Lake Asti from Col Agnel

Park in the large, well-equipped car park on the edge of the D205t, between the Refuge and Col Agnel.

(S/E) At the bottom of the car park, take the well-protected path. Follow the gentle, steady climb to reach the Col Agnel.

(1) Turn left and follow the road downhill for about 100 metres. Cross the road at the new car park and take the path opposite that leads uphill. Continue along this path, almost on the French-Italian border, until you reach a four-way crossroads. There is a circular stone shelter here.

(2) Continue straight ahead and begin a short descent followed by an easy climb to reach the pass, the Brèche de la Ruine.

(3) Now begin a new, short descent, but be careful as the descent between the rocks is very tricky and requires great vigilance. Then continue on an easy climb to reach Lac d'Asti.

(4) Return by the same route, but in the opposite direction, to the Brèche de la Ruine. Shortly after the pass, turn right, continue the descent, and arrive at a large grassy clearing.

(5) Be careful, as the path disappears here. Continue to the left to pass over a small rocky outcrop, and you will find a well-marked path at the end of this passage.

(6) Take it to the left for a short climb to reach Col Vieux.

(7) Take the GR®58 Tour du Queyras trail on the left, marked in white and red. Follow this trail, which has been re-routed to protect a sensitive area. Continue downhill to reach the crossroads at the car park, where you will find a signpost.

(8) Turn left to easily reach the D205t car park (S/E).

(3) Brèche de la Ruine: be careful on this descent, which can be difficult for people who are not used to this type of terrain.
Between (4) and (3), the climb between the boulders is much easier than the descent.
Between (5) and (6), walk off the trail but follow the sheep tracks, continuing in the direction of the clearly visible trail leading to Col Vieux.
Note about this hike: I have classified it as Moderate, but it can quickly become Difficult depending on how you feel. Much of the route is on a very stony path and the descent from La Brèche can be unnerving for those who are not comfortable on rocks.

(2) You can make a round trip to Pain de Sucre to enjoy a remarkable view of Mont Viso.
(4) Lac d'Asti: option of a return trip to Col d'Asti (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
Please be very careful on this route: the area known as Camp Espagnol, located to the left of the path between (1) and (2) and then also to the left between (7) and (8), is a rock ptarmigan protection zone. It is marked out on the ground by cables along the edges of the paths and signs indicating this protection. Please do not enter this area.