Rabuons Refuge – Vens Refuge

Please note: from (3) to (8) – T3 rating

(S) From the Rabuons Refuge, head for marker 105.

(1) Follow the path to the right, heading north, which runs alongside Lake Rabuons. At the end of the lake, you’ll reach marker 106.

(2) Continue northwards along a well-marked path, passing Lakes Chaffour and Cimon. Then make your way across scree (red markings and numerous cairns) to the Pas de Rabuons. This point marks the French-Italian border.

(3) Leave the path leading up to Rocca Rossa on your right. Continue to the left, over scree and large boulders at times, but the route is always clearly marked. Reach the summit after a short exposed section (where you’ll need to use your hands).

(4) Begin the descent down the south-west face with extreme caution. The path is well marked (cairns and red markings), but the slope is very steep (you’ll need to use your hands).

(5) Continue northwards towards the “Pas de Ténibre”.

(6) Pass the “Pas de Ténibre” path on your right and continue for about 150 metres along an almost flat track.

(7). Turn left into a scree-filled gully to reach the Lacs Varicles via a series of terraces.

(8) Walk alongside the large Lac Varicles, continue to the junction with a wide track (Chemin de l’Énergie), and reach the buildings at Plan de Ténibre.

(9) Return to marker 112 via the Chemin de l’Énergie, which is much easier going.

(10) At marker 112, turn right, staying on the Chemin de l’Énergie. Head for marker 113

(11) At marker 113, head north towards the Lacs de Vens. Climb up through the Baussayer scree (quite steep) to reach the Crête des Babarottes.

(12) Descend and walk alongside Lac des Babarottes, then head down again towards the Lacs de Vens. Cross the Vens torrent and head for marker 26.

(13) Follow the shore of two other small lakes to reach marker 27.

(14) Continue along the lake, following the markings carefully, and reach the Upper Lake of Vens after a final climb. Walk at a leisurely pace through stunning scenery to the Refuge de Vens (E)

Mercantour National Park regulations – full details via this link:
- Bivouacking and camping: permitted only more than an hour’s walk from road access points and the park boundaries, between 7.00 pm and 9.00 am. It is forbidden to spend the night in your vehicle in a car park or at the side of the road within the heart of the Mercantour National Park.
- Dogs are not permitted, even when kept on a lead
- Fires are prohibited in the core area of the park and also throughout the Alpes-Maritimes department
by prefectural decree.
- Parking may be prohibited at the start of certain hikes due to the risk of
torrential mudslides and rockfalls.

• Rabuons Mountain Hut
• Vens Mountain Hut

• A challenging route reserved for experienced walkers

• This route includes a long section rated T3. (Ascent and, in particular, descent of Mont Ténibre).
• A quick reminder about route difficulty ratings: see this page.

• Rabuons Lakes.
• Mont Ténibre (3,031 m).
• Rabuons Pass.
• Ténibre Pass.
• Vens Lakes.
• The Energy Trail.