Refuge Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Hell Bourg

(S) Night-time departure from the Caverne Dufour refuge. Follow the white markings on the rocks to reach the summit of Piton des Neiges. Descend via the same route back to the Dufour refuge.
(1) Return to the refuge via the reverse route.

(S) Leave the refuge on the right, heading towards Hell Bourg, via the GRR1, marked in red and white. Reach the Caverne Mussard at the Cap des Anglais crossroads.

(2) Turn left if the weather is dry (otherwise, see alternative route in the Practical Information section), pass the ladders and continue the descent. Reach the Bras Sec stream.

(3) Cross it and you will soon come to a path junction; continue straight ahead. Then cross several stream branches to reach the Ruisseau des Trois Cascades.

(4) Continue left, soon reaching a viewpoint, and carry on to the Hell Bourg stadium, today’s destination (E).

Alternative:
(2) Option to continue on the GRR1 opposite and follow it to reach Hell Bourg, a route recommended in wet weather.

No water available, not even at the refuge (except in bottles). Mountain equipment required (hat, gloves, three-layer clothing, walking poles) and mid-cut boots. Poncho or rainwear. It took us 10½ hours due to the rain, as the ground was extremely slippery and our rucksacks were heavy.

(1) The sunrise from Piton des Neiges (3,025 m) – unforgettable.

(E) Hell Bourg Forest House.