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Goléon
Valley
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Two mountain walks exploring the fine, but isolated Goléon valley. The routes are ski-mountaineering classics but attract only a few visitors in summer. There is a striking contrast between the traffic on the Galibier road nearby and the isolation of the Goléon valley. For col du Goléon, 1100m and 3h30, and for Aiguille d'Argentière, 1500m and 5 hours. Updated 03.07.2004.
The two routes have the same start and most of the way up is on the same path. From Valloire, drive to les Verneys and Bonnenuit on the Galibier road, and, 500m after Bonnenuit, turn right on to a trail that leads down to the Lauzette valley floor. Stop near a bridge over the Valloirette (1758m, "Col du Goléon" signpost).
Route
Take the fine flat trail that goes west across the Mortavieille vale. It goes up a little under Granges Chevillon (sheep barns) then down again at the end of the gorge (1904m). The path then leaves the valley floor and ascends the grassy slopes to the right, to reach a group of ruined chalets (2064m).
At a bridge over the Goléon stream, leave the trail to your left and go up the grassy slopes that give access to Vallon du Goléon. The path reappears higher up and, apart from a few passages on the upper valley, will go all the way to Col du Goléon. This first lower valley ends at the very steep and austere Pas du Goléon. Leave that first valley by climbing about 200m up a steeper grass slope, to reach the upper Combe du Goléon. The col is at the end of the left part of the new coomb (photo).
Upper Goléon coomb (Click to enlarge)
Stay near the middle of the wide coomb and head for a grassy ridge that has to be ascended on the left (find the path again). Stay on that path; it climbs up the coomb (numerous cairns), then turns left and comes out at the col. The end is steeper, but not really difficult. See the panorama from the col below.
180° panorama from col du Goléon, towards the west
Aiguille d'Argentière
(soon)
Descent
Same route for both destinations.