Loop via the Arête des Saix

(S/E) The hike starts from the Burzier car park, at the top of the Route du Doran. Begin the hike by continuing left up the asphalt road.

(1) Ignore the path coming from the left, continue straight ahead and cross Les Planes.

(2) Stay on the road and ignore the paths on the left and right.

(3) Cross the car park, ignore the road coming from the left and continue straight ahead on this winding track.

(4) Rather than continuing on the monotonous, exposed track, take the path behind the green barrier. Walk through the undergrowth.
NB: it is still possible to stay on the track and go directly to the Refuge de du Doran.

(5) Continue straight ahead to the stream and the Dière footbridge (removable and therefore not always in place). This is a 5-minute round trip, otherwise take the path that climbs to the left.

(6) Admire the view, then retrace your steps.

(5) Turn right, west, and head for the^first Refuge du Doran and the hamlet of the same name.

(7) A small church is hidden opposite the refuge, higher up. To get there, continue along the path, then cross the hamlet on the left.

(8) Continue along the 4x4 track. After about ten minutes' walk, a sign indicates the end of the marked section. You will now see your last signposts for a while.

(9) Climb up to the left and follow the fairly sparse yellow and red markings. However, it is difficult to go wrong. The path is often rutted. Join the Arête des Saix.

(10) Admire the view of Mont Blanc and the Fayet Valley, then begin the descent on the other side. There are two overhanging passages, which are not technical but can be impressive. You will also cross several scree slopes. Reach the^second Mayères refuge.

(11) Descend along the track to the unnamed crossroads with a clearly visible orientation table.

(12) Continue straight down to a junction with no name.

(13) Continue straight ahead on the GRP® (red and yellow markings) and follow the signs for "Parking de Burzier". You will arrive at a crossroads.

(14) At this crossroads, which is only identifiable by the white and green barrier blocking a forest track on the left, leave the GRP® and continue straight ahead, but the path and the signpost you need are not very visible. Turn right at the next fork and left at the next one, always following "Parking de Burzier" and you will arrive at the other end of the car park (S/E).

The car park is large but very busy. If it is full and you have a 4x4, you can reach the point (3) by car, but you will end the hike with either 120 m of elevation gain or a long, monotonous track cutting off from the orientation table (12)!

This car park has toilets and some information and cultural displays.

There is very little shade between the two refuges.

The path from the orientation table (12) can be quite muddy depending on recent weather conditions.

Locals pronounce it "l'arête des Cé".

Two refuges along the route are ready to welcome you for a meal or an overnight stay.