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From Seyssel or Belgarde, take the CD991 on the right bank of the Rhône to Chanay. In the village, head west on Rue Alphonse Bornard, then take Route des Forges towards Vouvray, and finally Chemin du Réservoir, a small forest road that climbs up the mountainside. Stop shortly after a hairpin bend, in a right-hand bend at the end of the paved section.
(S/E) Take the steep path that climbs straight up the south-west slope. Gradually, it veers to the left and joins the less steep path of the canal, climbing to the left on slopes overlooking the Vallon de la Dorche, until you reach passages carved into the rock.
(1) Cross these passages alongside two arches and continue along the path, which approaches the Dorche and is interrupted by a rockfall.
It is possible to bypass the landslide by climbing up the steep slopes, but it is easier to descend 10 metres before the landslide towards the stream.
(2) Cross it to make it easier to climb up, then return to the left bank and, as soon as the path turns right, climb up the hillside and rejoin the interrupted path, which then climbs north-west into the forest, crosses the stream and climbs up the right bank to join theGR®9/GR®509.
(3) Turn right onto this good path which leads out into meadows and climbs up the leat de la Frache to the CD30. The Col de Richemont is 100 m to the right.
(4) From the pass, leave the road and take a forest path that heads south to the right of the monument. It climbs slightly on the Côte Jean Court before winding down to the Replat meadows.
(5) Turn left in front of the building to cross the meadow and enter the woods, which are level at first, then descend more steeply to the forest road.
NB: if the Replat chalet is occupied, as it is private property, you should avoid passing through and instead descend from the Col de Richemont for 1 km on the CD30 to rejoin the top of the forest road at altitude 971, then descend southwards along the track.
(6) The old Chemin du Soillet is no longer maintained, so it is advisable to descend along the forest road for 400 m to a clearing on the left.
(7) Turn left in the clearing and cross the meadow, then a hedge, to reach the Chemin du Soillet, which you take downhill towards the east. The path leads back to the forest road near a house at altitude 796.
(8) Continue down the forest road, leaving the direct path to Chanay on your left, and you will soon reach the starting point (S/E).
We took the risk of going there, but I wasn't feeling very calm... However, just before the chalet, I think you can cut through the woods to avoid passing by the chalet if it's occupied.
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