Refuge des Souffles - Le Désert-en-Valjouffrey

(S) Set off from the Refuge des Souffles towards the Col de la Vaurze via the^GR®54, following the red and white markings. To do this, at the bottom of the refuge, take the path leading off to the right. Ignore the two paths descending to the left.
At the start of the ascent, a few technical sections require caution, particularly when crossing the Ravins des Bancs and d’Orgiéres, where torrents rush down.

(1) Use the handrails here to ensure your safety. Continue on to cross the Ravin de Périnon and reach the series of hairpin bends.

(2) Take care when tackling these hairpin bends in wet weather as the ground is very slippery. Reach the Col de la Vaurze.

(3) Continue along the^GR® as it descends into the next valley; take care on this section, which is set in a rocky environment that is slippery and unstable in wet weather.
You will then come to a crossroads with a path also leading to the Cabane de Serveille.

(4) Ignore the path to the right, continue along the^GR® and pass close to this hut.

(5) Turn left and begin a series of hairpin bends. Walk along the Tête de l'Essart and the Côte du Rif to reach the edge of a wood.

(6) Enter the woods and reach the Pont de Bonne bridge over the Rivière de Bonne.

(7) Cross the bridge, enter the village of Le Désert in Valjouffrey and reach a crossroads with a wash house. Turn right to reach the Lodge les Arias (E), today’s stop.

A section with nearly 700m of elevation gain but, more importantly, 1300m of descent, which is hard on the legs.
(S) Start from the Refuge des Souffles.
(E) Arrival at Gîte les Arias, a municipal lodge offering a rare level of hospitality, especially after a stage in the rain. A very nice camping area near the lodge. Inside the lodge, part of the space is set aside for campers: a shower, an area to dry clothes and do a small load of laundry.
Excellent food.
Useful addresses and links:
Lodge les Arias
Email: contact@lesarias.fr
Telephone numbers: 07 85 08 97 13 or 06 59 16 03 66 or 04 76 83 38 83

As with all mountain hikes, bring binoculars, a camera, an IGN map and/or a guidebook.
Note: Many herds are guarded by Patou sheepdogs. Hikers are therefore strongly advised not to stray from the path. If you encounter a guard dog, remain calm and passive to reassure it.