TECHNICAL INFORMATION :
Departure: La Bérarde-Combe Noire
Difference in altitude: 825m
Duration: 3 h outward journey and 2 h 45 return journey
Distance: 16 km
Level: Difficult hike

ITINERARY:
From the shuttle bus stop follow the road to La Bérarde, take the track on your right then cross the footbridge. Follow the path for about 500 m, then turn around and you can see the Meije, the Grand Pic and the Glacier Carré. The 45-minute climb up to the Plan du Carrelet will give you a good workout.
Then begin the ascent to the Refuge de Temple Ecrins. Leave the main path and take the path that rises to the left at the intersection of the Pilatte and Temple Ecrins valleys. Progress through a forest of hooked pines, where the shape of some of the trunks says a lot about the harshness of the climate!
As you leave the forest, the view of the Pilatte glacier, source of the Vénéon, and the Écrins mountain range rewards you for your efforts. The alpine meadow, and then the refuge quickly become part of the landscape, with its terrace stretching out its arms to you.
No physical difficulty, just a little stamina, but with a setting like this there's no shortage of motivation.

"YOU'RE HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE ECRINS NATIONAL PARK
The Écrins massif is an exceptional area, open to all, with a rare natural, cultural and landscape heritage. To protect these treasures, the heart of the park is marked with blue-white-red painted flags, where regulations must be respected. Please take note of them when planning your hike to preserve this collective asset on the ecrins-parcnational.fr website."

TO SEE ON THE ROUTE:
Rhododendrons, gentians and many other mountain flowers can be seen in the alpine meadows. Chamois and marmots are often seen near the refuge.
L'Aillefroide, les Rouies

GOOD TO KNOW:
The Refuge de Temple Ecrins is the starting point for a number of challenging routes, including the Traversée des Ecrins, Pic Coolidge...
Good plans : The refuge is guarded from June to September, Don't forget to book.

Admission fee : Free access.

Opening : From 15/05 to 31/10 daily. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.