Circular route around the Refuge du Soplat des Nants

A little-known route in the mid-mountains, ideal for enjoying the cool summer air with a stop at the Refuge du Soplat des Nants and its plateau, perfect for a family picnic.
Route only accessible from May to October.

Details

3197467
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.04 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 280 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 287 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,499 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,277 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access: to reach the starting point, pass through the village of La Bâthie on the D990, near the N90 interchange, south of the town of Tours-en-Savoie. Take the D65 and climb up to the hamlet of Le Daru, passing through the hamlets of La Coutaz, Le Fugier, Montesseaux, Lachat and Le Mondon. At Le Daru, turn sharply left and continue along a mountain road. Pass by the ruined chalets of Montagne des Prés. At the next hairpin bend (elevation 1496), leave the road (which turns right) and take a left onto a track towards Soplat des Nants. At a fork (elevation 1484), keep left. Stop at the junction with the next track on the left (car park; sign indicating Le Bognion and Les Enverts).

(S/E) Head south-southeast and take the forest track downhill towards Le Bognion, pass the first bend and continue to the second.

(1) Follow the descending track (north) on the right-hand side. After about 350 m, you will reach a fork that is not shown on the map.

(2) Take the uphill track (not shown on the map) on the right. After about 200 m, the track gives way to a path. Reach the top of the first gully (torrent bed).

(3) Continue north-east along the path. Cross a second stream bed. Descend slightly to reach a crossroads.

(4) Turn right and climb up to reach the Refuge du Sopla des Nants.

(5) Continue along the track, which heads north-northeast and then climbs in hairpin bends. Continue along the track, which is fairly flat and heads southwest, to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,480 m - Track junction
  2. 1 : km 0.68 - alt. 1,363 m - Intersection
  3. 2 : km 0.99 - alt. 1,277 m - Fork
  4. 3 : km 1.28 - alt. 1,346 m - Couloir
  5. 4 : km 1.8 - alt. 1,295 m - Crossroads - Chemin du Soplat des Nants
  6. 5 : km 2.18 - alt. 1,428 m - Cabane du Soplat des Nants
  7. S/E : km 4.04 - alt. 1,479 m - Track junction

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
2 / 5
gérard bruet
gérard bruet

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The track between points 1 and 3 has just been refurbished, making the path more pleasant.
Superb refuge with its plateau, a pleasant place to stop for a picnic.
Return via the trail with beautiful views of the valley.

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Vivelasavoie
Vivelasavoie

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Very busy route : No

Bj
Note that between markers 1 and 3, you take an abandoned forest road, then a path that is not used by hikers either: vegetation, branches. However, shortly before point 4, you will find a path coming from below with many markers on the ground.
The GPS route was accurate.
For us, this circular route was of no interest, although the refuge (old and under renovation) is located in a typically secluded spot. We were alone, even during our picnic at the refuge!
Not to be attempted without a GPS.

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