At the foot of the Aiguilles d’Arves via Basse du Gerbier

Accessible to all, this is THE hike to get as close as possible to the Aiguilles d’Arves.

Laura

A keen hiker, I travel the Maurienne valley to share the most beautiful trails and landscapes in the Alps.

9am - Relai du Chalmieu car park (1910 m)

I’m picking up some friends in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and heading for the Relai du Chalmieu car park in Montrond. Our objective for the day: to reach the Basse du Gerbier, at the foot of the Aiguilles d’Arves!

After a forty-minute drive, we arrived at the car park at around 9am. For a hike of almost five hours, we prefer to leave early, before the midday heat. At that hour, the car park was still quiet. From the start, the Aiguilles d’Arves already dominate the landscape.

As is often the case before setting off, everyone checks their bag: water, hat and sun cream. We cross alpine pastures throughout the loop and there are few shady areas.

Once the bags are closed, the poles adjusted and the last details checked: “the car keys are in this pocket”, we’re ready!

The yellow signs point in the direction of the Basse du Gerbier. The loop takes around 4 hours 45 minutes to complete, with 705 metres of ascent. Let’s go!

The sound of the torrent

The hike starts gently downhill on a wide, stony track. You really get the impression that the Aiguilles are just around the corner! The famous “tête de chat” (cat’s head) lives up to its name! In the distance we see a chalet, signposted “Le Chalet d’la Croë”, so we decide to save this spot for a break on the way back from the loop. The path then crosses a small stream before continuing into the mountain pastures. The gradient gradually becomes noticeable. We take a break to have a drink and put on some sun cream. From the bridge, we take time to look at the landscape.

For a while, the path runs alongside the water. The sound of the torrent accompanies the walk and makes the progress quite peaceful. All around us, the mountain pastures are still in full bloom, despite the advancing summer.

The whistling of the marmots

As you make your way through the mountain pastures, another sound catches your attention: the whistling of marmots. You only have to stop for a few seconds to hear it. The cry echoes from one slope to the next.

We try to work out where it’s coming from. Sometimes a head appears between two rocks, then disappears immediately. The marmots remain cautious, but their presence reminds us that we are walking in a very lively environment.

12:30 - Basse du Gerbier (2541 m)

After a steady climb, we reached the Basse du Gerbier pass in the late morning. The pass marks a slight change in atmosphere: the terrain opens up and the view opens up to the surrounding peaks.

We take time out for a break. The rucksacks are put down and everyone takes out something to nibble on. From this point, the Aiguilles d’Arves can be seen from a different angle. You can see the relief and ridges more clearly.

The wind blows over the pass, making it a pleasant stop after the climb. A few hikers passed by, exchanged a few words and then continued on their way.

After a bite to eat and a few minutes to take a breather, we continue our descent to continue the loop.

Gourmet break Le chalet d'la Croë

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4pm - Chalet d'la Croë

The loop was almost complete when we reached the chalet at la Croë. It’s impossible to walk past it without stopping. We sat down for a few minutes on the terrace and ordered a toast to the hike.

It’s easy to raise a glass: the loop is almost complete and the morning has served its purpose. We continue to enjoy the view of the mountain pastures and the Aiguilles d’Arves, while reflecting on the route we’ve taken.

After this break, there’s not much left to walk to the Relai du Chalmieu car park. One last quiet stretch before returning to the car. One of our favourite moments: taking off our shoes!

The day ends simply, with the feeling of having walked well and enjoyed the scenery all the way round.