Hike to Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard from the hamlet of Le Buet

Another nice excursion in the nature reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges on Thursday, September 22 from the hamlet of Le Buet to the Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard; this former shelter is located at 1925m, renovated, built under a huge block to be protected from avalanches; the refuge is small and hidden deep in the Bérard valley. It is on the edge of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve.
The refuge of Pierre Berard is dominated by the Aiguilles Rouges 2966 m, the Aiguille de Bérard 2665 m , the Aiguille de Salenton 2671 m and 3099 m Mont Buet.
The Bérard valley was once a glacial cirque.
At the turn of the path, not far from the shelter, I took some pictures of a majestic wild goat, the patriarch of a group.

Hike to Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard from the hamlet of Le Buet.

Practical Information:

Map: IGN 3630OT Chamonix – Mont Blanc
Departure altitude: 1330 m
Arrival altitude: 1921 m
Elevation gain: 594m
Round Trip Distance: 10.6km (6.59 miles)
Schedule: 1:20 climb, descent: 1:00

Description of the route:

Departure is in the forest. From the parking lot of the Buet, take the signposted path. On reaching the chalets Poya, bear right to view the waterfall and cave Farinet.
Retrace your steps and continue along the path in the forest.
Advance to the Bérard valley. The valley is dominated on the right by the foothills of Buet and the left by the Aiguilles Rouges.
We see the refuge and big block of stone that once served as a landmark for shepherds to lead the flocks to the pasture.
The glaciers that were once much larger, dominate the site.
Continue on the trail; one last walk in the midst of vast expanses of rhododendrons leads to the shelter.