Bivouac on the Balcony of Mont Blanc: the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions13 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the joys of trekking and bivouacking on a 3-day self-supported hike in the Aiguilles Rouges massif. Located opposite Mont Blanc in the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges massif offers a fabulous playground for lovers of wide-open spaces. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, the massif alternates between a stark, rocky terrain at its summits and lush greenery on its slopes. Wildlife thrives here, and it's not uncommon to spot ibex and marmots.
Accompanied by our guide, this wild and little-traveled route is perfect for embarking on a multi-day trek. The campsites are ideally located, far from the more frequented areas of the mountain range, guaranteeing a complete change of scenery and tranquility. You'll actively participate in setting up camp and preparing meals. The guide will also cover the basics of mountain safety and provide you with the necessary tips and practices for trekking with complete freedom.
The highlights
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A wild route ideal for bivouacking
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Self-guided trekking
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Small group instruction to ensure full enjoyment
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 710 m
- Average daily descent: 704 m
- Maximum altitude: 2650 m
Management
French
Guided by a mountain guide specializing in trekking for a group of up to 8 people.
Your guide is a true enthusiast! They will lead you along the trails and share their extensive knowledge of the environment. Beyond their expertise in safety and navigation, they will introduce you to the region's treasures: natural (wildlife, flora, minerals, terrain, etc.) and cultural (people, traditions, legends, cuisine, heritage, etc.). They will help you appreciate the group adventure and make your stay unforgettable.
Program
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Barberine - Veudale
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Maximum altitude 2300 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We meet in Barberine, a stone's throw from the Swiss border. After meeting your guide, we divide up the equipment and food needed for our two nights of bivouacking. We begin our first ascent towards the Emosson Dam via a wild and little-used trail. We then continue through the Combe de la Veudale valley to our ideally situated bivouac site. This evening, we set up camp and prepare dinner together. Enjoy this first peaceful night in the heart of the mountains.
Day 1 -
Veudale - Loriaz
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 930 m
- Negative elevation 1230 m
- Maximum altitude 2650 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin this beautiful day of hiking at the foot of the imposing Cheval Blanc. We continue through the stunning and wild Tré les Eaux valley, where we'll take a break to appreciate the beauty of the place. A final climb to the Loriaz alpine pasture and its breathtaking panorama concludes this timeless day. We set up camp and prepare dinner together. The sunset offers us a magnificent spectacle. We spend the night in tents in the Loriaz alpine pastures.
Day 2 -
Loriaz - Barberine
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Negative elevation 880 m
- Maximum altitude 2120 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After taking the time to admire the seemingly close Mont Blanc massif, we begin our descent along a beautiful path back to our starting point at Barberine. It's time to return to the valley and its civilization, our heads full of memories!
Day 3
Note
The program and itinerary are provided as a guide only. Your guide reserves the right to adapt the program according to the group's abilities and the conditions.
Accommodation
Bivouac in a 2-person tent (3-person tent).
The tent and mattress are provided. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Access
Go to the starting point
From the Chamonix valley or from the Trient valley in Switzerland.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a State-Certified Mountain Guide
- Loan of camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, stove, cooking equipment)
- Lunch picnics, dinner, breakfast
- A phone call the day before to prepare the equipment, check the weather conditions...
The price does not include
- Personal hiking equipment (clothing, 50L backpack, shoes, sleeping bag, poles…)
- Transport to the trek's starting point and from the dispersal point (accessible by local train or bus)
- Personal expenses, drinks…
- Cancellation or multi-risk insurance must be purchased at the time of registration.
- Tips (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)
- Everything not listed in the price includes
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Tent and sleeping mat
- Camping equipment: stove, cooking equipment, utensils, water filter...
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag
- Walking sticks recommended
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5L)
- Multi-purpose knife
- A headlamp
- Camera
- A lightweight hiking backpack of approximately 60 liters. Bring a rain poncho.
- Category 4 sunglasses preferred, and a case
- Sunscreen SPF 50 minimum
- If you have any personal camping equipment such as cutlery or a bowl, please feel free to bring it and let us know.
- A rubbish bag to take the rubbish back down
- Toiletries (microfiber towel, washcloth, toothbrush, biodegradable soap or wipes...)
- Toilet paper
Clothing to bring
For the head:
- A hat or headband
- A hat or a cap
A buff or scarf to protect against dust and sun
For the bust:
- Breathable and comfortable short-sleeved T-shirts (preferably made from natural fibers)
- Breathable and comfortable long-sleeved T-shirts (preferably made from natural fibers)
- Micropolar or equivalent (second layer)
- Fleece or softshell jacket
- Gore-Tex type protective jacket (third layer)
A lightweight down jacket
For the legs:
- Hiking pants convertible into shorts or not
- Lightweight protective trousers, such as Gore-Tex.
Gaiters or stoppers, depending on the conditions
For the feet:
- Comfortable socks. Choose a size smaller to avoid blisters. Comfortable, waterproof high-top hiking boots: don't start with brand new shoes to avoid blisters.
Comfortable shoes for the evening at the accommodations
For the hands:
- Lightweight fleece-type gloves
They traveled with us
