Refuge d'Avérole - Discover an authentic valley with your family

At the edge of the Bessans plateau, the green Avérole valley opens up, overlooked by the impressive blue-tinged Charbonnel Glacier.
A picturesque trail winding through meadows and mountain hamlets, past oratories and chapels along the Avérole stream.

Description

You enter this picturesque setting through the hamlet of Goulaz, then Vincendières, and finally Avérole. These typical mountain hamlets, with their stone, slate, and wood chalets, bear witness to a pastoral life that was once vibrant. Far from the village, the chapels and oratories bear witness to the fervent faith of the mountain people. Note that the Chapel of Saint-Pierre d'Avérole is listed as a historical monument.
From the refuge, you can see the impressive peaks, all of which are over 3,000 meters high. The Pointe du Charbonnel (3,752 m) is the highest point in the Alps.
A timeless valley where many scenes from the "Belle and Sebastian" films were shot and where peddlers once followed the route to neighboring Italy.
Shuttle bus service available between Bessans, Vincendières, and Avérole in summer.

Additional welcome

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

Environments

• Waterside
• Riverside
• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 14.6 km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 751m
• Negative gradient 751m
• Roaming time 2 days
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Yellow blade markings.
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2200m

Opening period

This route is accessible outside of snow season and is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up until the day of departure.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Spoken languages

• French

Location

When leaving Bessans, turn right just before La Bessanaise toward Avérole and park at the Parking des Vincendières.
To get there by bus: take line 3 to the Parking des Vincendières stop. For more information, see the HMV mobility guide.

Documents

• Refuge d'Avérole - Discover an authentic valley with your family
• Complete flyer with descriptions of Avérole's 2-day courses (PDF)

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement: No

Pets are allowed under certain conditions. They must be kept on a leash on the trails and/or in the presence of herds or hikers. They are allowed in the shelter.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ At the hamlet of Les Vincendières, turn left along the Avérole stream.
  the path that leads just before the hamlet. The sound of running water in this mountain valley will accompany you on your walk, just as it once did the peddlers, who went from house to house selling 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 (3,752 m), that you’ll spend the night. Keep your eyes peeled, as the surrounding peaks all rise to over 3,000 m!
  2/ This morning, if you're feeling up to it, why not push a little further to explore this wild valley. It would be a shame not to climb up to the "Pas de la mule", skipping across the streams, before descending into the valley on the left bank of the torrent at the shepherds' hut.
  If you're tired, you don't have to take the detour via the "Pas de la mule," but can cross over to the left bank via the bridge below the refuge parking lot and make your way gently back down to your starting point.