The Col Rouge as seen from Pralognan-La-Vanoise

Park at the Pont de la Pêche car park.

(S/E) Set off southwards towards the Col de Chavière. Take the lovely track that forms part of the^GR®55. About 100 m after setting off, you’ll reach the first junction.

(1) Stay on the^GR®55, taking the track that begins to climb to the right. After two hairpin bends, the track heads south again; keep going in this direction to reach the Refuge du Roc de la Pêche.

(2) Walk past the refuge, staying on the^GR®55; the path is now almost flat. Continue along this track for some time – this is a chance to take in the scenery at your leisure. Walk past the Ritort mountain pasture and, shortly afterwards, you’ll reach a junction.

(3) Leave the track and turn right towards: Col du Soufre – Col Rouge, 2 hrs. The walk is now over. The ascent begins; there is about 700 m of elevation gain and just under 3 km to reach the Col Rouge, where the next signpost is located. In the meantime, stay on the well-marked, winding path, which is sometimes narrow and sloping. Cross three scree slopes, keeping a close eye out for the cairns amongst the enormous piles of stones. Shortly before the pass, cross a ravine that has been eroded by rockfalls; the path is very narrow for a few metres here. Reach the Col Rouge (2,731 m).

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

Ritort mountain pasture: cheese production and sales.