Rhêmes-Notre-Dame – Rifugio Benevolo

(S) From the town hall square in Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, cross the River Dora di Rhêmes. Continue along its right bank, following the tarmac path – which is tarmac at the start – towards Lake Pellaud. Lovely, romantic views of the forest, river and small waterfalls. Reach the lake and the hamlet of Pellaud.

(1) Carry on, staying on the right bank of the river throughout. You’ll arrive opposite the hamlets of Chantéry.

(2) Carry on, then cross the river and reach the ruined hamlet of Thumel.

(3) Continue climbing along the signposted path no. 13. Pass from waterfall to waterfall until you reach the hamlet of Barnaverein.

(4) Carry on until you reach the Torrente Barnaverain, just before it joins the Dora de Rhêmes.

(5) Cross it and follow the Dora de Rhêmes again, but now on its left bank. You will then reach the Dora di Goleta at the end of a wider track.

(6) From here, tackle one final, steeper climb to reach the track leading to the refuge.

(7) Turn right onto this track and head for the hamlet of Lavassey.

(8) Complete the ascent by taking the path on the right to reach the Benevolo refuge (E).

In Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, there are numerous hotels and guest rooms, mainly 1.5 km further north in the hamlet of Chanavey (follow the path along the river on the right bank).
List of accommodation
Rifugio Benevolo – very pleasant with good food. It’s advisable to book in advance: 39 0165 936 143
Rifugio Dey Fond: a small refuge with a dormitory and one or two double rooms. About 800 m above Rifugio Benevolo, following circular loop 13c clockwise. WhatsApp text only: 39 345 672 3972

(E) Lake Tsanteleina (Sainte-Hélène). Leave your rucksack at the refuge and head up to this beautiful lake. A circular route takes about 3½ hours there and back via trail 13c. Walking clockwise, you’ll first pass a massive waterfall.
(E) Another, slightly shorter option is Lake Goletta.