Agnel Mountain Hut – La Monta Mountain Hut

(S) Cross the departmental road and begin the ascent of the Col Vieux via the^GR® 58. The path presents no technical difficulties.

(1) Turn right to begin the ascent; the gradient steepens rapidly. Halfway up, before reaching a flat section covered in slate, take in the view over Lac Foréant and the whole valley as it descends towards the Ristolas valley. Reach the Italian border at the start of the ascent up the Pain de Sucre.

(2) Return to the pass via the same route.

(1) Join the^GR® again and descend to Lac de Foréant.

(3) Walk alongside it and continue on the^GR® to reach Lac Egorgéou. Take care on this section; the path is very steep in places and the ground is slippery.

(4) Walk alongside this lake, then leave this rocky landscape behind to find larch woods, herds of livestock and mountain dogs. Continue downhill, keeping the Torrent de Bouchouse – the stream draining the lakes – at a distance. Then veer away from it to reach the Torrent des Gavies

(5) Cross it to quickly reach the Guil valley. Continue the descent to the left bank of the Guil. Carry on along a wide path until you reach the bridge leading to the hamlet of L’Échalp.

(6) Stay on the^GR® on the left bank; further on, you’ll come to a^second bridge; take it to the right to reach the Refuge de la Monta (E), today’s stop.

There are plenty of water sources throughout this stage.
Binoculars and a camera are a must. Don’t forget that this 9-day route is a mountain trek, which requires good physical fitness and suitable equipment, even in summer. The weather can change very quickly, as can temperature fluctuations.
Note: It’s a shame that the large number of electric mountain bikes on this section is causing irreversible erosion.

(2) At the foot of the Pain de Sucre: the panoramic view over the Col d’Agnel valley and all the surrounding mountain ranges, with the Barre des Écrins in the background, is truly spectacular. Further north, the view of the climb up the pass on the Italian side is equally breathtaking.
Note: It is possible to climb the Pain de Sucre by continuing along this path. Given the weight of our rucksacks, we preferred to play it safe, especially as the ascent is steep and the ground very loose.
Between (3) and (4) Take in the scenery to identify:
- on the right, a beautiful, long rocky ridge: the Crête de la Taillante,
- to the left, the Eychassier ridge, the Pic de Foréant and the Grand Queyras.
At the end of each lake, turn round – the scenery is extraordinarily beautiful (photos).
(4) Lac Égourgeou: you can take a detour to the right towards Lac Baricle.
Between (5) and (6), with Mont Viso in your sights.
(E) Refuge de la Monta: situated next to a beautiful chapel, where the owner will give you a warm welcome. His brother will treat you to a sumptuous, hearty and delicious meal. One of the best stops on our journey. What’s more, the owner has set up a very pleasant camping area.