Start at the entrance to the Belle Plagne covered car park.
(S/E) Turn your back on the car park and look north, with the fire station on your right. Take a stony path that climbs above the bus stop and seems to lead towards the "Les Balcons" apartment building (6 storeys).
In fact, this stony farm track passes between two buildings and climbs towards the Col du Carroley.
(1) Leave the path towards Mont Saint-Jacques (path on the left) and follow the farm track, which now heads east towards Col du Carroley.
From this point, you can already see part of the building, the final destination of your climb.
(2) Leave the northbound logging road that leads to Col de l'Arpette or Col du Carroley
and take a new path heading south-southeast. There are no signposts at this point.
(3) Take a break at the pass to admire the view of the resort. You have reached the highest point of this hike.
Continue down the logging road towards the south to reach a hairpin bend.
(4) Move a few metres to the south-east to admire the Crête des Inversens, the Roche de Mio (partial) and the summit of Bellecôte above the Chiaupe Glacier.
Continue down the path to pass under the Crozats chairlift. 150 m further on, pass a rocky outcrop and pay attention to your right.
(5) There are no signs at this point, but a very faint path on short grass on your right takes you directly down to Lac du Carroley. The path becomes very clear 150 m further down.
(6) It is best to approach the lake by turning clockwise to enjoy the best view, particularly the reflection of Pointe du Friolin on the lake.
North of the lake, head north up the steep path to reach Col du Carroley. This turns west and flattens out (a little!) before the pass.
At Col du Carroley, another path that passes under the Salla chairlift, heading west, avoids the long, winding logging road and takes you to the foot of a huge sculpture made from parts of a ski lift. Directional sign "Mont Saint-Jacques, 0h 40". Go to the Col de l'Arpette viewpoint.
(7) At the viewpoint, enjoy the beautiful surrounding views. Then head west towards Mont Saint-Jacques (signposted 30 mins), leaving the Tête des Arpettes on your right. Arrive at the Col du Seuchet.
(8) Turn left, heading south, following the signs for "Belle Plagne - 0h 35". Pass under the Télésiège des Arpettes chairlift and walk for about 250 m.
(9) Take the path on the right heading south to pass under the Chalet de l'Arpette.
(1) Turn right and walk down the forest path to return to the Belle Plagne resort car park (S/E).