Amid stunning natural landscape, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful sections of this trail that enjoys a scenic overlook. The gradient is fairly gentle, although the walk can be strenuous due to its length (2 hrs to 2 hrs 30 one way). Perfect for an all-day hike. From the refuge, head down to Granges della Valle at 1,770 m, where the overlook path begins. The trail passes the chapel and crosses the village halfway up the hill. From here, take the path deep into the larch forest near a house set against a large rock. Then, continue along a well-signposted path through the larch forest until you reach Granges de Clot de Brun, where you can stock up on water. From Granges, follow the well-signposted path as it crosses over to reach a lookout point offering spectacular views of Fort d'Exilles and the Val de Suse. Still at mid-slope, there is a gentle, steady climb that cuts through a grassy valley below the summit of Vallone. If you're lucky, at the start of the season in May or June, you may be able to spot ibex in the stretch known as Javelle. Skirting the superb Dents de Chiomonte, (Mountain dog's teeth) - high peaks of various shapes and sizes of excellent limestone - the path quickly takes you to the opening of Pertus. As you make your way along the path, take special care to avoid slipping on the grassy strips.
In autumn or during particularly drier periods, as you cross the tunnel, you can see the chiselled marks in the rock and, at regular intervals, the niches that were used to hang lanterns to see if the tunnel was being bored in the right direction. You can also see faces, crosses and even the Dauphiné fleur-de-lys carved into the stone.
This route retraces the captivating history and legend of the Colombano Romean tunnel, a fascinating piece of industrial archaeology and an incredible work of hydraulic engineering. A tunnel approximately 500 m long, bored at an altitude of 2000 m by one man, Colombano Romean, who spent 7 years, single-handedly, excavating it, at a rate of around 20 cm a day. Every day, his dog travelled back and forth between his master and the village of Ramats to bring him his lunch... and that's where legend becomes history.
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