From Le Faz to La Goulandière, returning via the Refuge de Sâtre

The route starts from the car park at the Faz cross-country ski centre.

(S/E) Head east for about 50 metres along the road running alongside the centre. Descend via the magnificent path on the right: a sign points towards the Fontaine de Pétouze.

(1) Turn left towards the Refuge du Serre du Sâtre. The path runs close to the D31 and reaches a junction.

(2) Turn right and head straight on to reach a forest track.

(3) Turn left towards Les Croisettes and join the forest road of the same name.

(4) Cross this and continue straight on towards the Refuge du Serre de Sâtre until you reach it.

(5) Turn left, walk for about 200 m, then turn right to descend to the Chargeoir junction, located about thirty metres before the Pra l'Étang forest road.

(6) Turn right, towards La Goulandière.

(7) Cross the Route Forestière de Pra l'Étang, rejoin the path opposite and reach the crossroads near the Abri de la Goulandière. Head left to reach it.

(8) Return to the junction, go straight on, then turn left at the three-way junction. Continue to the next junction.

(9) Turn right, heading north. Cross a forest track, continue straight ahead and reach the Pot de l'Aigle.

(10) Turn right uphill. Reach a crossroads.

(11) Turn left, walk for about a hundred metres and turn left again at the junction. Pass the Grotte de Pra l'Étang and continue on to the Route Forestière des Croisettes.

(12) Turn right and head towards the Fontaine de Pétouze, located on the right.

(13) Turn left uphill and arrive at a junction at the Combe de Ravassière.

(14) Continue straight on, pass the Grotte des Bœufs and reach the first junction you passed on the way there.

(1) Continue straight ahead to reach the car park (S/E).

Drinking water is plentiful in winter at the Fontaine de Pétouze (13). Scarcer in summer. The Goulandière shelter (8) may be useful in bad weather.

Take care with the estimated time: in the event of fresh snow, the first person to pass through will need much longer. If in doubt, knowing when to turn back is essential.

(8) Goulandière shelter: this shelter is open to allow you to warm up if necessary. It contains wood and a stove, as well as a large table and benches. The upper floor is accessible.

In good weather, continue the hike from the Goulandière shelter to the Banc du Ranc; this adds a further 40 minutes’ walk there and back.