1. 3 refuges walk - Stage 1

As you leave the Bayasse refuge, go across Le Bâchelard. At the first hairpin bend, take the path which leads towards Col des Esbéliousses. It heads through a larch forest with undergrowth which is provided with colour thanks to the woodland geraniums, the pink centauries and the darker phyteuma halleri. After the mountain stream and a few hairpin bends, you will reach the Petite Saume forest hut. Contine for 50m behind the house and you will discover, from up on the rocky cliff, the high Bachelard valley.
The path continues through the larch trees, tress of light, until you reach a remarkable avalanche zone. The damage on the opposite slope is easily visible. Further up, you will come out into the wide Grande Saume valley. Head alongside the mountain stream which winds its way through the grassy zone, which is a haven for wetland plants. You will come out at Col des Esbéliousses (2498m) where you can admire wild clumps of purple mountain saxifrage (be aware that snow patches can sometimes still be present as late as July). There is a clear view over Le Pelat (3050m) to the right and over Les Aiguilles du Trou de l'Aigle opposite.
Head down the Grande Cayolle valley until you reach the pastoral cabin of the National Forest Office. Go across the mountain stream, and head upwards, in the shade of the larches towards the Cayolle refuge, which is the endpoint of this first stage. The refuge will only become visible at the last moment, nestle in a natural hollow on the edge of a road, which became famous between the wars.