Photos of the Clarée Valley
CERCES MASSIF
My Most Beautiful Photos of the Clarée Valley
Discover my exclusive selection of landscape photographs taken in the Clarée Valley. These shots highlight the natural scenes that make this valley so unique and timeless.
Through these landscape photos, I sought to immortalize the perfect harmony between the soft light of the mountains, the autumnal hues of the forests, and the serenity of the alpine lakes. For me, the Clarée Valley embodies a rare balance between wild nature and preserved beauty.
Take a Piece of the Clarée Valley Home with You
If these landscapes of Clarée speak to you, if this light, these reliefs and this atmosphere touch you, why not extend this emotion to your daily life?
Each photograph is available as a limited edition art print, carefully printed to capture every nuance and every detail.
Treat yourself to an open window on nature, a work that invites you to escape day after day.
Photos of the Clarée Valley, Treasure of the Alps
The Clarée Valley, nestled in the French Alps, is a true haven of unspoiled nature. This emblematic place, ranked among the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, offers unique landscapes: majestic peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes surrounded by unspoiled nature. In autumn, the larch forests light up with golden hues, sometimes contrasting with the first snow-capped peaks and creating a magical atmosphere.
My photo trip to the Clarée Valley, in the heart of autumn, was an unforgettable experience. As a nature photographer, I was deeply inspired by the soft light bathing the mountains, the reflections on the waters of the lakes and the peaceful scenes offered by this environment. These captured moments represent the very essence of alpine serenity.
Discovering the Cerces Massif and the Clarée Valley
The Cerces Massif and the Clarée Valley are among the most beautiful preserved areas in the French Alps. This section gives you the keys to explore these alpine landscapes, from access and geographical information to the fascinating history of the massif. You will also discover how each season transforms the valley, revealing changing atmospheres that make the Clarée a unique place to explore all year round.
Photographing the Clarée Valley and the Cerces Massif
Immortalizing the Clarée Valley and the Cerces Massif means capturing unspoiled nature enhanced by light. These landscapes offer an ideal medium for landscape photographers.
Whether it's the mild winter or the flamboyant colors of autumn, each season transforms the atmosphere and renews the possible compositions. This section presents the best photo spots and practical advice for capturing these panoramas in the best conditions.
Geographical Information and Access – How to reach the Clarée Valley?
Located in the Hautes-Alpes, the Clarée Valley extends northeast of Briançon, on the border between France and Italy. It is surrounded by emblematic Alpine massifs, including the Écrins and the Vanoise, and is home to one of the last large protected and classified areas in France.
The Massif des Cerces rises between the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie, dominating the valley with its rocky ridges and high-altitude lakes.
Main access :
By car: From Briançon, a winding road leads to Névache, the last accessible village before the upper valley.
By train: Briançon train station (from Grenoble or Marseille), or via Oulx (Italy) with a shuttle to reach La Clarée.
By plane: Turin or Grenoble airports, then travel by car.
Summer access: To preserve the ecosystem, traffic is limited and shuttles provide access to protected areas.
History and Legends of the Cerces Massif and the Clarée Valley
The Clarée Valley takes its name from the exceptional clarity of its river, with its crystal-clear blue waters. For centuries, this valley has been a passage between France and Italy, used by shepherds, peddlers and travellers.
The region also has a military history, with strategic fortifications such as Fort des Rochilles, which once protected the Alpine borders.
Legends side :
It is said that a hermit took refuge in these mountains, seeking wisdom and solitude among the peaks. Even today, some hikers say they feel a special energy on these isolated trails, where nature seems timeless.
The Seasons in the Clarée Valley – A Moving Show
Each season transforms the Massif des Cerces and the Vallée de la Clarée, offering totally different atmospheres and constantly renewing the magic of the landscape.
In spring , the melting snow reveals a flourishing valley, where torrents and waterfalls enliven the landscape. The green mountain pastures contrast with the still snow-capped peaks.
Summer is the perfect time for hiking. Trails reveal stunningly clear high-altitude lakes, and long days allow for golden sunsets.
In autumn , the valley takes on warm hues, with flamboyant larch forests contrasting with the clear blue of the rivers. The atmosphere becomes peaceful, conducive to contemplation.
In winter , the valley is transformed into an immaculate landscape. The lakes freeze, the waterfalls turn into ice sculptures and only snowshoe hikers or Nordic skiers explore this silent and magical universe.
The Unmissable Photo Spots of the Massif des Cerces
Lac des Cerces – Perfect reflections of the surrounding peaks, ideal light at sunrise, peaceful atmosphere ideal for refined compositions.
Laramon and Serpent Lakes – Sublime viewpoints over the Écrins, ideal compositions with the crystalline reflections of the high-altitude waters.
Col des Rochilles – 360° panoramic view of the Alps, perfect for wide-angle shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Haute Vallée de la Clarée – Unspoiled alpine landscapes, sparkling torrents in spring, frozen waterfall in winter and green meadows in summer.
Crête du Grand Aréa – Spectacular aerial views of the valley and snow-capped peaks, a perfect spot for playing with the ridge lines.
Pont de la Draye – A typical mountain setting with a river winding under an old stone bridge, ideal for authentic shots.
Refuge de Buffère – A secluded spot offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and perfect nights for astrophotography.
Névache Plain – In autumn, the golden larches contrast magnificently with the rocky peaks and the blue of the sky.
FAQ – Exploring and Photographing the Clarée Valley
When is the best time to photograph the Massif des Cerces?
Autumn for its striking contrasts and summer for the reflections of the lakes at sunrise. In winter, the valley offers a magical atmosphere under the snow, ideal for minimalist shots.
What are the most beautiful routes to capture the diversity of landscapes?
The ascent of the Grand Aréa for a panoramic view, the loop around the Lac des Béraudes, and the crossing between Névache and the Refuge du Chardonnet for a total immersion in the valley.
How to avoid crowds in high season?
Favor the months of May-June and September-October, or leave at sunrise to enjoy soft light and unspoiled landscapes.
Where to photograph the Milky Way in the valley?
The surroundings of the Refuge de Buffère, the Haute Vallée de la Clarée and the Col des Rochilles are perfect spots for astrophotography, far from any light pollution.
What accessories are essential for photographing Clarée?
A stable tripod for long exposures, an ND filter to smooth out torrents, and a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of alpine landscapes.
An Inexhaustible Playground for Mountain Photography
The Massif des Cerces and the Vallée de la Clarée are incredible exploration grounds for photographers, offering a diversity of settings and atmospheres depending on the seasons and the light.
In the morning, the morning mist caresses the valleys and the first rays gently illuminate the peaks, creating a magical atmosphere. During the day, the contrasts are more marked, with bright lights and reliefs sculpted by shadows. At dusk, the colors of the sky are reflected in the lakes, transforming each shot into a striking natural painting.
The relative isolation of the valley also makes it a privileged place for night photography. Starry nights, particularly in winter, offer a sky of rare purity where the Milky Way seems to float above the snow-capped peaks.
Whether capturing the raw intensity of alpine landscapes, the hushed atmosphere of forests or the minimalist beauty of frozen lakes, Clarée is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Here, each season brings a new story to tell through the lens.