Pré de la Chaumette Mountain Hut - Vallonpierre Mountain Hut

(S) Set off from the campsite at the Pré de Chaumette refuge, behind the refuge. Head due north towards the Vallon de La Pierre. The ascent is gradual up to the foot of the pass, which lies to your left.

(1) After crossing the torrents flowing from the Veyrardonne Glacier on the eastern face of the Sirac, begin the ascent through a very rocky landscape on the path shared by^{the GR®54}and the^GRP® du Tour du Vieux Chaillol to reach the top of the Col de la Valette.

(2) Continue with a short descent followed by another climb. Take care, however, as the ground is unstable and covered with slate. Reach the Col de Gouiran.

(3) Continue northwards, descending again to reach a crossroads at the bottom of this descent.

(4) Start the ascent along a very eroded, sloping path which can be very slippery, leading to the^third pass, the Col de Vallonpierre.

(5) Then begin the descent to reach the Refuge and Lac de Vallonpierre, as well as the bivouac area (E), today’s stage.

(S) Departure from the Refuge du Pré de Chaumette.
(E) Arrival at the Refuge de Vallonpierre, camping in a lush green setting at the foot of the Sirac, with an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains and the lake of the same name.
A shower in the open air behind granite boulders overlooking the Valgaudemar valley.
Excellent food at the refuge. A warm welcome.

Useful addresses and links:
Vallonpierre Refuge
Email: refugevallonpierre@gmail.com
Telephone: 04 92 55 27 81

As with all mountain hikes, bring binoculars, a camera, an IGN map and/or a guidebook.
There are plenty of streams, so you won’t have any trouble finding water.
Please note that this section is very technical and requires great care, especially if you are carrying heavy rucksacks.
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.

(5) Col de Vallonpierre: enjoy a fabulous view here of the Sirac, which rises to 3,440 m, and some glacier remnants that have survived climate change – a mecca for climbing.
This is one of the last great panoramic views of this journey, with:
- to the south, the Vieux Chaillol,
- to the north, below, the Vallonpierre Refuge and its beautiful mountain lake, and in the background the well-known peaks of the Écrins Massif: Les Bans, Les Rouies, the Pointe de la Muande, the Olan and magnificent glaciers.