La Monta Mountain Hut – Abriès Campsite

(S) From the campsite at the Refuge de la Monta, behind the Monta cemetery, turn right onto the^GR®58alternative route and begin climbing the path that winds through the pastures to reach a larch forest. At the start of the season, the vegetation is dense. Do not stray from the main path.
After the woodland, you’ll reach a more arid landscape at the foot of the Tête du Pelvas, opposite the Bergerie du Pelvas.

(1) Continue on to reach the^first ridge, the Peyra Plata ridge. At the summit, the panorama offers a fabulous view over the whole of the Queyras National Park.
Follow the ridge line to the left, from cairn to cairn, to reach the Crête de Gilly.

(2) Begin the descent opposite, down the Colette de Gilly. This is a slightly technical section, with rocky ground consisting mainly of slate. Reach the Colette de Gilly and rejoin the^GR®58here, which climbs up from Ristolas.

(3) Turn right and descend towards the Bois Noir and the valley. Enter the woods again to reach a junction offering a new alternative route.

(4) Let the^GR®58alternative route branch off to the right. Continue straight on through the woodland on the^GR®58. You’ll reach a crossroads at Bois Noir.

(5) Please note: do not follow the^{GR® route shown}on the IGN map, but the route indicated on the attached map. This is because the original^GR® route has been slightly altered compared to the map as it crosses the Bois Noir. The path runs along a ridge whilst gradually descending. You will reach another junction.

(6) Continue along the^GR®, ignoring the alternative route on the right which heads down to the village of Le Roux, until you reach a wide track. Follow this for several hundred metres until you come to a path that continues to the right. Further on, you’ll reach the junction with a forest track.

(7) Continue straight on down towards Abries until you reach another junction. Turn sharply left, then right at the next junction, until you reach the village of Abriès.

(8) Walk through the village, turning right along the Bouchet stream until you reach the centre. Then follow the D941 towards Ristolas. The campsite (E) is at the bottom of the village, at the foot of the chairlifts.

(E) The welcome at the restaurant and campsite is warm, friendly and welcoming. The owner is a hiking guide, both in summer and winter, and offers valuable advice.
There are plenty of water sources throughout this stage.
Binoculars and a camera are essential. Don’t forget that this 9-day route is a mountain trek, which requires a good level of fitness and suitable equipment, even in summer. The weather can change very quickly, as can temperature fluctuations.

(E) Abriès
Note: Having opted to camp during this trip, we pitched our tent at the Abriès winter caravan campsite: Chez Pilou.