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To get to the starting point in Chinaillon, follow the Route de Samance towards Samance. At the top of the village, at the start of the Chemin de la Gaudinière, park at the side of the road.
(S/E) Follow Chemin de la Gaudinière (closed to all vehicles except public services and authorised vehicles) then take the first path on the left. After following the track, this path approaches the cliff. Stop at the orientation table then continue to a small cross path
(1) Turn right and continue straight ahead on a relatively flat path towards the top of the valley and the Col de la Colombière. Cross a stream and you will soon reach a fork (GR®).
(2) Go up to the left and continue to the ridge along the wide path that winds its way up.
(3) Turn right and after a few metres you will reach a fork.
(4) Ignore the path that branches off to the right and continue straight ahead towards the Pointe de l'Aiguille Verte, which you can see above. The climb seems steep, but the slope quickly levels out and continues almost horizontally until the next fork.
(5) Continue to the left, where the path quickly joins the ridge and follows it. A short but steep climb (without any particular difficulties) will quickly take you to the summit.
(6) From the summit, it is possible to reach Pointe de Domingit and its cairn via a challenging passage where you will need to use your hands (I did not attempt this myself).
After enjoying the view, return to the previous fork.
(5) On your return, ignore the route you took on the way up and take the path opposite, which descends gradually in a straight line.
(7) At the fork, continue to the left, pass a small passage with a handrail (no difficulty) and reach a small pass at an altitude of 1902 metres.
(8) Turn left towards Lac de Lessy.
(9) Ignore the small path on the left (return) and continue straight ahead to reach Lac de Lessy.
(10) Reach the chalets and the Refuge de Lessy.
(11) After enjoying the location, continue around the lake, taking the path rather than the track leading to the chalets. Then follow the track to the Col de la Forclaz.
(12) Leave the track and take the path on the left. After crossing the hillside below the Aiguille Verte, rejoin the route taken on the descent.
(9) Turn right and climb up to the ridge.
(8) Continue to the right and reach the fork for the descent from the Aiguille Verte.
(7) Continue straight ahead along the mountainside and rejoin the ascent route.
(4) Descend to Samance via the same route (S/E).
This is the most beautiful route to Lake Lessy!
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