Circular route via the Passage de la Frête from Champagny-le-Haut

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A circular route from Champagny-le-Haut has been made possible by the recent upgrading of a section of the path just below the Passage de la Frête. The latter is the highlight of the route, offering unobstructed views towards the Vanoise. This route can be walked in exactly the same way in the opposite direction, offering the same rewards. This also gives you the chance to buy some cheese at the Chalet d’Alpage du Lécheron on the way back.

Details

n°104547287
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.99 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,615 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,615 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,432 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,816 ft
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park at Champagny-le-Haut next to the Refuge du Bois.

(S/E) Walk past the refuge to reach the main street of Champagny-le-Haut. In the centre of the village, turn right onto the path leading towards the hamlets of Friburge and Le Laisonnay.

(1) After about 150 m, take the path branching off to the left. It is signposted ‘Le Lécheron’, amongst other things.

(2) Take the fork to the right, still signposted “Le Lécheron”. This path takes you round the hamlet of Les Teppes (private property).

(3) Ignore the path branching off to the right, which leads back down towards Champagny-le-Haut. Continue to the Lécheron alpine chalet, where you can buy cheese and butter.

(4) Carry on, cross the Ruisseau de la Grande Rochette twice and arrive at the hamlet of Froide Fontaine.

(5) Go round it on the right and begin the final climb towards the Passage de la Frête.

(6) At the pass, turn left towards the Passage de la Frête. Ignore the path on the right, which leads to the Golet de la Vallaisonnay and the Pointe des Charde, both visible in the distance.

(7) Turn left onto a newly marked section of path which joins the Chiaupe track. The path is marked with numerous cairns.

(8) Cross the bridge, which now takes you back onto the main section of the path. Ignore the path on the right which climbs up to the hamlet of La Chiaupe. Cross a long, level stretch leading to the ruins of the hamlet of Le Tovet.

(9) Leave the path heading towards La Vélière on your right and begin the descent towards Champagny-le-Haut. You’ll reach a small pass.

(10) Head down a path on the left which gradually widens and joins a path coming from Le Plan du Bouc.

(11) Turn left and begin the final gentle descent towards the village of Champagny, joining Rue du Tétras Lyre.

(12) Follow this street to the left, then turn right towards the mountain hut and car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,816 ft - Refuge du Bois
  2. 1 : mi 0.21 - alt. 4,849 ft - Start of the climb towards Le Lécheron
  3. 2 : mi 0.45 - alt. 5,062 ft - Junction to bypass the private hamlet
  4. 3 : mi 0.87 - alt. 5,568 ft - Junction (return path to the right)
  5. 4 : mi 1.76 - alt. 6,844 ft - Chalet d’Alpage du Lécheron
  6. 5 : mi 2.51 - alt. 8,012 ft - Froide Fontaine
  7. 6 : mi 2.8 - alt. 8,412 ft - Pass (unnamed)
  8. 7 : mi 2.84 - alt. 8,432 ft - Passage de la Frête
  9. 8 : mi 3.83 - alt. 7,195 ft - Bridge (to join the track)
  10. 9 : mi 4.79 - alt. 6,942 ft - Le Tovet
  11. 10 : mi 5.44 - alt. 6,316 ft - Petit Col
  12. 11 : mi 5.9 - alt. 5,600 ft - Junction
  13. 12 : mi 6.63 - alt. 4,823 ft - Rue du Tétras Lyre
  14. S/E : mi 6.99 - alt. 4,816 ft - Refuge du Bois

Notes

Water point at Lécheron.

Part of the path has been newly marked out (between the Passage des Frête and the ford). There are numerous cairns.

Worth a visit

Cheese is available for purchase at the Chalet d’Alpage du Lécheron.

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