Grand Bargy and Petit Bargy from Saint Bruno

The route starts from the hamlet of Saint-Bruno along the Route de la Colombière (RD4), about 2 km from the village of Le Reposoir (there is a small car park by a stream).

(S/E) Follow the road uphill for about 300 metres.

(1) Heading due north, keep right onto the Chemin de Malatrait. Further up, you’ll reach the Malatrait chalets.

(2) Carry on straight ahead towards Petit Bargy, then, after a steep climb, reach the Chalets de La Cha and pass them on their right.

(3) At a nearby junction, turn left towards Petit Bargy. You’ll return via the right-hand side.

(4) Not far on, at a^second junction, turn left towards a cave (marked by a statue of the Virgin Mary), then tackle a short, slightly rugged section. You will then join another path; follow it to the left as it climbs. Heading north-west, continue through grassy terrain, then over rocky ground as you cross a scree slope. After negotiating a few steep sections, you will reach the Col d’Encrenaz.

(5) Heading south-west, continue to the left along an unmarked path, staying on the ridge whilst tackling a section requiring a bit of care. Then carry on straight ahead for a climb, following some orange markings as you tackle two chimney-like passages in succession. You’ll reach a gentler section and come to a more clearly marked path: try to make a mental note of this spot for the return journey.

(6) Continue straight on, heading west then south-west, encountering a few unexpected difficulties and passing two small passes in succession. The route then bypasses a summit (elevation 2229), before veering slightly to the right at a large cairn. You’ll reach an unnamed pass.

(7) Please note: from this point, the route becomes significantly more challenging as you wind your way left and right around crevasses, following the orange markings and cairns as closely as possible. A little further up, continue along a much easier route where the slope gradually levels out. Reach the summit of the Grand Bargy, which is barely marked. Carry on for a further 100 metres or so and reach another summit marked by a cross.

(8) There are some lovely views from here. Retrace your steps, taking extra care on this stretch.

(6) Just before the descent towards the Col d’Encrenaz, it is best to follow the less difficult route on the right. After passing through a chimney, head left (avoid going straight on, as this is a more difficult route), and you’ll soon rejoin the route you took on the way up. Head right through the second chimney, then left to reach the pass further down.

(5) Continue straight on, passing a short steep section. You have now reached the summit of Petit Bargy.

(9) There are some lovely views from here. Head towards the cross and follow another path to the left, heading north-east (blue markings, more or less clearly visible). You’ll reach a junction where three paths meet.

(10) Follow the middle one – the least clearly marked – heading towards the small, slightly overhanging ridge. Please note: from this point , the route becomes more challenging, with some steep sections near areas of crevasses (follow the blue markings): in short, continue along a route that runs along a ridge for a short while, then turn right down a descent before continuing, lower down, slightly to the left.

(11) Continue south-east, to the right. The route passes near the summit of the Tête des Bécus: carry on straight ahead, heading south-east over moderate slopes, which then become steeper as you approach some stony sections. Further down, you’ll reach a junction.

(12) Carry on to the right towards Sur la Cha.

(3) Turn left and follow the route back along the track to return to the car park (S/E).

The starting point is on the Route de la Colombière near Saint Bruno, specifically by a stream in an area affected by a mudslide in 2023 (read more). It can be viewed on Google Maps.
Sturdy walking boots and walking poles are recommended.
Please take your rubbish away with you – nature will thank you for it.

Vehicles are not permitted on the Chemin de Malatrait (except for local residents).

This walk is best undertaken when there is no fog and the ground is dry and free of snow (normally from June to October). It is not recommended for those who are not sure-footed.

Between points (5) and (8), the route passes through a ZSM (Highly Sensitive Area) designated for the protection of the Bearded Vulture, where all activities are prohibited from 1 November to 31 August, with the exception of the route as described ( see map – marked in yellow); nevertheless, this is an area where you should remain as inconspicuous as possible. For further information, please visit https://www.gypaete-barbu.com

I suggest you complete the circular loop via an alternative route which is longer but, above all, more challenging and exposed (see the route here). Avoid this if you are not used to this type of terrain.

In detail, below is a difficulty rating by section (a route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly straightforward walking with no significant elevation gain or difficulty.
- Blue: steeper slopes and/or greater elevation changes on a well-marked route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: a difficult route due to significant changes in elevation, which may require some climbing, in an environment presenting certain hazards.
- Black: a route that is fairly difficult and/or involves imminent dangers.
- White: routes through very challenging technical terrain requiring specific equipment.

From (S/E) to (1): Green difficulty
The route follows a road without difficulty (at most, watch out for traffic).
Unmarked section.

From (1) to (2): Green difficulty
You follow a track suitable for vehicles, where the only difficulty is the steeper slope before reaching the Chalets de Malatrait.
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts.

From (2) to (3): Blue difficulty
You continue along the track for a short while over some steep gradients.
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts.

From (3) to (4): Blue difficulty
The path is relatively easy to follow at first, but becomes less clearly marked as you approach the cave. The route then continues along a short, rugged section where you’ll need to use your hands (it’s also possible to retrace your steps, then continue left onto the path on the left, following the markings).
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts. Unmarked section after the junction leading to the cave.

From (4) to (5): Orange difficulty
Follow a path with no notable difficulties, then encounter some challenges whilst crossing a scree slope where you’ll need to keep your bearings. Before reaching the Col d’Encrenaz, you’ll then come across a few steep and rugged sections.
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts.

From (5) to (6): Orange difficulty
The route follows off-trail terrain, encountering a short section where you’ll need to use your hands, then continues straight ahead uphill, following faint tracks through rocky terrain. Two chimneys are tackled in succession, presenting some challenges, before the route reaches more manageable terrain.
Some orange markings.

From (6) to (7): Blue difficulty
From here on, the route follows a succession of sections of path interspersed with a few unexpected challenges, where the main difficulty at times is finding your way.
A few orange markings and cairns.

From (7) to (8): Red difficulty
Please note that from this point onwards, there are some challenges to be encountered whilst crossing an imposing sharp limestone pavement formation: the route involves navigating numerous crevices where one must take great care not to slip; on a few short sections, it is necessary to use your hands. The route winds to the right and left; you should follow the markings (orange dots and cairns) as closely as possible whilst remaining alert to determine the best route. Note: despite my best efforts, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the GPS track in this area.
The route then gradually becomes easier as it climbs to the summit of the Grand Bargy, before tackling some slightly rugged sections and finally reaching the cross situated on another peak (about 10 metres lower).
.A few orange markers and cairns.

From to (8): Blue difficulty
You’ll reach the cross quickly and without any major difficulty by following a few trails.
A few orange markings and cairns.

From (8) to (7): Red difficulty
Retrace your steps, with the option of a few slight variations (as shown on the map). From here on, take a little more care on the descent, particularly in the rugged sharp limestone pavement section.
A few orange markers and cairns.

From (7) to (6): Blue difficulty
The same route as described previously is followed without any additional difficulties.
A few orange markers and cairns

From (6) to (5): Orange difficulty
You return to the poorly marked junction seen on the way out, where I recommend continuing straight on in this direction: after passing through a not very difficult chimney, I recommend you then head left for a few metres (the route opposite continues down a difficult chimney), then rejoin the outbound route by following some orange markings to tackle a^second chimney (less difficult than the one described just before). You then reach the Col d’Encrenaz, facing the same challenges as on the outward leg.
Some orange markings

From (5) to (9): Blue difficulty
After the pass, follow a path, encountering a short steep section.
Yellow arrow markings + signposts.

From (9) to (10): Blue difficulty
After the summit of Petit Bargy, you follow another trail which is not particularly difficult.
Blue markings (moderately visible in places)

From (10 to (11): Orange difficulty
Please note that from this point onwards, you will encounter some difficulties whilst crossing a section of sharp limestone pavement: at the junction, head towards the nearby ridge, then follow it for a short while along a route that is mainly off-trail. You should then head to the right for a short descent, before veering slightly to the left, following the blue markings as closely as possible.
Blue markings (moderately marked in places)

From (11) to (12): Blue difficulty
Near the Tête des Bécus, the route then follows a clearly visible path. After turning left and a short climb, the route continues up steep slopes, leading to a challenging stony section.
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts.

From (12) to (3): Green difficulty
The route follows a relatively easy path.
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts.

From (3) to (S/E): Blue difficulty
The route follows the same path as the outward journey.
Marked with yellow arrows and signposts.

• Bargy mountain range: read the Wikipedia article.
• Lac Bénit: read the Wikipedia article.
• Chartreuse du Reposoir: this is a former Carthusian monastery founded in the 12th century. For more information, see the Wikipedia article .
• Grotte de La Cha: there is a statue of the Virgin Mary with two plaques (the^first reads "Notre Dame de Lourdes, pray for us" and the second reads "Depoisier Baron François II").