2-day hike from the Refuge d'Avérole - Stage 1 - From the Vincendières to the Refuge d'Avérole

At the end of the Bessans plateau, the green valley of Avérole opens up, overlooked by the impressive blue-tinted Charbonnel glacier.
A pretty path between meadows and mountain hamlets, oratories and chapels along the Avérole torrent.

Additional welcome

The Avérole refuge has been awarded the "Refuge en Famille" label. You must book your overnight stay in the refuge in advance. Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Waterside
• Riverside
• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 4.5km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 366m
• Daily duration 01h45
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Yellow blade markings.
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2200m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up to the day of departure.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

On leaving Bessans, turn right towards Avérole and park in the Vincendières parking lot.
To get there by bus: line 3 - Parking des Vincendières stop

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement: No

Pets are allowed under certain conditions. On a leash, on the paths and/or in the presence of herds or hikers. Allowed in the refuge.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ At the hamlet of Les Vincendières, turn left along the Avérole torrent.
  the path that leads just before the hamlet. The sound of running water in this mountain fold will accompany you on your walk, just as it once did the peddlers, passing from house to house to sell their wares on their way to Italy. Pass through the hamlet of Avérole; this valley was not always so depopulated. Look around you and you'll see traces of the old, bustling agricultural life everywhere!
  Who built the dry-stone wall that makes the path between the hamlets safe?
  Who prayed in the oratories and chapels that dot the route? Who lived in these houses with their typical mountain village slate roofs?
  The valley's many inhabitants of yesteryear have left their mark.
  Follow the trail on the left to the foot of the refuge (after 20 minutes on a steep path). It's here, facing the Pointe du Charbonnel (3752 m), that you'll spend the night. Keep your eyes peeled, as the surrounding peaks all rise to over 3,000 m!