Col du Palet Mountain Hut – Femma Mountain Hut

A rather demanding hike, particularly due to its distance but also because of its repeated ascents and descents. Its profile bears a striking resemblance to a mountain stage of the Tour de France.

(S) From the Refuge du Palet, head up towards the pass of the same name to join the^GR®5.

(1) Begin the descent towards Val Claret, our next destination. To get there, follow the^GR®5for a while, then, just after passing the Chalet de Lognan, leave the^GR®5and take the path on the right.

(2) From the top, head towards the tennis court furthest to your right. Once level with it, go round Val Claret on the right, then climb towards the Chalet de la Leisse to rejoin the^GR®55.

(3) The path winds its way alongside a chairlift before branching off to the right as it climbs. Shortly afterwards, leave the^GR®55and take the path on the far left which climbs up to the Col de Fresse.

(4) Near the small house, turn right, follow the ridge and, when you reach a chairlift, continue uphill alongside it. At the hut, carry on straight ahead along the small road.
After a hairpin bend, you’ll reach a T-junction and head slightly to the right. Carry on like this until you reach a second T-junction and turn right; do the same at the third T-junction.

(5). You will then pass close to two lakes. Directly opposite is the Pointe de Sana. Continue in that direction. Approximately 700 m further on, take the path to the left and follow the Ruisseau de Pierre Brune.

(6) There is then a steep descent. At the bottom, turn right towards the Glacier des Barnes de l’Ours.

(7) Cross the Charvet (stream).

(8) Follow it at a safe distance as far as Les Pissets.

(9) From there, begin the climb over the scree towards the Col de la Rocheure, perched at over 2,900 m. Once you reach the pass, head to the right of Lac de la Rocheure.

(10) This lake is sometimes still partially frozen in summer. Continue along this path as it descends to the Refuge de la Femma (E), today’s destination.
When I was there, it was home to a colony of rather tame marmots frolicking right by the path: a real treat… for the eyes.

An IGN 1:25,000 map or GPS is essential, particularly for the section between the Col de Fresse and the Col de la Rocheure.
A very good hooded sleeping bag for cool nights, as well as a groundsheet.
The essential water bottle.
Finally, some proper walking boots.
Make sure you set off fairly early in the morning.

Marmots at the Femma refuge...