From Du Rivet to La Colonne via the Bois de l’Eschereine

Follow the Maurienne valley as far as La Chambre. Head towards Saint-Avre, pass the town hall, then turn left towards Le Rivet via the D99a. After passing the cemetery, continue along the road and park in the designated spaces before the junction.

(S/E) Leaving the car park, continue along the road in the same direction as when you arrived by car. Pass the first junction, then turn right at the next one to follow Rue de la Tour. Carry on until you reach the 90° bend.

(1) Turn right between the houses and carry on straight ahead until you reach the forest track, which you should follow. You’ll come to a junction.

(2) A very steep track lies directly opposite. Go round it by turning right, whilst ignoring the path further to the right which leads back towards Le Rivet. Follow the path, which winds several times before levelling out and heading south. Continue to the hairpin bend on the left.

(3) Ignore the path on the right as you round the bend; continue climbing in wide hairpin bends.

(4) Ignore the path on the left and head towards La Colonne. Carry on climbing straight ahead, ignoring the paths on the right leading to Le Chanet. Take another series of hairpin bends before reaching a junction just before you arrive at the meadow at La Colonne.

(5) Take a sharp right-hand hairpin bend and you’ll soon reach the houses at La Colonne: a magnificent 180° view.

(6) Follow the ascent route in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).

You are in the middle of the forest; there are no water sources.