We walked through the village, heading west. After about 400 m, we came to a crossroads and an informative signpost where we forked right along a road named Lou Caire, passing several chalets. The itinerary then followed a dirt track, partly in the woods. After about 2 km we again forked right, and climbed more steeply, passing the Bergerie de l’Alp.

After the hut (no livestock on that day), we ascended in a vast Alpine meadow, heading northeast. The trail zigzagged in the open terrain, and was well marked with yellow sticks so that you always had the next one visible when climbing. Just before the summit we passed a short rocky and narrow stretch, nothing difficult. We only met two other hikers on the trail.

The summit was marked with a cross. Not surprisingly, we were rewarded with super views. The north-eastern flank was precipitous. The ridge trail continued south-east. 

We returned along the same trail, as planned in the morning. A somewhat longer option would have been a loop via Crête de Batailler to Col du Clot du Loup, and back to the starting point. 

Climb: 880 m

Distance: 11,5 km

Duration: 5h 20

Map: 3637 OT Mont Viso St-Véran. Aiguilles PNR du Queyras