2-day hike to the Carro Refuge - Stage 2 - From the Carro Refuge to Bonneval/Arc

A night in Savoie's highest refuge? Now that's an adventure for the whole family! Particularly if you have to pass through scenery worthy of a movie set to reach it. This glacier-facing balcony trail promises a lifetime of memories.

Description

As you make your way along the path through the alpine pastures, you'll come across some unusual-shaped chalets: to resist avalanches, they are semi-buried or protected by a "tourne", a kind of stone bow.

The Plan des Eaux and Pys lakes follow one another along the way. Shades of blue range from azure to turquoise, reflecting the eternal snows of the glaciers.

The majestic Albaron, Vallonnet and Evettes glaciers dominate the cirque of the Arc springs.

After this splendid balcony traverse, during which you may have spotted a few chamois, you arrive at the Carro refuge.

Perfectly integrated into this mineral setting, Savoie's highest refuge welcomes you in an end-of-the-world atmosphere! Before lunch, how about a gentle contemplation on the shores of the Black and White lakes adjacent to the refuge?

After a night close to the stars in this pure Haute Maurienne sky, the descent promises to be just as authentic. Linger in the hamlet of l'Ecot. Isn't that Sébastien running down an alleyway, followed by his faithful Belle?

But the adventure isn't over yet, as you'll have to follow the current of the Arc to reach Bonneval sur Arc.

Additional welcome information

Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your trash with you.

Environments

• Lake view
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• In a nature reserve

Prices

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 10.8 km
• Itinerary type One way
• Positive elevation gain 5m
• Negative elevation gain 969m
• Daily duration 2:30 a.m.
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Marking details directional signs and cairns
• Nature of the terrain Rock, Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2769m

Opening period

This route is accessible outside of snow season and is subject to favorable weather conditions. Check your local weather forecast in real time up until the day of departure.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Departure from the Carro refuge—accessible only on foot.

Animals

Animals accepted: No

Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 2/ From the Refuge, take the path on the left back to the hamlet of l'Ecot. A beautiful 3-hour descent awaits you. Once in the hamlet of l'Ecot, cross the village, then head Bonneval sur Arc the picturesque Agneaux trail by the Arc River. From the Tourist Office, you can take the shuttle bus (or hitchhike) to the Pont de l'Oulietta to retrieve your vehicle. If, on the outward journey, you set off on foot using the shuttle bus, then you’ve arrived!