Champagny-le-Haut – Refuge du Col du Palet

(S) Setting off from the Refuge du Bois in the beautiful, steep-sided valley of Champagny-le-Haut, with the Grande Motte in your sights, walk past the church and turn right at the crossroads.

(1) When you reach the stream, follow it to the hamlet of Friburge.

(2) Cross the bridge, then after 200 metres take the small path on the left. Follow the stream in this way to the Laisonnay d’en Bas bridge, which you must cross.

(3). Walk past the car park to the next bridge spanning the Py waterfall and immediately turn left onto the steep, ascending path. The slope is steep as you begin a significant climb of 1,000 m. Keep following the waterfall all the way, then continue past the Refuge de Plaisance.

(4) Cross the waterfall and go round the Cul du Nant cirque on the right. Continue along this path, which passes close to Lac du Plan Séry.

(5) You will then reach the pass of the same name.

(6) Carry on until you reach a Y-junction with a view of Lac de La Plagne below.

(7) Do not head down towards the lake refuge but carry on to the right. The path follows the same contour line for a while, offering a beautiful view of Lac de La Plagne all along the way. The path then climbs towards a ridge, joining the^GR®5a little further on.

(8) Turn right onto it and continue straight on until you reach Lake Gratteleu.

(9) Go over a hill. 50 metres after the lake, leave the^GR®5to the left and, finally, begin the climb towards the Refuge du Palet (E), just a stone’s throw away.

IGN 1:25,000 map or GPS.
A good hooded sleeping bag and, if necessary, a groundsheet for chilly nights.