2-day walking tour of the Roche d'Etache - Stage 1 - From the refuge du Suffet to the refuge d'Ambin

If you're a fan of undiscovered regions, the Val d'Ambin is the place for you. Between mountain pastures and high-altitude passes, this short getaway promises a weekend out of the ordinary. It's the ideal introduction to the pleasures of itinerancy.

Additional welcome

You must book your overnight stay in a refuge in advance.
Stay on the trails, following the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Overview on river
• Panoramic view

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 7.3km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 590m
• Negative gradient 90m
• Daily duration 03h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Yellow departmental signs all along the way.
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2240m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions. We strongly advise you to book accommodation in advance (please note that opening dates vary according to hut).

Location

RD100 out of Bramans on a narrow asphalt road. Stop at the Planay parking lot before the bridge leading to the refuge du Suffet. Possibility of parking for several nights. 1 minute walk from the refuge.

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement : No

Animals must be kept on a leash throughout this itinerary for your safety and that of the herds.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ What a privilege to start the climb before the sun sets in from the east! The contrasting colors and backlit ridges offer a unique and ephemeral picture. The Ambin valley welcomes you with the sound of its torrent, sometimes very turbulent at snowmelt. Take a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle to study the dynamic eddies of the watercourse. The climb up to the Ambin refuge, through lush green meadows, is a total immersion. Discover a rustic and authentic refuge on a human scale. Proudly perched on its rocky outcrop, it opens the door to a wild valley.