From Gimillian to the Grauson Refuge

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A lovely hike in the Cogne area with stunning views of Gran Paradiso.

Details

n°10498954
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.04 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 745 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 740 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,513 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,805 m
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Photos

Grauson mountain pastures
Village of Cogne
Bridge
Views of Gran Paradiso

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the entrance to the village of Gimillan.
This hike follows route number 8 as shown on the signs. The path is easy to follow.

(S/E) Take the path to reach the bridge over the Torrente Grauson.

(1) Cross the stream via the bridge, then turn left to follow path no. 8. Reach the end of the flat section. Signs indicating the direction of Grauson are present.

(2) Continue further into the forest. Reach the edge of the forest; there are new signs.

(3) Continue straight ahead towards Grauson-d’Esot to reach a crossroads below the refuge.

(4) Turn right to reach the refuge quickly.

(5) Turn left to reach the summit of Testa Praz de Ler.

(6) Begin the descent to return to the crossroads below the refuge you passed earlier.

(4) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the Gimillian car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,805 m - Gimillian car park
  2. 1 : km 1.79 - alt. 1,894 m - Bridge
  3. 2 : km 2.43 - alt. 1,985 m - End of the plain
  4. 3 : km 4.33 - alt. 2,280 m - Edge of the wood
  5. 4 : km 5.95 - alt. 2,485 m - Crossroads below the refuge
  6. 5 : km 6.26 - alt. 2,509 m - Rifugio Grauson
  7. 6 : km 6.76 - alt. 2,502 m - Testa Praz de Ler
  8. S/E : km 13.04 - alt. 1,805 m - Gimillian car park

Notes

Trail or hiking boots recommended.
No technical difficulties.
(5) Water point and toilets at the Grauson Refuge, with food available.

Worth a visit

Enjoy the beautiful views of Gran Paradiso.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
CanardFly
CanardFly

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The climb is pleasant and the refuge in the mountain pasture is charming. However, getting to point 6 from point 5 is almost a straight line, and the descent between 6 and 4 is via narrow paths.
The view downhill towards Gran Paradiso is magnificent.

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wlassow
wlassow

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A hike with no major difficulties. Magnificent views of the Grand Paradis. The Grauson mountain pasture is an idyllic spot. You can continue on to the lakes and the mountain hut

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Fontenotte
Fontenotte

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, steady climb. It's tempting to climb higher to see the lakes, but I decided against it on my first day in the area.

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Luc 68
Luc 68

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely climb, with the chance to get up close to the glaciers

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