Mercantour - Alpes Maritimes - Around Mont Ténibre - Stage 1

1 point of interest

  • Refuge

    Lac de Vens and refuge

    The Vens refuge only has a warden during the summer months. In winter, only one room is open to allow hikers to shelter. The Vens refuge overlooks a series of lakes of the same name. These lakes are of glacial origin, they are the result of a long erosion process by glaciers. The lake below the refuge (the biggest) is 31 metres deep. Ibex, chamois, mouflons and golden eagles can often be seen at the site. Very close to the refuge, you can see the endemic plant which was for a long time the symbol of the Mercantour National Park: Saxifraga florulenta.

    Club Alpin Français: Capacity: 45 in summer and 30 in winter (no warden)

    Reservations only be e-mail in summer: http://refugedevens.ffcam.fr/reservation.html

    No shower, meal included

Description

From the refuge, first of all head up the upper valley of Pontebernardo after the campsite before taking a right fork and following the track which goes to the pastures of the Stau valley. Leave the track shortly afterwards, turning left onto the stony path and hairpin bends of Collet de Panieris. At the signpost for the col, head west and go over the Pas des Blanches (2655m), heading downhill on the French side of the Collet de Tortisse (2591m) and its characteristic arch marker 35a. The descent to the Vens refuge takes place along the path which overlooks the lakes markers 24 and 25.
  • Departure : Talarico refuge
  • Arrival : Vens refuge
  • Towns crossed : Pietraporzio, Argentera, and Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

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