Refuge d'Avérole - Discovering an authentic valley with your family

1/ At the hamlet of Les Vincendières, turn left along the Avérole torrent.
the path that leads just before the hamlet. The sound of running water in this mountain fold will accompany you on your walk, just as it once did the peddlers, passing from house to house to sell their wares on their way to Italy. Pass through the hamlet of Avérole; this valley was not always so depopulated. Look around you and you'll see traces of the old, bustling agricultural life everywhere!
Who built the dry-stone wall that makes the path between the hamlets safe?
Who prayed in the oratories and chapels that dot the route? Who lived in these houses with their typical mountain village slate roofs?
The valley's many inhabitants of yesteryear have left their mark.
Follow the trail on the left to the foot of the refuge (after 20 minutes on a steep path). It's here, facing the Pointe du Charbonnel (3752 m), that you'll spend the night. Keep your eyes peeled, as the surrounding peaks all rise to over 3,000 m!
2/ This morning, if you're feeling up to it, why not push a little further to explore this wild valley. It would be a shame not to climb up to the "Pas de la mule", skipping across the streams, before descending into the valley on the left bank of the torrent at the shepherds' hut.
If you're tired, you don't have to make the detour via the "Pas de la mule", but can cross over to the left bank via the bridge below the refuge parking lot and make your way gently back down to your starting point.

The Avérole refuge has been awarded the "Refuge en Famille" label. You must book your overnight stay in the refuge in advance. Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your garbage with you.