Chalet du Gioberney – Vallonpierre Mountain Hut

(S) From the Gioberney chalet, rejoin the path you took the previous day when coming from the Xavier Blanc refuge, between the road and the stream.

(1) Once again, look out for the crossing to get to the other side of the torrent and, immediately afterwards, keep left to take the well-signposted ‘Ministre’ path (do not head back down towards Xavier Blanc).

(2) At the junction, keep to the right on the lower path towards the Vallonpierre Refuge. Pass a path on the left and soon join the^GR®54coming from the right. The path then winds its way up, passing a hut and continuing to Lac de Vallonpierre. Turn right to reach the Vallonpierre Refuge (E).

(E) You can leave your rucksacks at the refuge here and continue on to the Col des Chevrettes.

(3) Follow this route back in the opposite direction to return to the Vallonpierre Refuge (E).

CAF Vallonpierre Mountain Hut
If you prefer, you can swap this stage with the longer one the following day. This allows you to finish earlier on the final day so you can set off again.
Another option: carry on overnight to the Chabournéou Refuge, which has the advantage of being much less crowded, thereby shortening the next day’s stage.
Please note: you are hiking in the heart of the Écrins National Park.
The Écrins massif is an exceptional area, open to all, with a natural, cultural and scenic heritage that is truly unique. To protect these treasures, the heart of the park is marked by flags painted in blue, white and red, and certain regulations must be observed within this area. Please familiarise yourself with these regulations when planning your hike to help preserve this shared heritage, at https://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr.

Once you’ve left your rucksacks at the refuge, head towards the Col des Chevrettes to admire the scenery and the abundance of marmots.