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High (3097m) and easily accessible on a good path all the way, the Pointe des Cerces is the highest summit in the Cerces massif, reaching down south to the Clarée and Guisane valleys and east towards the Thabor. The starting point is fairly high on the Col du Galibier road, and despite the high altitude, the route remains rather short. For safety reasons, it is imperative that the half-way traverse should be free of snow. The start of the traverse may be difficult to find , but the rest will go smoothly, with a few steep but safe passages. Accessing the upper slopes direct from the lake (ski-mountaineering route) is not recommended in dry conditions (exposed and unpleasant). Altitude difference: 1000m, 3h.
Start
Les Mottets (2137m), reached by car on a bad trail from Plan Lachat on the Col du Galibier road.
Route
Two possibilities, of unequal interest. The path going along the Cerces lake is finer, and keeps away from the Rochilles military camp but you will have to go back a short way to catch the traversing path.
1 - Take the large trail that winds its way up towards the Rochilles camp, cross the camp and reach a first col (view on the Rochilles lakes), then draw right (south) to gain access to the Col des Cerces (2574m).
2 - (recommended) From the first bend of the trail after Les Mottets, turn right onto a path and start an upward traverse of the slopes under the Tours de Notre Dame and the Pic de la Ceinture. The lake and its beautiful setting are soon reached (2410m, 1/2h). Leave the water to your right and go up a path that veers north and joins the Col des Cerces.
From the Col des Cerces, traverse upward to the south under the Pointe des Banchets. Towards 2650m, find a good path that winds through a system of limestone cliffs and, after a wide circle to the south, reaches a plateau. The path goes south again, climbs very steep dirt and scree slopes to reach the summit coomb (late snow). Walk up the coomb, easily reach the west ridge and up to the left. The top is very close (3097m).
Descent
Same route, or by using the other access way, which makes for a very varied walk. Traversing south towards the Clarée's upper valley can be done by going down the summit's west ridge. It is easy at first but then becomes very sharp and exposed at times and is definitely not for the ordinary walker, unless he has a bit of rope, a solid head, a strong heart and sure feet.