Tour des Aiguilles d'Arves : Refuge des Aiguilles d’Arves - Albanne

From the Aiguilles d'Arves mountain pastures to the hamlet of Albanne, this varied stage passes through valleys, forests and mountain villages. A panoramic route passing through Le Vallon, Valloire and Poingt-Ravier before reaching the charming village of Albanne.

From the Aiguilles d'Arves refuge, the itinerary begins with a balcony traverse through the mountain pastures, offering fine views of the surrounding peaks. The trail then reaches the chalets du Vallon, a typical pastoral hamlet nestled in the heart of the pastures.
The descent continues towards Valloire, alternating between mountain pasture paths and passages through a pleasant larch forest. The route then skirts the Valloirette before climbing up to the remarkable hamlet of Poingt-Ravier, known for its traditional architecture and open views of the Telegraphe fort.
The trail continues through mountain pastures and melezins, passing by the famous Gros Mélèze, a remarkable tree in the area. The route finally reaches the peaceful hamlet of Albanne, perched high above the valley and renowned for its charm and unspoilt atmosphere. It's a varied stage that blends pastoral landscapes, mountain villages and forest atmospheres.

Yellow paint, iron stakes for high-altitude alpine pastures, yellow Tour du pays des Aiguilles d'Arves plaques.

Tour des Aiguilles d'Arves IGN map - on sale in Tourist Offices

1/ Descend from the refuge to Commandrault, then turn left on a balcony path through the mountain pastures to the Chalets du Vallon.
2/ At the end of the hamlet, turn right onto the path that cuts through the hairpin bends in the track towards Les Verneys.
3/ Rejoin the track, follow it for 2 hairpins then leave it by turning left to descend a path that crosses a mélézin to Les Choseaux Verneys.
4/ Turn right and descend to Les Verneys. Cross the road, then the footbridge, and turn left to follow the Valloirette along its right bank.
5/ At the Assinerie signpost, level with the riding school, follow the Borgé straight ahead between the riding school and the riding school building.
6/ Continue straight ahead along the fitness trail as far as the Valoirette footbridge.
7/ Cross the footbridge, then turn right along the parking lot.
8/ At the Borgé, turn left to go up to the Poingt Ravier hamlet.
9/ At the center of the hamlet, turn left onto a path that climbs up to a mountain pasture.
10/ At Fournache, turn right towards Clos Albannel.
11/ At the chalet, continue into the mountain pasture as far as La Turraz.
12/ Take the second path on the right down into the melezin to the big larch tree.
13/ From the big larch tree, turn left towards Les Karellis.
14/ At the next junction, go straight ahead, then turn right onto a path that curves down to a footbridge.
15/ Continue straight on to Albanne. Once on the road, turn left to go up the village.