You can call this route special in every way. The Glacier Noir is less known than the route to the Glacier Blanc but it is impressive because of the exceptionally beautiful views of the northern walls of Mont Pelvoux, the Pic Sans Nom, the Pic de Coup de Saber and the Ailefroide Centrale. On the other hand, the walk is also special because you follow the path on the ridge of the moraine to above the Balmes de François Blanc (2469 meters). At the Balmes de François Blanc you can see clearly where in 1979 the Glacier Noir and the ice of the Col des Avalanches were still one glacier mass. The gem tracks on the moraine tell you that this walk makes a meeting with these agile climbers possible.
Distance: 7 km.
Time: 3h00.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Back and forth.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Not allowed.
Height gain: 640 meters.
Trail: 100% unpaved.
Marking: Signs untill WP1.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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A majestic view of the north walls.
From the Refuge Pré de Madame Carle, take the path to the northwest. The path rises slightly in a larch forest and enters a moraine area. After crossing the Torrent de la Momie and then the Torrent Glacier Noir, the path starts to rise through hairpin bends, you arrive at a crossing with a sign. Here you take the path to the left and now follow the only path on the moraine ridge to above the Balmes de François Blanc (2469 m). Here the path stops and you return via the same route to the starting point.
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The path on the edge of the moraine is easy to pass but there are a few narrower strips where concentration is necessary.
POI 1 - Glacier Noir.
From the moraine above the Balmes de François Blanc you can see that the glacier is broken in two. The tongue is now a 'dead' glacier, which is separate from the rest of the glacier that is still regularly fed with eternal snow from above. In 1979 this point, where the Glacier Noir merges with the ice of the Col des Avalanches, was one closed glacier mass. The dimensions are unprecedented, it feels like one of the last untouched corners of Europe.
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