MONT BUET & LES AIGUILLES ROUGES

This beautiful three day trek takes you into the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, spending two nights in authentic mountain refuges.

Starting from the pretty village of Servoz in the south of the Chamonix valley, you’ll hike up first through small hamlets and pastoral farmland and then into a more wild landscape. Arriving at Refuge Moede Anterne, hopefully in time for a refreshing drink on the terrace before dinner, you can relax and take in the magnificent view of the Rocher des Fiz - a dramatic mountain chain that towers over the surrounding contours. The original refuge was built in 1898 and is still standing, not far from the newer building where we will sleep.

The following day takes us from the Réserve de Passy to the Col de Salenton, a wonderfully remote trail with a steady climb up through the valley. Look out for some old stone squares, these are the ancient ruins of the Chalets d’Écuelle… Once at the Col we have the option to summit Mont Buet, a majestic peak of over 3000 metres. First climbed in 1770, it has played an important role in scientific discovery of the geology and cartography of the region. A steep but scenic descent brings us to the Refuge Le Pierre à Bérard, tucked into the edge of the valley underneath an enormous block of stone.

Our final day begins with a gradual descent through the Vallon du Bérard, where you’ll follow a twisting stream to the impressive Cascade de Bérard. From here we head towards Le Buet and Col des Montets to pick up the trail to La Flegere. A fairly steep climb takes us up past the mountain lakes of Les Cheserys and on to the famous Lac Blanc. This high-altitude lake is picture-perfect, on a good day you can get a crystal-clear mirror image of the Mont Blanc Massif in its reflection. The refuge here is the ideal place to enjoy a piece of myrtle tart and soak up the fabulous views. A short descent brings us to the lift station and down to Les Praz.

This hike is one of the best for spotting alpine wildlife. The remote nature of the trails means that there is less disturbance from lift systems and fewer people, so the chances of seeing marmots and chamois are good! Bring your binoculars for bird watching of an evening outside the refuges. The accommodation on both nights is in mountain refuges. Comfortable and cosy but not luxurious, an authentic alpine experience.