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

At the end of the Bessans plateau, the green valley of Avérole opens up, overlooked by the impressive blue-tinted Charbonnel glacier.
A pretty path between meadows and mountain hamlets, oratories and chapels along the Avérole torrent.

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

About

Departing from Bessans (73480)
Average length : 02h45
Duration of the itinerary : 2 Days
Total elevation gain : 400m
Vertical drop : 400m
Distance : 9.6km
Signed walking trail
Animals allowed

You enter this postcard through the hamlet of Goulaz, then Vincendières and at the end, Avérole. These typical mountain hamlets with stone, slate and wood chalets bear witness to a pastoral life that was once intense. Far from the village, the chapels and oratories bear witness to the fervent faith of the mountain people. Note that the Chapel of Saint-Pierre d'Avérole is listed as a historical monument.
From the refuge, you can see the impressive peaks, all of which are over 3,000 metres high. The Pointe du Charbonnel 3752 m is the highest point of the Alps.
A timeless valley where many scenes from the "Belle et Sébastien" films were shot and where peddlers once followed the route to neighbouring Italy.
Possibility of taking the Bessans - Vincendières - Avérole shuttle bus in summer.

Loop
Total elevation gain : 400m
Altitude max : 2200m
Vertical drop : 400m

Map references

Map and booklet "Balades et Randonnées Haute Maurienne Vanoise" (sold in the Tourist Office)

Topoguides references

Blue Itinerary N°75

Further informations

Stone, Ground

    1 3

    0/ : Parking des Vincendières.
    1/: 250 m after the hamlet of Les Vincendières, take the path on the left which leads a little before the hamlet of Avérole.
    2/ : Continue on the road and after crossing Avérole, follow the left track to the foot of the refuge (then count 20 minutes on a rather steep path to reach the refuge).
    3/ : On the way down, reach the left bank of the torrent by the footbridge downstream from the refuge car park. The path, at first a bit strenuous, brings you back in front of the hamlet of Vincendières (small bridge).

    Prices

    Free access.

    Reception

    Animals allowed
    Languages spoken : French
    Languages of documentation : French
    Not adapted to strollers

    The Avérole refuge has been awarded the "Refuge en Famille" label

    Pets are allowed under certain conditions. On a leash, on the paths and/or in the presence of herds or hikers. Allowed in the refuge.

    Period of practice

    From 15/06 to 15/09.

    Subject to favorable weather.

    Services
    • Pets welcome

    Access

    Parking du hameau des Vincendières 73480 Bessans
    Departing from : Bessans (73480)
    Latitude : 45.308298 - Longitude : 7.037118

    On leaving Bessans, turn right towards Avérole and park in the Vincendières car park.

    Information update on 20/03/2024 by Communauté de communes Haute Maurienne Vanoise