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Grand
Galibier
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Fine high mountain walk. The summit offers a beautiful panorama over the neighbouring Oisans massif (see below). The route is easy, except in the final climb to the top of the west summit, where caution is necessary. The route also reveals the charms of two lakes, lac des Cerces and lac Blanc. It should not be done too early in season (late snow will make the route more difficult). From Plan Lachat to the top, 1300m and 4h30. Updated 27.07.2004.
Plan Lachat (1960m), on the Galibier road, about seven miles from Valloire. Some altitude and time may be gained by driving up to Les Mottets (2130m) on a rocky trail.
Route
Walk up the trail to Les Mottets (houses), and then on the military trail that goes up to Les Rochilles. Turn right on to the path that traverses up to Lac des Cerces (2410m). On arriving near the lake, turn right and cross the stream that comes out of the lake. The path (GR57) goes up the left side of the valley (right bank) to Col de la Ponsonnière (2613m). It is possible to stay near the bottom of the valley on a desultory path, but you would miss the beautiful lac des Cerces.
At the col, turn right onto the Ponsonnière ridge. The good path winds its way up and down on the left and right of the crest until it reaches a wide plateau strewn with grey and yellow rocky outcrops, dominated by Roc Termier. As you go up, do not miss lac Blanc on your right (2643m). Walk across the plateau and up a slope that leads to Col Termier (2898m). The last part of the route is visible from there, up to the final rocky pyramid of Grand Galibier, west summit. From col Termier, you can
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walk straight up a chaos of grey limestone rocks. The path itself is easy, but also easy to lose (follow the line of cairns). You soon reach the foot of the impressive cliffs below the east summit.
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traverse col Termier, go down a little (path) and then turn right and ascend the bottom of the coomb that leads straight to the summit. The previous route is found again below the cliffs.
A steeper section then leads to the foot of the terminal rocky pyramid of Grand Galibier, west summit. From this point, it is important to follow the line of cairns that marks the only easy way up to the summit. Any alternate route could put the walker in a very awkward, even dangerous, situation. The west summit (3228m) is soon reached. Its spacious top offers a beautiful panorama on the Oisans massif, on the other side of the Guisane valley below.
Panorama from the top (360°)
Descent
Same route.