Gran Paradiso - Rhemes Notre Dame to Bien (in Valsavarenche) via Col di Entrelor

Looking back to Col Fenetre from Vallone di Entrelor

After the usual breakfast of bread and jam we set off across the river Dora di Rhemes, and up through  through the forest on route 10 climbing quickly as it was cold and the path took an easy but steady gradient. We emerged onto open meadow at about 2000m into the Vallone di Entrelor. The ascent continued past Alpage d'Entrelor and the fine arches of Alpage Plan des Freya.

Looking SW from the Col di Entrelor

The final approach to the col used some metal rungs bolted into into a rock that blocked the path. From here we had an eagle eyes view back down the route we had ascended. It makes the effort worthwhile and a certain feeling of self satisfaction.
The descent from Col di Entrelor (3007m) was an easy and pleasant gradient past Lac Noir (2666m) and Lac Djouan (2516m). The path headed NE on a high balcony path with fine views of Gran Paradiso and the route up from Rif Chabod that we had descended last Wednesday 13th Aug.

Col di Entrelor

We passed a large farm called Alpage Sopranaz at 2283m then a National park property before dropping into the forest for the final 600m of descent on route 7 to Creton and our campsite near Bien.
The campsite was camping Grivola at 1635m. It was next to a large hotel with a nice bar and restaurant and a small general store. The campsite facilities were excellent. After such a tough day we chose to eat in the hotel which was a good choice.
Lindsey had potato soup, followed by a quiche and walnut salad and a chocolate desert. I had a pancake for starter that had cheese and ham in it, followed by beef with roast potato then apple tart for desert. The meals cost 19euros each. One of the best meals we had this holiday.

Ascent 1352m
Descent 1435m
Dist. 15km

Looking east to Col Lauson

Looking SE from the col

Gran Paradiso

Gran Paradiso - Rif. Mario Bezzi to Rhemes Notre Dame via Col Fenetre

Looking west towards the French border above Rif. Mario Bezzi

We left Rifugio Mario Bezzi at 8.00am and climbed immediately on route 11 part of the Haute Route Glaciaire towards Rif Chalet d l'Epee. The path crossed a series of spurs and hanging valleys that remained high above Valgrisenche. We stopped at the refuge for some cake and fruit juice and sat on the patio as there was no room inside.

Morning
Ascent 770m
Descent 680m
Dist. 7km

Becca Refreita on the route 11

Having rested and refuelled with the cake, we left the Rif Chalet d l'Epee at 12.40 heading towards Col Fenetre (2849m) stopping for lunch at the last grassy point before the rock and scree to the col. The ascent was fairly gentle with numerous zig zags before reaching the narrow col that befits its name.

 Looking east to Gr de Rousse

On the east side the ground dropped alarmingly with very steep switch backs that tested the grip of our boots. The path dropped 1100m in 4km. Our knees were a little tender by the time we reached the valley. The route over Col Fenetre is on the AV2 and is described as suitable for most and on good paths! We passed a large herd of Ibex high up on the scree, a nun and someone running down!
Rhemes Notre Dame did not have the campsite that is described in the cicerone guide. It was washed away by the river and has not been replaced. All the hotels seemed to be full but we managed to get a B&B in a ski type apartment. After a good meal in one of the local hotels we slept well in our comfortable apartment with a bathroom; luxury. Rhemes Notre Dame is a pretty village geared towards winter sports rather than walkers. We could not seem to find a shop to stock up on provisions. The little alleyways beween the houses are worth exploring and there is a village square.

Afternoon
Ascent 500m
Descent 1100m
Dist. 7.5km

Valley to west of  Usellieres

Col de Fenetre

Steep descent on the east side of col de Fenetre