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From Briançon, take the Col d’Izoard road to Cervières, then turn left onto the Route des Fonts (follow the signs, passing in front of the church). Park in the second car park on the right-hand side of the road after Les Aîttes, near the old La Chau farms, which are visible from the road.
Please note: This route description needs to be supplemented by the Visorando app, as signposting on the Italian side is inadequate.
(S/E) From the car park, walk up the road for a few metres, then take the path towards La Chau. Reach this hamlet and walk past the chapel.
(1) At the end of the hamlet, at the signpost, take the path on the left towards Lac Gignoux.
The path climbs through the pastures, crossing a series of hills, and leads to the ruins of the old Fraches farm.
After passing them, it continues its ascent north-eastwards before reaching a crossroads marked by a single cairn, situated about fifty metres from Lac Noir.
You may wish to visit the lake on a short round trip.
(2) At the cairn, turn right, heading east-northeast. The almost level path turns into a track and leads to the magnificent Lac Gignoux, nestled at the foot of the Cime Saurel.
(3) Head up the main track to the north-east and then reach the unnamed border pass. Descend the Italian side and then reach a junction of paths.
(4) Take a sharp left to follow the path to the summit. After a steeper climb to the south-west, reach the summit, marked by its marbled boundary stone.
(5) Return to the previous junction.
(4) Continue left (Sagna Longa) to reach a second junction.
(6) At the signpost, turn right towards Clavière (red sign) then immediately afterwards descend to the left along the hillside. The path descends and joins a wide track.
(7) Descend along the track, ignoring the side paths for about 800m. At a hairpin bend on the right-hand side of the track, look out for the sign for the Mautino Refuge.
(8) At the signpost, leave the track and take the path to the refuge on the right.
After a short, steep descent towards the east, reach the refuge (it is also possible to reach the refuge via the track).
(9) From the refuge, head up the path towards Col de Bousson (signpost). On the ascent, take the right-hand branch.
After a short climb, the path levels out and the trail stretches out gently before skirting Lago di Fontana Fredda.
(10) Pass the lake, quickly reach the Col de Bousson before crossing over to the French side.
Continue down a steeper slope towards Lac de Sous-Bousson and then towards the sheepfold and its lakes.
(11) Continue your descent along the track. Reach the Rif Tord crossroads.
(12) At the signpost, turn right onto the lane towards the hamlet. Pass the last buildings, then follow a faint path that is difficult to trace as it descends south-west to join the Chemin de l’Aigalans.
(13) Head downhill until you reach the Route des Fonts de Cervières. Follow this road back up to your car park (start/finish).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
