Valsenestre - Refuge de la Muzelle

(S) Set off from the Lodge Le Bérange and head down into the village to the car park at the entrance to the hamlet. Turn left and follow the wide forest track (^GR® 54B) taken the previous day through the woods of the Béranger valley. Pass the campsite area and continue to the first junction.

(1) Head left and rejoin the^GR® 54, beginning the ascent of the Col de la Muzelle with a fairly gentle slope through a green corridor and past torrents flowing down from the glaciers. Follow the right bank of the Torrent des Combes and reach a hairpin bend at the edge of the torrent.

(2) Turn left to move away from the torrent and quickly gain height in a landscape of bare rock, which makes the climb difficult.
After a steep climb requiring the utmost care, reach the foot of the pass.

(3) Complete the very impressive climb here. The hairpin bends at the end of the route are very narrow with tricky sections, mainly due to erosion. You will then reach the Col de La Muzelle. Take a welcome break here and enjoy the magnificent view.

(4) Begin the descent, which is very rocky, following the left bank of the Ruisseau des Cabanes. Reach Lac de la Muzelle and go round it on the left to arrive at the Refuge de la Muzelle.

(5) Take the same path back to head to the other side of the lake towards the bivouac area at the foot of the Glacier de la Muzelle (E) – today’s stage.

A stage with nearly 1,400 m of ascent and 500 m of descent.
(S) Start from the village of Valsenestre, at the Lodge le Béranger.
(E) Arrival at the Refuge de La Muzelle, a warm welcome with excellent food.
One of the most beautiful camping spots on our journey, located opposite the refuge on an unspoilt meadow with breathtaking views of the lake, the Roche de la Muzelle, the Tête de La Muraillette and the Pic du Clapier du Peyron. You can also see the Roche Percée and the Cheminée des Fées to the left of the refuge.
A haven of peace with the added bonus of a natural shower in the stream.

Useful addresses and links:
Refuge de la Muzelle
Telephone: 04 76 79 02 01

As with all mountain hikes, bring binoculars, a camera, an IGN map and/or a guidebook.
Note: 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.

(4) Sights at the Col de la Muzelle:
- to the north: Lac de la Muzelle, the glacier of the same name, with Les Deux Alpes in the distance and Les Rousses in the background.
- to the south, see the trail for today’s ascent, with the Col de Côte Belle from the previous day opposite.