stage 5 of the TMB

Note: only the walking route is shown on the map.

Transport: Take the bus from the stop opposite the Grandes Jorasses campsite (Plampincieux) to the terminus (Arnuva):

(1) From there, follow the road, cross a bridge and when you reach a car park, take the path that climbs up opposite. It runs along the side of the Val Ferret opposite the Grandes Jorasses massif. The climb is fairly easy up to the Elena Refuge, despite a few late snowfields and short steep sections. The view from the refuge over the Pré le Bar and Triolet glaciers is magnificent.

(2) Next, take the signposted path behind the refuge, which you can see winding its way up. After a long, sometimes steep 45-minute climb (almost sideways up the mountain at one point), you will reach the Col du Grand Ferret.

(3) The Col Ferret marks the border with Switzerland (the view was somewhat obscured and very windy when we passed through, which was a shame...).
Then take the path that descends gently to the left towards the bottom of the valley (follow the painted posts; you are now in Switzerland and the path is well marked). Here again, you may encounter marmots. You will then arrive at a few hairpin bends that lead to the Ferme de la Peule (restaurant, toilets).

(4) From the farm, there are two options: either take the wide path that you can see from the farm among the pastures, or take the path that starts behind the yurts.
We opted for the second option and didn't regret it.
It is a small balcony path which climbs at one point, but don't worry.

(5) You will reach a small building (Le Plampro) in a meadow. Take the path on the right towards the valley. You will cross a conifer forest and a little further on you will come to a crossroads.

(6) Take the path (this is the^GR® du TMB) towards La Fouly, on the left. The path continues downhill until you reach a small bridge on the left overlooking the Merdenson torrent.
Take this bridge and then take the path that branches off to the right. Leave the path on your left that climbs up to the Refuge de la Léchère. The trail soon comes out onto a wider, vehicle-accessible road: take this road to the left. Pass a chalet on your right, then a little further on, take a path that branches off to the right between the sheep pastures. The path leads down to the Drance torrent: cross the bridge and climb back up to the road. Turn left towards La Fouly (about 1 km).

(7) When you arrive in La Fouly, on the right: Tourist Office (information on taking the coach), further on, a small supermarket (expensive - €9.70 for a loaf of bread and a piece of cheese! - but friendly staff) and a little further on, a coach stop (after a small square) (E).

Transport: 'Escale' in Orsières (where you can buy supplies), then get off at Champex at the cable car station (ask the bus driver)

From the cable car station, take the small path that goes down to the left. It joins a small road: turn right. After about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the Arpette relay (see route on the map for stage 6): campsite with kitchen area, dormitories, restaurant.

Bus in Val Ferret: £1.80 per person
Coach in Switzerland: £10.00 per person from La Fouly to Champex via Orsières (depending on the exchange rate).
Camping at the Relais d'Arpette: 13.50 CHF per person (shower included) (approx. £12.00)
Dormitories at Relais d'Arpette: from 66.00 CHF per person (shower included) (approx. £57.00)
The showers and toilets at Relais d'Arpette are superb and very clean.
Unlimited hot water for showers (a nice change from Italy)

Lake Champex