Refuges open around mid-June, when the alpine flowers will be near their best. However, there may be snow lying on the higher parts of the route and taking ice axe and crampons would be advisable.

August is the busiest month due to French school holidays. The first two weeks of September will be quieter, and refuges start to close during mid-September. At this time, as we found to our advantage, the weather can be more stable and good for days.

Maps Getting there What to take Insurance Weather Diary extracts Photogallery Useful links Accommodation Guidebooks