to Chicot and the pass (2164 m), which overlooks the Chazelet. At this point, you join the GR 54.
Follow the GR54 down to the benches (Lieu-dit La Pouillate). At the benches, turn left and take the path that crosses the Plateau d'Emparis ski lift and reaches the hamlet of Clot Raffin.
Take the path that leads to the bridge located at the start of the ski lifts. Go back up to Chazelet by a wide track to reach the starting point of the route.
