Pointe Joanne

de fr

This is a pleasant route through a magnificent summer valley to one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Mont Viso, where you will be captivated by the unfailing beauty of the surrounding peaks.

Details

n°924394
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.13 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,019 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,017 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,035 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,025 m
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Photos

Pic d'Asti, Pain de Sucre, L'Asti, Crête de la Taillante, Pic de Rochebrune, Grand Glaiza.
Pointe Martre, Monte Meidassa, Pointe de Venise and, in the background, the Swiss Valais.
Visolotto, Mont Viso
Vallon de Soustre

Description of the walk

From Molines en Queyras, go up the Col Agnel road and then down towards Italy.
Park on the right-hand side of the road in a hairpin bend at Granges del Rio before Chianale.

(S/E) Follow the GR® de Pays du Tour du Pain de Sucre trail north-east.
Climb across the mountain pasture to the picturesque summer chalets with slate roofs at Grange Bernard.

(1) Cross wide meadows where large herds of cattle graze (northeast then east) on an intermittent path before resuming the ascent on the path on the right bank of the Varaita di Soustra (east-northeast).
Cross a rocky area to the east, then climb more steeply to the south-east on a dirt path to reach the Col de la Losetta.

(2) Turn left to climb the schistose ridge facing Mont Viso, then reach the summit adorned with a magnificent ornate cross.

(3) After a contemplative break, retrace your steps to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,025 m - Parking at Granges del Rio before Chianale.
  2. 1 : km 1.63 - alt. 2,146 m - Grange Bernard
  3. 2 : km 6.42 - alt. 2,869 m - Passo della Losetta
  4. 3 : km 7.07 - alt. 3,034 m - Summit of Pointe Joanne or Monte Losetta
  5. S/E : km 14.13 - alt. 2,025 m - Parking at Granges del Rio before Chianale.

Notes

I have used the Open Cycle Map route here rather than the IGN route. This is because the OCM route follows the path visible on Google Satellite more closely.
I have classified this route as difficult solely because of its length. There are no technical difficulties. It is just a walk along a trail with two small climbs, the arrival at the pass and the summit ridge.
I recommend watching the video linked below, which includes panoramic views and the names of the peaks, showing the important points along the route.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
emmaamandine
emmaamandine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I had wanted to hike the SOUSTRA valley for years, and finally this year, for my birthday, my husband made my dream come true. A very beautiful valley with a gradual climb, then a steady ascent to the LOSETTA pass. A few sections across snowfields. From the pass to Pointe Joanne, a steep climb along the ridge for about 30 minutes. Lunch at the summit facing Mount VISO. What more could you ask for? Superb weather, no fog.
Anne Marie and Claude

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j-l-b
j-l-b

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike with no technical difficulties. A steady climb up the valley, slightly steeper, through a more rocky landscape, to reach the Losetta Pass and then the cross at the summit of Punta Joanna. Beautiful views of the Viso and the valleys.

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le Chat23
le Chat23

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful and easy hike in the first part (Granges Bernard and Soustre valley). The end is a bit of a climb to reach the Losetta pass and Pointe Joanne. Allow at least 3 hours for the ascent... but it's worth it for the view, which is very close to His Majesty the Viso. Ibex can be seen at the Soustre pass.

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RASPOUTINE07
RASPOUTINE07

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A beautiful hike, especially at the summit, with an extraordinary view of its "majesty", Mount VISO, right in front of us. What's more, we were lucky enough to have beautiful sunshine and very clear weather. The only downside was the very long and tedious descent.

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Richard1329
Richard1329

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike ending magnificently on a small peak opposite the Viso: the ballet of clouds over the Viso was superb.

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marie1731
marie1731

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful, easy hike with superb views of Mount Viso and the valleys.
Chance to see a community of ibex a few metres below.

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Britanicus100
Britanicus100

Glad you enjoyed it. As for the video, yes, of course.

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lokine
lokine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Thank you for this wonderful hike! We loved it, very few people, beautiful views (what a shock when you see Mount Viso appear at the pass!).
Can I use your video on my blog? (milierando.fr). It's great too!
Thank you!

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.