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(S) From the Les Fontanettes car park, head south towards the stream and join the wide path that follows it up its right bank.
(1) Cross the bridge and enter the Cirque de l’Arcelin. Walk 500 metres on a gentle incline, then cross the Dard stream via a wooden footbridge without railings downstream of the ford.
(2) At the junction, marked by a signpost, turn right onto a path leading to the Col de la Vanoise via the Lac des Assiettes, the Cirque du Dard and the Col du Grand Marchet. Another 500 metres and you’ll enter the Vanoise National Park. The climb becomes steeper, and you’ll now be ascending some steep steps.
(3) Let the path to the Col de la Vanoise pass on your left and continue straight on. The path will soon turn southwards, heading for the entrance to the Cirque du Dard.
(4) Cross the Torrent du Dard via an aluminium footbridge with handrails, then climb the few metal steps that help you get over a boulder.
At an altitude of around 2,250 metres, you’ll enter the cirque. To your left, you may spot a few rope teams on the western pillar of the Petite Aiguille de l’Arcelin.
Head right towards the pass along a well-marked path. The upper section is through schist; the route has improved considerably over time.
(5) At the Col du Grand Marchet, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of both the Cirque du Dard and the Cirque du Grand Marchet, which you’re overlooking. Descend into the Cirque du Grand Marchet (heading west) and reach the stream.
(6) Cross the Isertan stream via a beam, and continue towards the fork at elevation 2203.
(7) At a fork, keep left towards the Cirque du Petit Marchet and La Valette. The path climbs fairly easily up the shoulder of the Petit Marchet, then passes through the forebay. Continue climbing to reach an altitude of 2,420 metres.
(Ignore the path to the right, which goes round the Petit Marchet and then descends to Pralognan via the ‘pas de l’âne’ – more pleasant on the way up than on the way down; see practical information (1).)
(8) Join another path. To the right lies the continuation of the route towards La Valette. Take the time to head off to your left, climbing up to reach the pass at the Cirque du Petit Marchet.
(9) Take a leisurely stroll around the cirque, soak up the beauty of the surroundings, then head back the way you came.
(8) Continue westwards along the path.
Caution: Below the Roc du Tambour, there is a short but exposed section. Caution is advised! At the start of the season, there may be a snowfield here.
Carry on climbing south-west; you’ll soon spot the Cirque de la Valette, the lake in the hollow, and then the refuge at the far end.
(10) At the Fork in the road, turn right (leaving the path via the refuge on your left). About 500 metres further on, the refuge path joins ours and the descent becomes steeper. The path was damaged in spring 2018 but has since been well repaired. Descend to the Chalet des Nants.
(11) Turn right for the direct return route along the right bank of the torrent. In the afternoon and late in the day, the streams flow strongly and can sometimes be difficult to cross. Descend along the hillside path on the right bank
(12) Cross the Stream des Nants via the footbridge. Then continue down the path. The area is quite damp and cool. You will reach the D124 road at the hamlet of Les Prioux (E).
For the return journey to the starting point, see the practical information (2).
Association / Club / Walk leader
Visorando Member
Moderate 
