Chapeau Gendarme Ouest from the Super-Sauze resort

At Super Sauze, near the Brec chairlift station, there are numerous car parks along the road.

(S/E) Take the track heading north. Turn right at the first fork. The track turns left, heads south-west and joins the valley of the Torrent du Sauze. This brings you to the track coming from Le Sauze.

(1) Turn left into the valley on this wide track, which is rutted in places. Further on, you’ll reach the Pré de Goin.

(2) Follow the signposted route (south-west-west) towards Col des Alaris. Ignore the various turn-offs and continue to Col des Alaris.

(3) A signpost indicates the path to the Chapeau de Gendarme. This is where the going gets tough, with an initial steep climb up a well-marked path heading south. Further up, you’ll come to a fork at the 2066m mark.

(4) Take the path on the left, which climbs gently with numerous bends for about 600 m. You will arrive in the cirque on the west face.

(5) The path, still well marked, leads to a rocky section which you will need to cross with a little help from your hands. Plenty of yellow markings. A passage that is more impressive than difficult before reaching another fork.

(6) Do not take the path on the right which climbs towards the ridge (Yellow Cross). Head left onto the level path which joins the west face at a place called La Méa.

(7) There is a signpost here. Join the northern path.
Early in the season, you may encounter a snowfield with a gentle slope. Take care if the snow has not had time to soften.

(8) Start of the final ascent. The path follows the ridge, easy at first but steepening towards the end, requiring you to use your hands. This section is not particularly difficult, but you must have a head for heights and sure-footedness. Join the eastern ascent path.

(9) There is a signpost here, with the descent path clearly visible. Climb a few metres to reach the broad summit.

(10) Then descend via the eastern path, an easy and well-marked trail leading to a fork.

(11) Turn right for a recommended round trip to the Col de Gyp, where mouflons are frequently spotted.

(12) From the pass, turn back to the previous fork.

(11) Continue straight ahead, descending along the well-marked path to the car park (S/E).

The final part of the ascent, in the western cirque (from point (6)), is quite challenging, with a few sections reserved for experienced hikers who are not afraid of heights.
The final stretch, with its steep climb and the arrival at the summit (10) where you are rewarded with a magnificent panorama, is a wonderful experience.