Ambiances en Belledonne
Grandeur
They are not the highest mountains. They hardly reach 3000 m of elevation. However they surely are majestic.
Cotton
Summer was almost over. Thanks to the ambient humidity, clouds formed in a flash. In a few minutes only, cotton wrapped the mountains.
Beginning of winter
The first snow covered almost everything, as well as the clouds in the sky which let appear few summits only.
Between autumn and winter
The first heavy snowfall brutally transformed autumn to winter. Combined with the sea of clouds and sunset, it was a perfect moment.
End of the day at the Col de la Valloire
What atmosphere ! Frog was almost everywhere. But, hopefully, not everywhere. I could see the sunset accross it.
La Croix Lake
The La Croix Lake is less famous and less frequented than South ones. Nevertheless, being in front of the Aiguilles de l’Argentière increases its beauty.
Disappearance
When the first snow has come, vegetation slowly disappears. Spring only will free it for a few months.
From the Belle Etoile
The view on some major summits is just gorgeous. Can you see the Rocher Badon, the Rocher Blanc, the Pyramide, the Grandes Rousses and even the Mont-Blanc ?
Dawn and sea of clouds
In some early mornings, everything is more beautiful: dawn, sea of clouds and mountains of course.
The famous stones of Belledonne
Belledonne is famous for its stones. Contemplate them at sunrise. The hiker does not like them at all. The photographer does.
Thawing at the Petit Doménon lake
During spring, the lakes start thawing in Belledonne. Here is a panoramic view of the Petit Doménon lake.
Light sprinkling of snow
It was especially difficult to reach the summit before the sunrise because of the fresh snow that fell during night. But the view was worth it !
Sunrise and Aiguilles de l'Argentières
With a little bit of fresh snow, the Aiguilles de l'Argentières are so amazing in the light of the sunrise.
Pastel colours at the evening
The Aiguilles de l'Argentières (less famous than the Aiguilles d'Arves in the background) soak in a so captivating light, so pastel as well.
Panoramic view from the Grand Charnier
My intent was to sleep at the summit. By the way, you can see my tent on this picture. Can you see it ?
Splendour of Belledonne
In the distance, the Mont-Blanc, the Aiguilles d’Arves and La Meije begrudge the splendour of Belledonne.
Perfect line
This perfect crest line seems to reach the 3 Peaks. Below stands the Lac Blanc (White Lake) with its turquoise water.
Nice autumn evening
Can you believe it ? This photo is rather misleading. Wind and cold are really present. With wind blowing, with a drilled mattress, a terrible night is coming. Can’t wait for the sun to heat.
Mysterious winter
I was hoping to be above the clouds. Unfortunately, I was inside the clouds. However, the atmosphere was amazing.
The Aiguilles d’Arves in a bloodbath
Autumn lights may be incredible. They sometimes turn into a blood red colour. Premises of a windy night ?
Spring bivy
Since it is not comfortable to sleep on the snow, in the spring, I always look for a plot of grass to setup my tent.
The Grand Charnier d’Allevard
Between sunset and night, there is this special moment called blue hour. If you like blue, you may enjoy it most probably. What you need is just an amazing landscape like this stunning view on the Grand Charnier d’Allevard.
Panoramic view of the Grand Pic
The Grand Pic de Belledonne is the highest mountain in the Belledonne massif at 2,977 metres (9,767 ft).
The dark side of Belledonne
Are summits from North of Belledonne darker than ones from South ? They are most probably wilder.
Civilization
Would it be the Rivier d’Allemont that one can see above ? Anecdotally, just after having pressed the shutter release, lights were turned off.
North of Belledonne
From the Grands Moulins which located in the very North of Belledonne, you have a stunning view on some of the unknown summits of Belledonne, like the Pic du Frêne for instance.
The White Lake
Dominated by the Grand Pic de Belledonne, the White Lake is famous for its colour. In this picture, It is hesitating between a summer dress code and a winter one.
Colours
I must admit that autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Mountains are covered by lots of different colours. Landscapes become then magical.
Pointe Rognier and Mont-Blanc
Among major summits of Belledonne, the Pointe Rognier is the most northerly one. It seems very close from here.
True colours
It was amazing to see these wonderful colours just after sunset. It was as beautiful as it was short.
