Hiking - Avérole Hamlet and Refuge: A Timeless Hike

The Avérole Valley tells a story full of paradoxes: it was once a populated and bustling valley, the scene of intense agricultural activity and a centuries-old route to Italy. Today, hikers will discover a wild and secluded valley with an old-world charm.

A hike in a hidden valley, where remnants recall a time, not so long ago, when farming was in full swing. Follow the path lined with dry-stone walls that once connected the hamlets of Avérole. Stroll between wildflower meadows and preserved houses. Notice the balconies where bundles of firewood are stacked, and the beautiful chimneys with their stone caps. Don't bother looking for your phone, there's no signal! Just you and the imposing landscape of the Charbonnel Glacier. Without a doubt, you'll feel as if you're at the end of the world here!

From the car park, follow the road to the hamlet of Les Vincendières. Go through it, then take the small path on the left that climbs towards the hamlet of Avérole. Pass the St Antoine du Bec oratory, then go under the hay cable before rejoining the small road (closed to traffic). Follow it for 500 metres before leaving it to take the path on the right that leads to Avérole. Go past the hamlet and continue on the vehicle track to the foot of the refuge. A short, fairly steep path leads up to the refuge.

Descend from the refuge on the same small path as on the way up. Follow the vehicle track for 300 metres, then cross to the left bank of the torrent via the footbridge over the Avérole torrent. The path will lead you back to the hamlet of Les Vincendières.

The path on the left bank remains snow-covered until late in the season due to numerous avalanche couloirs. Avoid this route at the start of the summer season.