This walk is part of the trek The Queyras circuit - Val Pellice.
First stage of Circuit Franco-Italian border "Queyras in Val Pellice" punctuated by passages through three interesting passes: Malaure, Bouchet and Vampréveyre.
Park in the large car park of the hamlet of Valpréveyre, the last hamlet in the commune of Abriès.
(S). Continue on the trail through the hamlet and at the chapel cross the Boucher river to reach a crossroads of paths a few metres further on.
(1) Start on the left along the river on its left bank. Enter the forest staying a few metres above the river before reaching the confluence both the Boucher and Malaure streams. Cross over to a new crossroads of paths.
(2) Turn right and follow it as it makes tight loops before reaching the peak and the Col de Malaure on the border with Italy at marker 44.
(3) Start descending on the Italian side taking care early in the season as there can be a light firn and the slope is steep so be very careful. Loop around a small rocky ledge; at the exit, stay almost on the contour line around 2,400 m and in a north-easterly direction to reach the last climb of the day. Head along the Nino Sardi bivouac shelter before reaching the Col de Bouchet nearby.
(4) Continue on the path westwards and soon after take the path to the right that also remains level beneath the west face of the Bric Bouchet. Finish crossing through the Col de Valpréveyre.
(5) Begin the tricky descent due north to reach the day's stage: the Refuge at Lago Verde (6) at edge of the eponymous lake.
Waypoints :
D : km 0 - alt. 1861m
1 : km 3.12 - alt. 2214m
2 : km 4.53 - alt. 2531m - Col de Malaure 2536 m
3 : km 6.95 - alt. 2640m - Refuge Nino Soardi (2630m)
4 : km 7.04 - alt. 2636m - Col Bouchet
5 : km 8.09 - alt. 2726m - Col de Valpréveyre
A : km 8.56 - alt. 2583m - Refuge du Lago Verde
Hiking gear, do not forget your sleeping bag or blanket for the nights in mountain huts.
Be careful on the descent of two portions (the Malaure and Valpréveyre passes).
Source of fresh water in the Nino Soardi shelter.
P.S. I’ve ranked this as difficult because 3 steps on this trip are for experienced hikers only. However, if you are a beginner in this kind of trek, this step which is the most difficult of the three, should be considered Very Difficult.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
The Abries-Ristolas-Echalp Valley, the last valley of Queyras before the border. Note that the road stops at La Roche Écroulée a few kilometres after Echalp.
Three days walking through the passes and cabins in this region and opportunities to explore this lovely area. Enjoy an Italian tradition: agroturismo by residing overnight in one of the farms alongside calves, cows, pigs, chickens etc.
2nd stage is entirely in Italy allowing you to walk alongside the many military buildings that protect the nearby border. The long descent before the shelter lets you enjoy the Italian pastures that appear much greener than the French. This is due to the more abundant moisture from this side of the border.
3rd and last stage of this Franco-Italian circuit. It meets with a variation of the Queyras circuit above the Jervis Refuge to reach Valpréveyre by the Col d’Urine.
A 4 day trek on a high mountain route. The trek around Monte Viso (one of the highest summits in the Italian alps) is a sight for sore eyes. Crossing through some of the most authentic and wild high valleys of the Alps is delightful. This trek is almost identical to another trek by another hikiideas hiker which is done over 5 days. A big thank you to him and his description which inspired me.
First stage starting at Queyras National Park (Parc National du Queyras) passing through Col Lacroix, then a beautiful Italian valley and ending up at a shelter near a lake where the real trek around Monte Viso will start the next day.
Trek around Monte Viso in 5 stages.
A beautiful high mountain hike.
Hike over a 5 day period.
An exquisite high mountain trek.
This first stage is a warm-up for the rest. It's a medium mountain trek starting through larch trees before reaching alpine pastures surrounding the pass. A beautiful view over Pellice valley during the hike down.
The second stage of our trek around Monte Viso starts with a hike through green foliage at the bottom of the valley. Then a passage through beautiful alpine pastures near a delightful little lake. Stunning view point at Col Sellière.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.