Circular Montchardon starting from Izeron

Park in the car park of the Izeron village hall.

(S/E) Take the road to the Veyrets district.

(1) Turn left onto the road that climbs to Montchardon, then 50 metres further on, take the path on the right that runs alongside this road as it climbs. As you climb, cross this road several times, following the yellow-green markings. You will reach a crossroads with several directions at a group of houses.

(2) Cross the road, continue along the path and keep crossing the road, following the yellow-green markings each time. You will reach the road at the entrance to Montchardon.

(3) Take this road, cross the hamlet and you will come to a crossroads.

(4) Take the road on the left, then the path lined with old chestnut trees. You will reach the Tibetan monuments of Montchardon.

(5) Continue and, at a right-angle bend to the left, you will reach a crossroads of paths at a ruin.

(6) Turn right onto this path and then cross the yellow-marked PR® trail.

(7) Take it to the right, continue climbing to find a large stone at the crossroads and enjoy the magnificent view from here.

(8) Continue straight ahead up an unmarked and barely visible path, entering the woods for 600 metres. Lappiaz are visible on the left of this path. A GPS is useful (the path may be better marked in spring, summer and autumn). Then find a path leading to Montchardon.

(9) Take it on the right, follow the yellow-green markings again and begin the descent to reach the Montchardon crossroads you passed on the way there.

(4) Turn around and follow the path you took on the way up in reverse to return to the car park at the Izeron village hall (S/E).

The paths are sometimes stony, so wear good shoes and bring walking sticks.

(5) The Tibetan Studies Centre is worth a visit. Visit the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas on Sundays at 4.30pm. Check in advance, though.