The trail winds through this wild and secluded valley, following the Avérole
torrent. The sound of water flowing through this fold in the mountains
accompanies you throughout your hike, just as it once accompanied the
peddlers selling their goods door to door as they travelled to Italy. Once upon
a time, this valley was not so sparsely populated. Look around you, there are
traces of the former bustling agricultural life everywhere! Who built this dry
stone wall that safeguard the path between hamlets? Who prayed at these
oratories and chapels dotted along the route? Who lived in these houses
with stone roofs built in the traditional mountain village style? There were
many people living here in bygone days and they've left their footprints.
Follow these footprints to the refuge, a cosy nest where you'll be welcomed
by Virginie, the guardian.
Feast your eyes on the majestic Charbonnel peak, rising to 3,752 metres,
dwarfing its neighbours that still reach 3,000 metres!
- Sport
Trail to the Avérole refuge via the hamlet
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On the trail of the ancient peddlers, enter the lush green valley of Avérole.
On your way to the refuge amid timeless picture-perfect scenery, you'll
discover the setting where many scenes from the film "Belle and Sebastian"
were shot.
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About
To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.
Prices
Free access.
Reception
1/ How is trail running time calculated?
Trail times are calculated on the basis of reference paces for a regular runner who practices running on average 1 or 2 times a week.
600m/h ascent in altitude
900m/h ascent on descent
9km/h on the flat
2/ Using GPX tracks
As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.
Pets allowed on leash only.
Period of practice
From 15/06 to 15/10.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
- Pets welcome
- Parking nearby
Contacts
Access
By bus: Line 5 - Parking des Vincendières stop.
By car: on leaving Bessans, turn right towards Avérole and park in the Vincendières parking lot.
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