Pointe de Malhaubert
Pointe de Malhaubert is a rugged 3,049-meter (10,004-foot) summit in the western Massif des Écrins of the French Alps. Rising above Lac du Vallon in the Isère department of southeastern France, it is the highest point of the local ridge that also includes Le Rochail and Pointe de Confolens.
Despite exceeding 3,000 meters and having substantial topographic prominence, Pointe de Malhaubert is much less famous than many of the great Écrins summits farther east. Its relative obscurity is part of its appeal, but reaching the summit is a serious alpine undertaking rather than an ordinary mountain hike. The standard approach from Chantelouve eventually leaves marked trails and involves steep scree, lingering snowfields, exposed scrambling, and climbing on the mountain’s south ridge.
🏔️ Overview
Pointe de Malhaubert lies in the Massif des Écrins, part of the Dauphiné Alps and the larger Alps system. The summit is situated in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
Its position at the western edge of the Écrins gives it an exceptional outlook. From the summit, climbers can look across the Écrins, Grandes Rousses, Belledonne, and Taillefer massifs, while the deep blue waters of Lac du Vallon lie far below.
The mountain is also notable for being slightly higher than neighboring Le Rochail, which reaches 3,022 meters. Although Le Rochail is generally the more frequently climbed summit, Pointe de Malhaubert is the higher and more technically demanding objective.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | France |
| State/Province | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
| County/Region | Isère |
| Mountain Range | Massif des Écrins, Dauphiné Alps, Alps |
| Parent Peak | Barre des Écrins |
| Elevation | 3,049.4 m / 10,004.6 ft |
| Prominence | Approximately 558 m / 1,831 ft |
| Isolation | Approximately 5.5 km / 3.42 mi |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Pic du Clapier du Peyron |
| Coordinates | Approximately 44.97525° N, 6.03246° E |
| First Known Tourist Ascent | August 30, 1892 |
| Protected Area | Écrins National Park |
📍 Location
Pointe de Malhaubert rises above the upper Malsanne valley near Chantelouve, southwest of Bourg-d’Oisans. It occupies the western part of the Écrins massif, an area where high ridges separate a series of steep Alpine valleys.
Lac du Vallon, at approximately 2,493 meters, lies northwest of the summit and forms one of the most recognizable landmarks on the standard approach. The lake sits in a dramatic mountain basin surrounded by Pointe de Malhaubert, Pointe de Confolens, Le Rochail, and neighboring ridges.
The mountain is within Écrins National Park, one of France’s great protected Alpine landscapes.
📏 Elevation & Prominence
Pointe de Malhaubert reaches 3,049.4 meters (10,004.6 feet) according to IGN-based elevation data used by Peakbagger.
Its prominence is approximately 558 meters (1,831 feet), making it a comparatively prominent summit despite being far lower than the great 4,000-meter peaks of the central Écrins. Some mountain databases calculate the prominence at about 568 meters because of differences in determining the precise elevation of the key col.
Its approximate 5.5-kilometer isolation extends southeast toward its nearest higher neighbor, Pic du Clapier du Peyron, which reaches about 3,169 meters.
Within the larger topographic hierarchy of the Écrins, the summit ultimately connects to Barre des Écrins, the 4,102-meter high point of the massif.
🪨 Geology
The western Écrins are part of a geologically complex Alpine landscape containing both ancient crystalline rocks and strongly deformed sedimentary formations.
Granite and gneiss occur widely in the Écrins, while nearby valleys also expose folded sedimentary rocks that were originally deposited under ancient seas. During the formation of the Alps, these rock layers were compressed, folded, faulted, and uplifted as tectonic plates converged.
Glaciation then reshaped the mountains dramatically. Ice widened valleys, carved cirques, sharpened ridges, and left behind the steep rocky slopes and basins that characterize the landscape around Pointe de Malhaubert today.
The south ridge used for the summit ascent contains sections of comparatively solid rock, but surrounding slopes include extensive scree and loose mountain debris.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
The landscape surrounding Pointe de Malhaubert changes dramatically with elevation.
Below the high rocky zone, forests give way to subalpine vegetation and eventually broad Alpine grasslands. Wildflowers and other cold-adapted plants take advantage of the short summer growing season before vegetation becomes increasingly sparse toward 3,000 meters.
The area around Lac du Vallon is particularly important for Alpine wildlife. Chamois and Alpine marmots occupy the high grasslands, while Alpine ibex have been reintroduced to this part of Écrins National Park.
The cliffs surrounding Lac du Vallon provide habitat used by small groups of ibex during summer, including females raising young. Golden eagles and other mountain birds may also be encountered within the wider Écrins.
Écrins National Park as a whole protects extraordinary biological diversity, with thousands of plant species and a rich assemblage of mammals, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
The best-known route to Pointe de Malhaubert begins near Chantelouve and approaches the mountain via Lac du Vallon and the Brèche de Malhaubert.
This is not a conventional hiking route all the way to the summit.
The Altituderando itinerary lists approximately:
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Elevation gain: about 1,750 m / 5,741 ft
- Time: roughly 7 to 8½ hours
- Mountaineering grade: F
- Highest point: 3,049 m
- Starting elevation: approximately 1,370 m
From the parking area above Chantelouve, a trail climbs through forest toward the Cabane du Pré de la Vache, situated at about 1,999 meters.
The path then continues toward Lac du Vallon at approximately 2,493 meters. Up to this point, the principal challenge is the considerable elevation gain.
Beyond the lake, conditions change substantially. The route becomes unmarked and climbs through steeper terrain toward the Brèche de Malhaubert at approximately 2,912 meters.
Early in the summer, significant snowfields can remain below the brèche.
The final south ridge is the most serious section. Climbers encounter exposed scrambling and numerous climbing moves around grades II and III. The ridge can feel exceptionally airy, and a mistake in exposed sections could have severe consequences.
A helmet is strongly recommended, and the established route description calls for a rope and harness for protection on the south ridge. Crampons and an ice axe may also be necessary when snowfields remain.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Do not be misled by the relatively modest Alpine grade. Pointe de Malhaubert combines a long approach, substantial elevation gain, off-trail navigation, steep scree, possible snow travel, and exposed scrambling. Treat it as an alpine mountaineering objective rather than a normal summit hike.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
July through September generally provides the most practical period for attempts on Pointe de Malhaubert, but conditions can vary considerably from year to year.
Early summer may leave large snowfields below the Brèche de Malhaubert. In some circumstances, consolidated snow can make the otherwise unpleasant scree approach easier, but it also introduces the need for crampons, an ice axe, and appropriate snow-travel skills.
Later summer usually reduces the amount of snow but exposes more loose rock and scree.
September can provide cooler temperatures and quieter conditions, but shorter days and early snowfall become increasingly important considerations.
Always check the current mountain forecast and recent route conditions before attempting the summit.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Le Rochail rises immediately north of Pointe de Malhaubert. At 3,022 meters, it is slightly lower but generally considered the more frequently climbed of the two summits. The ridges of Le Rochail, Pointe de Malhaubert, and Pointe de Confolens form an impressive high mountain chain above the surrounding valleys.
Lac du Vallon is the most important natural landmark on the standard approach. Situated at approximately 2,493 meters, the lake can also serve as a rewarding destination for hikers who have no intention of continuing onto the technical summit route.
Farther across the Écrins are major peaks such as Roche de la Muzelle, Les Rouies, and the massif’s highest summit, Barre des Écrins.
💡 Fun Facts
- Pointe de Malhaubert is 27 meters higher than Le Rochail.
- It is the highest summit on the local ridge connecting Le Rochail with Pointe de Confolens.
- The mountain rises above the striking Lac du Vallon, one of the highlights of its standard approach.
- Its summit exceeds 10,000 feet by only a few feet.
- The nearest higher mountain is Pic du Clapier du Peyron, approximately 5.5 kilometers to the southeast.
- A geodetic marker stands on the rocky summit.
- Camptocamp records the first known tourist ascent on August 30, 1892.
- Despite its substantial prominence, Pointe de Malhaubert receives far less attention than many other 3,000-meter peaks in the Écrins.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Pointe de Malhaubert?
Pointe de Malhaubert reaches approximately 3,049 meters (10,004 feet) above sea level.
Where is Pointe de Malhaubert?
It is located in the Isère department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, within the Massif des Écrins of the French Alps.
Is Pointe de Malhaubert in Écrins National Park?
Yes. The summit and its approach lie within the protected landscape of Écrins National Park.
Can you hike to the summit?
The lower approach can be hiked, but the complete summit route is better described as easy-grade alpinism rather than ordinary hiking. Beyond Lac du Vallon, the route becomes unmarked and includes steep scree, snowfields depending on conditions, route-finding, and exposed scrambling or climbing.
What is the nearest higher mountain?
The nearest higher neighbor is Pic du Clapier du Peyron, approximately 5.5 kilometers southeast.
Is Pointe de Malhaubert higher than Le Rochail?
Yes. Pointe de Malhaubert reaches about 3,049 meters, while Le Rochail reaches approximately 3,022 meters.
What is the best time to climb Pointe de Malhaubert?
July through September is generally the main climbing period, although snow, thunderstorms, early autumn snowfall, and other mountain conditions can significantly affect the route.
🔗 Related Articles
- Pic du Clapier du Peyron
- Roche de la Muzelle
- Les Rouies
- Barre des Écrins
- Le Taillefer
- The Alps
- Mountains in France
- Mountains in Europe
🔗 Related Hiking and Safety Guides
📚 Sources
- Peakbagger — Pointe de Malhaubert — elevation, prominence, and isolation data.
- PeakVisor — Pointe de Malhaubert — coordinates, topographic parent, nearest higher neighbor, and range classification.
- Altituderando — Pointe de Malhaubert (3049m) — route, distance, elevation gain, equipment, difficulty, and approach details.
- Camptocamp — Pointe de Malhaubert — climbing routes and first-known-ascent history.
- Écrins National Park — Vallon Lake — local geology, Alpine grassland, chamois, marmots, and ibex.
