Perched at an altitude of 3 m, the summit of La Muzelle faithfully watches over the Écrins.
Pyramidal in shape, decorated with its rocky eye, it is visible from afar and is an essential landmark. To get there, the difference in altitude is significant. Good physical fitness is required, but the reward is worth it.
An open book of geology
The rock of La Muzelle dominates three valleys. Approaching it is a condensed experience of everything that can be found in the mountains: a forest dotted with remains, waterfalls along glacial torrents, peat bogs, passes, slate quarries, all animated by innumerable fauna and flora. Each step is a discovery.
A bucolic setting
The ascent of the Muzelle is a journey with a mineral atmosphere over the last few kilometres. Then, in a green setting, is added a glacial expanse with emerald waters: the Muzelle lake. This setting at 2 m is stunning and the hundreds of grazing sheep immerse us in the heart of nature. Here, we disconnect and simply admire the majesty of the Écrins.
On the GR® 54 path
La Muzelle is located on one of the three long-distance hiking trails in the French Alps. It is the wildest, but also undeniably the most difficult: 184 km to cover, 12 meters of elevation gain to climb in 800 passes. The Tour de l'Oisans et des Écrins comes from a dream of Roger Canac, a high mountain guide from Mizoën. In the 14s, when the Tour du Mont Blanc was already being done, he said to himself: "And why not the Tour des Écrins?". With a few friends, they then defined a route. The route was officially approved under the title GR® 60, in 54. Sixty years later, this trail taken by thousands of hikers has become legendary.
A peat bog to preserve
Along the way, the remains of an ancient lake can be seen, the result of glacial retreat. Over time, this marshland has been invaded by plants, forming a large peat bog. In the past, shepherds used its peat (decomposed organic matter) as fuel. Today, its extraction is prohibited to protect this wetland which is full of astonishing biodiversity. The place, at the heart of major ecological issues, is also protected by specific government measures.
The Muzelle refuge
In 1875, only a pastoral hut served as mountain hut for mountaineers, bivouacking was still the norm. It was in 1967, in a rocky cirque, that the commune of Venosc built the refuge on the banks of the lake. It was on foot and on the backs of men that the materials were transported by many inhabitants, from the Vénéon valley to an altitude of 2 meters. Still open today, this guarded refuge welcomes all travelers passing through on sunny days.
Plan ahead to take full advantage
Si your goal is de to achieve the ascent to the refuge to enjoy some delicious meals or carefully to pick up a picnic to enjoy by the water, don't forget to book! Indeed, the establishmentent has'a limited stock and sized to its capacityl. ASo, remember to contact the guards!
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