at the foot of Mont Blanc there is one of the most beautiful refuges in the Alps

With the French word Preindicates a grass-covered land used for animal feeding, either by grazing or mowing, or both (Larousse dictionary). Yes, but why the encyclopedic note? It is to introduce you to the discovery of a unique site in France, halfway between the Ecrins National Park and Mont Blanc: it is Le Pré de Madame Carle, a mountain pasture and refuge located less than 2000 meters above sea level, with an unsurpassed view of this corner of the Alps. And it is also a pleasant motorcycling adventure which, for those who live in Northern Italy, is not so difficult to replicate in a day. On and off?

Pré de Madame Carle on motorbike. The itinerary

Map

If you can’t see the route correctly, Click here

Path

The climb to the Refuge du Pré de Madame Carle starts from the town of Vallouise, and lasts just over 13 kilometers. An ascent to be done by motorbike (preferably enduro) without particular complications, and almost linear. The first 7 kilometers, until the arrival at Ailephroid, are characterized by slopes varying between 1 and 8%. The next 6.2 km are more difficult, with the average gradient around 8-9% and a peak of 13.4% for a short distance of 100 metres. This way you arrive at the summit, where the refuge is located, at an altitude of 1876 m above sea level after having overcome a difference in altitude of 720 metres. For those coming from Italy, Vallouise can be reached by taking the Montgenèvre Hillthen N94 for Briancon. From here always N94 until the crossroads Prellesthen D4 for Les Vigneaux and D994E for Vallouise.

Pré de Madame Carle: the lady’s refuge and the most beautiful park in France

The road that leads to Pré de Madame Carle recalls some scenery of Alaska and the American mountains

Located at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park, the Refuge au Pré de Madame Carle it is an ideal place to reach by motorbike, for the simple pleasure of traveling towards something different. It is not an adventure spanning thousands of kilometres, nor a climb that redefines the concept of motorbike tourism, but for those moving from Piedmont it is a 300 km adventure (round trip) that can be organized in 1-2 days, perhaps with the arrival of the beautiful season. In fact, if in spring snow still reigns supreme in this area, in summer the many possible excursions into the greenery are an unmissable invitation to travel. And with them, also chamois and marmots, not so infrequent presences while enjoying a mug of beer or a typical dish of the area at almost 2000 meters above sea level.

The refuge is also an access point for climbers who want to conquer the summit Mont Pelvouxat 3946 m above sea level and whose first climb dates back to 1828. Almost 200 years of Alpine adventures for the mountain which, before 1860 (when the French obtained Nice and Savoy from Italy in exchange for Lombardy-Veneto), was Also the highest in all of France. For those who want to enjoy a relaxing or tasty break, the refuge is open from March 16th to November 3rd7 days a week, with bar-restaurant hours from 11.30am to 8pm.

What to see in the surrounding area

The Torrent de Saint Pierre, which flows in the gorges near the Pré de Madame Carle

The area within which we have defined the Pré de Madame Carle itinerary is characterized by wild and authentic nature, where you can be conquered by slow rhythms, defined by the sun, snow and rain. The Gorges d’Ailefroide, magnificent gorges along the arrival route, are ideal for those looking for via ferratas and the excitement that these places in France can offer. TO Puy-Saint-Vincent you ski along dozens of kilometers of slopes, while in the nearby L’Argentière-la-Bessée there is one of the most beautiful climbing gyms in the area.