Leaving the hotel, you’ll take a pleasant route, alongside the river, to the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. A little further on is a Roman bridge, evidence of a Roman road, as you make a steady climb to the first of today’s 3 cols; Col du Bonhomme (2,329 m / 7,641 ft). A further climb takes your group to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,483 m / 8,146 ft) and, if the weather is good, you’ll be able to take a less-traveled path up to the Col des Fours (2,655 m / 8,743 ft). Afterward, drop down into the scenic Vallée des Glaciers, and on to your base for the night at the Refuge des Mottets.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain refuge or guest house
Hiking: 13.7 miles (22 km), 8-9 hours
Elevation: +5,250 ft / -3,084 ft (+1,600 m / -940 m)