Wednesday September 4th: Day 1

 Modane to Refuge de l’Orgère

The refuge wasn’t available to us tonight because it had been booked for a school party, so we had a day to fill and an extra night in the Modane hotel. We had a brief chat and thought that the best way of spending the day would be to go for a walk. Modane is a small industrial town and there wasn’t a lot of choice of walks, so we did the obvious- we did the “Day 1” of the Tour de Vanoise from the town up to the refuge anyway.
We wondered about getting a taxi back )as a taxi is booked to take us up tomorrow) but, at €70, we thought that was a bit pricey and, as the return was all downhill, we decided to walk back!

The start proper of the tour is over a bridge over a very fast flowing river: fairly symbolic of the transition from the industrial town and the mountain walk, notwithstanding the considerable height to be gained. 

The start of the tour

Just over the bridge was the first route indicator- these were well placed on a good path (based on today’s experience, at least). 

The first signpost

Most of the walk was up steeply through coniferous forests. The Alpine Exploratory routecard says that this is a tough start to the trail. 

Up steeply through the woods

There was the occasional glimpse of the surrounding mountains through the trees. 

Eventually, we left the forests at Pierre Brune, where there is an isolated chalet. 

Chalet at Pierre Brune

Shortly afterwards we reached the refuge where we had a great lunch of omelettes but, surprisingly, pomme frites were not available!

Refuge de l’Ogère (no chips!)

After lunch, we just ambled back down to Modane.

A walk of 12km with 885m ascent.