The Refuge Temple Écrins

This itinerary takes you to the Refuge Temple Écrins and offers a magnificent panoramic view over the legendary peaks of Les Écrins, a major mountaineering destination.

An excursion with a near-Himalayan backdrop, which hugs the Vénon and climbs up through the pines to the Refuge Temple-Écrins, which stands at the foot of the Pilatte glacier.

1. From the FFCAM buildings and the Mountain Centre ("Maison de la Montagne"), join the path running along the Vénéon towards the Refuge de Temple-Écrins (sign). The path gradually rises along the left-hand bank of the Vénéon, running for 4 kilometres along the valley bottom.
2. Continue past the Refuge du Carrelet and after a short distance, turn left towards the Refuge de Temple-Écrins (sign). You rise steadily through the woods of Le Carrelet, with some large stone steps.
3. As you emerge from the forest onto grassy slopes, the landscape opens up before you and the refuge is just 15 minutes away.
4. To return, follow the outward route in reverse.