Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 32/43

Attractive trail to the Col de Mille. Intoxicating: Mont Blanc and Grand Combin massifs in the morning light. Mules graze in this area. Huge alpine pastures on the descent to Bourg St. Pierre. Napoleon and his army also spent the night here in 1800.

The hike begins at Cabane Brunet, far from public transport; the nearest stop, Lourtier, La Barmasse, is well over a kilometre away. From the hut, the trail climbs across open meadows and pastures. Initially a wider hiking trail, it then becomes a mountain trail, steadily gaining elevation across the broad slopes.

Near the Col de Mille, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky. After around nine kilometres, the route reaches its highest point at 2,563 metres. About half of the 19 kilometres has now been covered, but the long descent still lies ahead. The mountain trail leads down open slopes before later entering sections of woodland.

The first houses appear at Creux du Mâ. The trail widens again and continues to lose elevation. Towards the end, it passes Notre Dame de Lorette and reaches Bourg-St-Pierre after just over six and a half hours. The Bourg-St-Pierre, Commune stop is just over 300 metres from the end point.