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From Briançon, take the Col d'Izoard road to Cervières, then turn left onto the Route des Fonts (signposted, pass 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.
Reminder: This description needs to be supplemented by the Visorando app, as the signposting in Italy is insufficient.
(S/E) From the car park, walk up the road for a few metres, then take the lane towards La Chau. Reach this hamlet and pass the chapel.
(1) At the end of the hamlet, at the sign, take the path on the left towards Lac Gignoux.
The path climbs through pastures, crossing a series of hills, and ends at the ruins of the old Fraches farm.
After passing the ruins, the trail continues its ascent to the north-east and reaches a crossroads marked by a single cairn, located about 50 metres from Lac Noir.
You can visit the lake by taking a short round trip.
(2) At the cairn, turn right, heading east-northeast. The almost horizontal path turns into an alley and leads to the magnificent Lac Gignoux, nestled at the foot of the Saurel peak.
(3) Climb up the main path to the north-east and then reach the unnamed border pass. Descend the Italian slope and then reach a crossroads of paths.
(4) Turn left at the hairpin bend to take the path to the peak. A steeper climb to the south-west takes you to the summit, marked by a marble border marker.
(5) Return to the previous crossroads.
(4) Continue to the left (Peatland Longa) to reach a second junction.
(6) At the sign, turn right towards Clavière (red sign) and then immediately descend to the left along the hillside. The path descends steeply and joins a wide track.
(7) Descend along the track, ignoring the secondary paths for about 800m. At a hairpin bend on the right-hand side of the track, look for the sign for Refuge Mautino.
(8) At the sign, leave the track and take the path to the right leading to the refuge.
After a short, steep descent towards the east, you will reach the refuge (it is also possible to reach the refuge via the track).
(9) From the refuge, go up the path towards Col de Bousson (sign). On the way up, take the right-hand branch.
After a short climb, the path becomes easier and levels out before running alongside Lago di Fontana Fredda.
(10) Pass the lake and quickly reach Col de Bousson before crossing over to the French side.
Continue down a steeper descent to Lac de Sous-Bousson, then towards the sheepfold and its lakes.
(11) Continue your descent along the lane. Reach the Rif Tord crossroads.
(12) At the sign, turn right onto the lane towards the hamlet. Pass the last buildings, then take a vague path that struggles to follow its course, descending south-west to reach the Chemin de l'Aigalans.
(13) Descend until you reach the Fonts de Cervières road. Follow this road back up to your parking spot (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
