The autumn has been very dry and sunny in Savoie.
Yesterday we went to Grand Naves, above the villages of Petit Coeur in the Tarentaise. We wanted to make the most the superb weather with this south-facing valley over-looked by the summit of the Quermoz (2300m).
We climbed steadily through the alpine pastures, with the grass now brown. A path led through the “arcosses” to the Chalet de Bozon and the broad ridge. We stopped for a picnic with a huge panoramic view extending from the Italian frontier hills, Mont Pourri, La Grande Casse, La Grand Motte, through the Dome de Chasseforet. The path climbed gently along the ridge to the summit where several other small groups were enjoying the sunshine, views and warmth despite the altitude. It was a convivial moment with coffee and genepi being shared. The descent started along a narrow-ish ridge before a col gave access to a good path descending steadily to the valley below the refuge Nant du Beurre. From here we followed a variant of the Tour du Beaufortain back to Grand Naves.
