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Park at Maison Brûlée after crossing Les Favres.
(S/E) Start on the gravel path behind Maison Brûlée.
after 250 metres, turn right towards Croix du Nivolet to reach another crossroads, Via Ferrata.
(1) Turn left towards the Charvettan viewpoint (ignore the sign for Croix du Nivolet). First beautiful view of Belledonne, the Granier,
Retrace your steps, then immediately turn left. Be careful, as the markings are not very clear.
(2) Find the path that climbs towards the cross you left a little further down. Turn left. Be careful, there are still no markings and the path is not very visible. Don't forget your map, description, compass or GPS.
Climb through the forest to the crossroads at the foot of the cross.
(3) Continue straight ahead. From the crossroads, it is only a few minutes to the highest point.
(4) From here, there are beautiful 360° views: Lac du Bourget, Grand Colombier, Dent du Chat, Chartreuse, Belledonne, Les Bauges. Return to the previous crossroads.
(3) Here you have two options for the descent:
- heading north, you will soon come to a very steep path that descends towards Pragondran; we preferred to avoid it as it is too dangerous going downhill.
- heading south, take the direction of Pas de l'Échelle.
Once you reach Pas de l'Échelle, the path also becomes very steep, but it is well secured with ladders and cables. It's not ideal for descending, but it's manageable.
After the last cables, the path becomes much easier. It is even very pleasant, first in the forest, then in a meadow. From there, take a last look at the cross. Descend to a crossroads.
(5) Turn left towards La Doria. The path descends quite quickly to Le Nivolet (an alpine farm producing goat's cheese).
Go through the gate, past the goats and sheep, then continue downhill to the next crossroads.
(6) Leave the path that descends to the right towards Lovettaz and continue straight ahead towards the Doria waterfall.
(7) Cross the small bridge, then climb up to the left towards the Col de la Doria. The slope is quite steep but not particularly difficult.
(8) At the pass, turn left onto a wide stony path with a lovely view of Roc de Margériaz on your right. Continue at a leisurely pace to the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
