Refuge de Valmasque

Access to this refuge is usually not difficult no matter which direction you are approaching from. However, if you approaching from the south then you’ll need to pay attention to the signposts about half a mile away otherwise you can easily end up on the more challenging route. If you miss the sign to turn east and continue north like our part of the group did, you’ll end up with a steep drop between you and the refuge. Although at first sight it looks impossible to traverse, it is possible, but not to be attempted if you aren’t confident in tackling such drops. If you don’t want to tackle the descent then you’ll need to backtrack to where there is a sign taking you east on a longer, but much safer route. Unlike the nearby Refuge des Merveilles, the tables at Valmasque are already set out and this doesn’t change during dinner. Avoid being at the far end of the tables as being seated there means you are going to be the last to serve your own food from the pot being handed around. There is normally a second pot but again it starts at the same end of the table so you are reliant on others being respectful and not taking much before you. This is a remote refuge and rely on supplies being brought in and out by very expensive means, so it goes to say they don’t want to handle the rubbish visitors leave on the premises. If you leave rubbish around you will be approached.This refuge is situated on the banks of Lac Vert and surrounded by high mountains, and is an amazing site to behold. At night you can see millions of stars, and if you wake up at the crack of dawn you'll have a chance to see the rising sun turn all the surrounding mountains a fabulous shade of gold. Truly stunning!

In the area there is also the possibility of spending the night in a tent due to a bivouac regulation, even if I personally enjoyed the comfort of the hut.

Magnificent trekking, also worth doing with the family, even if you are a little trained. We went with two girls aged 6 and 7. Stunning landscapes and acceptable altitude difference.