At the foot of the Grand Combin

The Cabane du Vélan (2,642 m) is nothing like a traditional Swiss hut. Its bold, futuristic architecture, adorned with solar panels (inaugurated in 1993), makes it look more like a ship than a refuge and has earned it the Ligue de Protection du Patrimoine award. It enjoys an exceptional location above moraines and glaciers, with magnificent views of the Grand Combin massif (4,312 m) and Mont Vélan (3,727 m).

Departure from Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the last village before the Great Saint Bernard Pass. This first stage follows exclusively the TDC trail. Hike with a brief description, to be followed using the Visorando app.

How to connect two legendary mountain passes between Italy and Switzerland! Most of the proposed route is in Italy (from the Great Saint Bernard Pass to the Monte Moro Pass), with the last two stages in Switzerland following the traditional "Chamonix-Zermatt-Simplon" route.

The second stage of this hike starts at the Cabane du Vélan and follows the right bank of the Valsorey torrent.

For this second stage, take the bus from the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass Hospice to the village of Liddes. Depart from Liddes and walk through large forest areas and flower-filled mountain pastures to reach the Cabane du Col de Mille.

This fourth stage offers various views of the Combin massif. At the top of the village, head towards the Col and Cabane de Mille. After a pleasant walk through the forest, the path gradually opens up to reach Erra. The terrace of the Cabane de Mille offers a magnificent panorama of the Mont Blanc range, the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Combin massif. At Servay (a small sheepfold after a small lake), head towards Cabane Brunet. The end of the route crosses a rather chaotic area before taking the small road that climbs up to Cabane Brunet. Superb view of the Combin mountains just behind the hut.

A lovely circular walk for a half day out which is good if the weather is forecast to deteriorate in the afternoon. It can also be extended if you want a longer walk. Amazing views from the top of Plan Monnay.

Between Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, the Grand Combin stands out from everywhere. Forming the border between Switzerland and Italy, and the boundary between the Grand Saint-Bernard valley and the Val de Bagne, it rises to 4,314 m. The tour takes seven days; I added an extra day to visit the Fenêtres lakes, the icing on the cake. Each stage offers alpine accommodation.