Valfrejus – Col des Sarrazins, Refuge des Marches, Refuge du Mont Thabor

Meet at the Lavoir car park.

(S/E) Follow the signs for Mont Thabor; the climb gets quite steep straight away.

(1) After the dam, take the path on the right. The sign for Refuge des Marches will guide you.

(2) Cross the small bridge and head up to the right, towards the Col des Sarrazins.

(3) Ignore the path that goes straight on, wade across the stream and head right to cross the beautiful plateau.

(4) At Mont Cula, continue left along the path through the rocks, following the yellow markings.

(5) Follow the path to the left.

(6) You’ll reach the Col des Sarrazins. Follow the signposts towards the Refuge des Marches. Head downhill and enjoy the breathtaking views.

(7) Continue down the path to the left, towards the Refuge des Marches.

(8) Turn right to take a short break at the Refuge des Marches.
You can carry on due north for 10 minutes towards Lac de Bissorte to catch a glimpse of it.

(9) Return to the fork in the path.

(8) Turn right, following the sign for the Refuge du Mont Thabor. Follow the cairns and/or the red and white markings.

(:10) Pass Lac des Bataillères on your left.

::11: Reach the Col des Bataillères, enjoy the view and head towards the Refuge du Mont Thabor.

(:12) At the refuge, take a short break to recover from the descent, then continue towards Valfrejus and Le Lavoir.

(13) At this junction, turn sharp left, heading due north.

(14) At the signpost, take the path leading down to the left to rejoin the original fork in the track.

(1) Carry on straight ahead, following the route in the opposite direction to the way out, and head back to the car park (S/E).

In summer, both mountain huts serve meals and drinks. Even if food is no longer available, it is still possible to stay overnight there.
There is nowhere along the route to shelter from the sun. Make sure you bring water, hats and walking poles.
No particular difficulties, apart from the elevation gain! (no sections over a drop, ladders, etc.)

We completed the hike in 8 hours (experienced walkers).

At the Refuge des Marches (9), make the most of the opportunity to carry on for a further 10 minutes to see Lake Bissorte.