In reply to Mark Haward:
I've used the Club Alpin Chalet au Tour as a base on a number of occasions and there were always people looking for partners. OK it's going back a bit, over 15 years ago but probably still as valid. In the past they allowed a few tents to be left in the grounds which was very convenient, being able to profit from the facilities ( decent cheap food, showers etc ) but getting a guaranteed good nights sleep.
Good advice from Mark ! I could write a book about my experiences with 'casual partners ( not of a sexual kind) ! Problem is, when you are promised 3 or 4 days good weather, you tend to get over enthusiastic and readily accept all the 'porkies' your prospective partner throws at you ! 20 years on, my Dent de Géant-Grand Jorasses traverse remains the perfect example. Getting to the Canzio hut was fine, things became difficult from there on ! The poor guy was threatened, dragged, coerced and finally hugged when it was all over. Needless to say, we didn't keep in touch !