A circular route to the Aiguilles Hut

Park in the car park at the Chapelle Saint-Roch in Géro, in the Roche-de-Rame neighbourhood.

(S/E) Cross the bridge and immediately turn left onto the tarmac road heading uphill towards L’Eyrette. At the right-hand bend, continue straight ahead onto the footpath. At the next junction, ignore the path leading straight ahead towards the Trou du Diable and take the one on the right that goes uphill. You’ll emerge onto a plateau; continue along the path that runs along the hillside to join the forest track.

(1) Head up to the left, following the path that cuts across the bends in this track, until you reach the water reservoir. At the reservoir, stay on the track that goes round it; then, once you’re above it, rejoin the path until you meet the track again at L’Eyrette.

(2) Continue along the forest track, cross the footbridge over the Torrent de l’Ascension and you’ll come to a crossroads of paths immediately afterwards.

(3) Take the path on the left, passing the ruins of Villars. Here, begin a winding ascent through the undergrowth before reaching a slightly flatter area. Stay alert and look out for a junction marked by a cairn.

(4) Turn right to reach the Cabane des Aiguilles very quickly.

(5) Return to the cairn junction.

(4) Follow the path on the right. Continue down through the forest; as you emerge, you’ll be greeted by a magnificent panorama. You’ll reach a crossroads at the edge of another forest.

(6) Take the path on the left. Pass close to a few rocky outcrops without much difficulty. Carry on to reach another junction.

(7) Take the left-hand path again. Stay on this path, ignoring the branches to the right and left, until you reach a wide forest track.

(8) Cut across this track by taking the path opposite, rejoining it at the foot of a gigantic electricity pylon that looks like a rugby post.

(9) Turn left onto the track here, passing through the gate. Continue along the track, following the pylons. Look out for the start of the path near one of the pylons.

(10) Leave the track and take the marked mountain-bike path on the left, heading through a wood. Ignore the path on the right that goes downhill and carry on straight ahead to exit the wood.

(11) Carry on with the hamlet of Géro in sight. Walk along the hillside, passing the Croix des Officiers. You’ll reach the entrance to the hamlet of Géro; walk through it to emerge onto the main square. Head straight on along the road towards the Chapelle Saint-Roch to reach the car park (S/E).

(5) Spring at the Cabane des Aiguilles.

(5) Cabane des Aiguilles: sleeps 4 (a bit cramped on the mezzanine) with a wood-burning stove, table and chairs. Please respect the premises and take care with the fire.

Note for this outing: given the direction of the walk, it’s best to go at a time of year when it’s not too hot; otherwise, bring water with you.

(S/E) The little hamlet of Géro is well worth a visit.

Between (4) and (6), the view stretches from L’Argentière-la-Bessée at our feet all the way to the Écrins massif. The path now descends right through the heart of an area ravaged by a terrible fire in 2003.

Between (6) and (8), note the forest’s ability to regenerate following the fire.

La Roche de Rame and its lake.

L’Argentière-la-Bessée and its industrial heritage.

The Fournel Mines