The stages from Certosa di pesio to Refuge Don Barbera

This itinerary begins in the Upper Pesio Valley, at one of the most important centres of monastic spirituality: the Carthusian monastery of Santa Maria, founded in 1173. This peaceful religious complex is the essential gateway to the Pian delle Gorre, which, with its homonymous refuge, is the starting point for a number of itineraries, including the famous “Tour of the Marguareis” and the “Véloroute du Duc”, emblematic of hiking in Northern Italy.

Two stages with a distinctly Alpine flavour and two nights’ accommodation in a refuge will take you to theAlta Via del Sale, before you start your descent into Liguria through the heart of the Marguareis Natural Park, with its Alpine passes, lonely lakes and breathtaking panoramas.

1. Caertosa di pesio at the CAI Garelli Refuge

Situated at an altitude of 900 metres in the heart of the Valle Pesio, the ancient Carthusian monastery is a jewel renowned for its silence and spirituality. A classic and much-loved excursion in the region, it is the starting point for the Tour du Marguareis and the Véloroute du Duc, as well as being the ideal gateway for the RivierAlp section to the CAI Garelli Refuge.

Leaving behind the contemplative atmosphere of its courtyards to immerse yourself in that of nature, you soon find yourself in the heart of the Marguareis Nature Park. A shady path among the pectoral firs leads to the Pian delle Gorre refuge, from where the path becomes mountainous, ascending to conquer the first Alpine pastures and breathtaking views; there, in an enchanting position, stands the modern building owned by the CAI in the distance.

An unmissable itinerary that perfectly combines history, nature and Alpine panoramas, offering hikers an excellent first “taste” of what this part of the Alps has to offer.

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2. Refuge CAI Garelli to Refuge Don Barbera

The second stage of the “Giro del Marguareis” begins a short distance to the east of the Refuge CAI Garelli, and this second section of the RivierAlp route, with access from Valle Pesio, is superimposed on it for around 1.5 km. Once you have reached Porta Sestrera, you cross the pass to descend and cross another RivierAlp section, the one that climbs from the CAI Mondovì – Havis De Giorgio refuge in Valle Ellero.

Both stop on the banks of the small Ratavuloira lake, before heading towards the Col du Pas. The route winds past 2,000 metres in the heart of the Parco del Marguareis, skirting majestic peaks such as Punta Emma and Cima Bozano.

You then descend to the Capanna Saracco-Volante, embellished by evocative black and white portraits on its walls, to head for the Refuge Don Barbera, a popular structure just a stone’s throw from the Col des Seigneurs, crossed by the Salt Route. This high-altitude stop-off offers Alpine panoramas of rare and profound beauty, capable of evoking archaic images.

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