Clarée

Clarée
Origin	Cottian Alps
Mouth	Durance
Basin countries	France
Length	32 km

The Clarée is a river in southeastern France, a tributary to the Durance. Its source is in the Cottian Alps, near the Mont Thabor and Valloire. It flows for all of its course in the Hautes-Alpes département. It confluence with the Durance is near the hamlet of Les Alberts not far from the source of the Durance in the ski resort of Montgenevre.

The upper reaches of the river are in a military exercise range. This is where the French army from their base in Briançon train in the mountains.

Tourism

In the summer the valley is frequented by cyclists and walkers. Horses are not an uncommon sight in the valley, as in the hamlet of Les Alberts there are large stables. The river is used for water sports especially in spring as the snow melts. There are sections of white water, which are used by kayaks and white water rafts. There is a dramatic waterfall at Fontcouverte.

The valley is famous for its numerous sun dials. The valley in winter is clad in snow, which is fully utilised by cross-country skiers. It is one of the main circuits where the French Cross-country team train. There are over 65km of trails.

Settlements along the Clarée include:

• Névache:
• Plampinet
• Le Serre
• Val-des-Prés
• Le Rosier
• Les Alberts

See also

• Valley Clarée

References

• http://www.geoportail.fr
• The Clarée at the Sandre database

Coordinates: 44°55′N 6°41′E / 44.917°N 6.683°E / 44.917; 6.683