Cirque de l'encombrette
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Cirque de l'encombrette
Colmars

Cirque de l'encombrette

Geology
Lake
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You will need to be in good physical condition if you want to marvel at the Cirque de l'encombrette, which is remarkable for its geology, its lakes and its rocks which were polished by the former glacier. The Pas de l'Échelle, a rocky guardian which protects access, can be climbed via a picturesque zigzagging path, extended with a ledge hewn into the cliff face.
High above the verdant slopes colonised by man, you will discover a vast glacial cirque. Here we are in the high mountains with fierce sunshine, sudden thunderstorms and unstable screes.

1 point of interest

  • Glacier

    L'Adroit des Muletiers

    L'Adroit des Muletiers is a huge dam behind which ice accumulated. As it moved slowly, the ice broke through it and came out as a huge frozen waterfall. Because it was probably not carrying much matter which could cause erosion, the ice joined with the resisting obstacle rather than forcing against it. Then, the rock emerged from the ice tongue. A great scree clogged up the foot of the cliff, showing the importance of frost wedging, a process which is still currently ongoing.

Description

The path is bordered by deciduous trees and crosses fields which were formerly cultivated. Once you have gone between the boulders known as "La Portette", you will see the view over the Eichanet ravine, enclosed by the Muletiers mountains.

The path provides access to areas which were formerly inhabited and the land used: Girard, les Chapelles, Lamberet and les cabanes du Maître. On the other side, the splendid forest of Ratery comes to an end on the col des Champs, an ancient passage to le Val d'Entraunes.

L’Adroit des Muletiers is so imposing that it appears to put an insurmountable end to the hike. But the Pas de l'Echelle path makes into a mere obstacle course, allowing you to reach le cirque de l'Encombrette with a degree of ease.

Just like a giant shell, the glacial cirque spreads out; beautiful lakes carved into the rocks gleam below it. The hike comes to an end on the shores of these lakes.

However, the path does continue, allowing the most adventurous hikes to reach the col de l'Encombrette, with views spreading over the lac d'Allos cirque.

Follow the same route on the return journey.
  • Departure : Hamlet of Clignon Haut
  • Arrival : Cirque de l'encombrette
  • Towns crossed : Colmars and Allos

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Information desks

Office du tourisme du Val d'Allos

Place de la coopérative, 04260 Allos

https://www.valdallos.cominfo@valdallos.com04 92 83 02 81

Horaires

Toute l'année.
Fermeture exceptionnelle le 1er mai.

Find out more

Verdon Tourisme - Bureau d'information touristique de Colmars-Les-Alpes

Ancienne auberge fleurie, 04370 Colmars les Alpes

http://www.verdontourisme.comcolmarslesalpes@verdontourisme.com04 92 83 41 92

Horaires



Du 02/01 au 31/12.
Fermetures exceptionnelles les 1er mai, 1er novembre, 11 novembre et 25 décembre.
En avril et octobre
Du lundi au samedi de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 18h
Jours fériés de 9h30 à 12h30
Fermé le dimanche

En mai, juin et septembre
Du lundi au samedi de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 18h
Dimanche de 9h30 à 12h30
Jours fériés de 9h30 à 12h30

En juillet et août
Tous les jours de 9h à 12h30 et de 14h à 18h30

De novembre à mars
Lundi, mercredi au samedi de 10h à 12h et de 14h à 17h
Fermé le mardi, dimanche (sauf vacances zone B) et les jours fériés.


Find out more

Access and parking

Valley of Haut Verdon. Before Colmars, turn right onto the D320 towards the hamlets of Clignon. Park at Clignon Haut. The path starts behind the pretty chapel.

Parking :

Hamlet of Clignon Haut

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