Monviso Tour
Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the heart of the Italian Alps with the Monviso Tour. This iconic trek promises an immersive journey into the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Monviso region. As you traverse rugged mountain trails and verdant valleys, you’ll be captivated by the towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and cascading waterfalls that characterize this pristine landscape. From the historic Traversette Gallery to the charming alpine refuges scattered along the route, each step of the journey offers a glimpse into the region’s storied past and unparalleled natural splendor. Join us as we explore the wonders of the Monviso Tour, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in local traditions, and create memories to last a lifetime.
- Where: Monviso, Piedmont, Italy
- Multi day hike
- Distance: 48km
- Average Duration:3-4 days
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Total elevation Gain:
- Loop
- Start/Finish: Pian Della Regina
Who is this hike for?
The Monviso Tour is for everyone who has a long weekend and doesn’t like big crowds when hitting the trails. This hike is mostly an E track (which means it is doable by most people).
Day 1 | Pian della Regina to Rifugio Quintino Sella
- Distance: 10km
- Average Duration: 3-4h
- Difficulty level: E
- Total elevation Gain: 900m
It is the shortest of the three stages of the Monviso Circuit, and it also serves as the classic access route to Rifugio Quintino Sella. The trail is quite popular, but also extremely rewarding, both for the sequence of beautiful lakes encountered and for the majestic presence of the “Stone King.”
You can either park at Pian della Regina or Pian del Re. You’ll have to pay around 15E per day at Pian del Re. Pian della Regina has free parking, so that’s where I park the car.
From Pian delle Regina (1770m), a mule track will take you to Pian del Re. Passed Pian del Re, the track will lead you to the source of the River Po. Pretty wow, thinking that the longest river in Italy starts there (682km).
From here, You will pass Lake Fiorenza (2100) till you arrive at Lake Chiaretto (2261m) with its characteristic milky blue colour (when I get there, it is partly cloudy, but if you get on a sunny day, you won’t be disappointed! From here, follow the Quintino Sella Refuge/Hut, which will unfold the breathtaking landscapes of Monviso.
Day 2 | Rifugio Quintino Sella to Rifugio Viso
- Distance: 16km
- Average Duration: 5-6h
- Difficulty level: Medium (E)
- Total elevation Gain: 850m
A long but fulfilling stage winds first through wild high-altitude environments amidst scree fields and glacial lakes, then descends to the edges of the famous Swiss stone pine forest of Alevè. The stage concludes with an ascent through the Vallanta Valley, amidst extensive pastures, towards the eponymous refuge. Before departure, at dawn, it is an absolute must to witness the spectacle of the sunrise directly in front of Rifugio Sella.
From Rifugio Quintino Sella (2640 m), the trail embarks on a scenic journey, initially tracing the shores of Lake Grande di Viso (2599 m) before ascending towards Passo Gallarino. As the path steepens, weaving through tight switchbacks, it reaches the pass (2728 m), offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The route continues across rocky basins to Passo di San Chiaffredo (2764 m), skirting past Lago Lungo and Lago Bertin amidst vast scree fields.
Descending into a steep channel, the trail navigates a series of switchbacks and rocky outcrops, eventually leading to a detrital plateau and further descent to lower ground. Entering a dense coniferous forest marked by Swiss stone pines and larches, the path winds through the trees, occasionally diverted by confusing shortcuts, until emerging at Pian Meyer (2126 m). Bypassing the trail towards Rifugio Bagnour, the descent continues through the forest, eventually reaching the ruins of Grange Gheit (1935 m). Crossing the Torrente Vallanta and ascending towards Rifugio Vallanta (2444 m), the journey concludes amidst the rugged beauty of the Monviso region.
From Rifugio Vallanta (2444 m), a trail (marked U14) heads north, distinct from another towards Rifugio Gagliardone. Crossing alpine meadows with a diagonal traverse, it ascends steeply in switchbacks, then traverses rocky walls to a junction, where the right branch leads to Passo di Vallanta (2811 m). Descending, marked by white-red markers, it becomes challenging, traversing scree fields and large boulders. A steep descent precedes a traverse to Lac Lestio, then continues gently to Refuge du Viso (2460 m), passing through grassy slopes and crossing a small stream.
This is the only Refuge in France, and you will have to pay 10 euros to pitch your tent.
Are you visiting the whole Piedmont region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Day 3 | Rifugio Viso to Giacoletti
- Distance: 12km
- Average Duration: 6-6h
- Difficulty level: Medium to Difficult (E-EE)
- Total elevation Gain: 1000m
From Rifugio Viso(2460 m), you will pass the Belvedere du Viso and the Bergerie du Gran Vallon ruins. From there, You will enter the Traversette Gallery, also known as the “Buco di Viso” (2882 m).
The Traversette Gallery, possibly the first alpine tunnel, was constructed between 1475 and 1480, measuring approximately two meters in height and three meters in width. It facilitated trade between Grenoble and Saluzzo, bypassing the hazardous Colle delle Traversette. Restoration efforts, funded in 1878 and 1907, aimed to reopen the tunnel, which faced closures due to landslides and snow. Recent initiatives have improved access, including extending the exit with a concrete tunnel on the French side in 2014. However, questions remain about the suitability of modern interventions for restoring the historic tunnel carved into bare rock.
After passing the Buco di Viso, you will follow a mule track to the junction with the “Sentiero del Postino” (Postman’s Trail); this is probably the challenging part of the whole track. You will follow the airy grassy ledge on the eastern slope of Punta Venezia and pass beyond the Colour Bianco scree. To finally arrive at the Refuge Giacoletti (2741 m).
Day 4 | Refuge Giacoletti to Pian della Regina
- Distance: 8km
- Average Duration: 3-3.30h
- Difficulty level: Medium (E)
- Total elevation Gain: 200m
This section is all descending. So if you hate going downhill like I do…GOOD LUCK! I have no happy memories about this section!
The Monviso Tour offers a good option to the TMB (the Tour of Mont Blanc) which is now very crowded. This hike will also take you around my fav mountain ever.
With careful planning, proper equipment, and an appreciation for the trail’s unique challenges, you will enjoy a memorable 4-day adventure around the “King of Stone”, aka Monviso.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a nature enthusiast, this trail promises an unforgettable experience along the breathtaking Alps.
👇🏻Feel free to book a “Discover Italy like a Local” with me 👇🏻
Catch You Outside,
Elena
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog allowed?
Yes, You can take your puppy… but only if you collect their 💩!!
Where to Sleep? Tent?
You can either sleep at the refuges (you better book in advance) or sleep in your tent in designated areas near the huts.
Difficulty
E and one section EE, you can skip the EE section tho and go directly to Pian della Regina.
Credentials?
No
Best months to hike it?
Summer. June (late) to October (early)
What to bring?
This is a quite remote hike so must have is a beacon and be prepared for any kind of weather.
Trail waymarking
Well signed, but easy to miss the right trail as it crosses many other trails, so make sure you have the GPX 🙂
Planning Information
You can either park at Pian della Regina or Pian del Re. You’ll have to pay around 15E per day at Pian del Re. Pian della Regina has free parking, so that’s where I park the car.
Getting there & Away
Must have a car. Maybe there are some buses but not every day. And wouldn’t suggest it anyway!
Permits & Fees
No
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the data contained in this description.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The paths may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
Do you still have a question?
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Consultation
I always try to write everything I can to give the best possible informations, but if you feel like you need a specific and tailored consultation, feel free to book a one-on-one consultation to address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide support throughout the planning process.❤️
