Col des Ayes from Brunissard

We had previously done a loop hike from Brunissard via Col de Néal where the first stretch of the hike ran along the famous GR5 long distance trail.

We now wanted to explore the GR5 as far as to Col de Ayes (2477 m). Starting from Brunissard, the first less interesting part followed the road to the vast camping. It then climbed to Le Pré Premier and further along a dusty dirt road which went to the Chalets of Claypeto. Just before the chalets, the GR5 forked right towards Col des Ayes, and we were finally surrounded by a beautiful high alpine landscape. The first part was moderately steep, then levelled off a bit before a final ascent to the mountain pass.

Leaving Brunissard

Above l'Eychaillon

Chalets de Clapeyto in background

From the col, we had great views towards the mountain massifs northwest of Briançon and to the massifs bordering Italy in the Queyras Regional Park in the southeast. The col was well frequented and there appeared to be trekkers on a several day tour with heavy gear.

If you want to avoid the first part of the itinerary it is always possible to drive up the parking near the camping ground.

It was another heatwave day in the region, and very warm at almost 2500 m altitude where we took our pause before returning back to Brunissard.