The Pointe d’Isatier via the Pas de Barbacane

The route starts in the small hamlet of Douans. Once you’ve passed the village of Isola and then the hamlet of Le Bourguet, a small road on the right points towards Douans, which you’ll reach quickly. Park in the small car park at the end of the road before the track, at marker 98.

(S/E) The Pas de Barbacane is signposted from the car park. Cross the hamlet along the track to marker 94.

(1) The arrow pointing towards the pass has disappeared; turn right between the two houses and head uphill. The path is well signposted here; walk gently up the valley to reach Douans Supérieur (a few barns dotted here and there mark the route). Follow the path to marker 125.
This marker is accompanied by a wayside shrine dedicated to Saint Anne.

(2) Stay on the path towards the Pas de Barbacane.
You’ll soon pass a small concrete building; from here, the path becomes harder to follow. A few yellow markings here and there and some cairns will help a little.
Note: if you stray from the path, don’t panic – you’ll eventually come across a small stream; simply follow it upstream.
Reach marker 105c at the junction with the Chemin de l’Énergie.

(3) Head down to the left for a few metres to head back towards the pass. The path becomes even less obvious here; look out for the cairns and climb gently between the two ridges. You’ll reach a large scree slope where there are more cairns and the path is finally quite easy to follow.

(4) Climb back up towards the pass. Be careful: there were still a few snowfields on 20 May, particularly on the last 100 metres before reaching the pass; crampons are strongly recommended. Reach the pass.

(5) Turn left onto the ridge leading to the Pointe d’Isatier. There is no visible path, but the ridge is wide and very easy to walk along. After a few metres, you’ll come across a small stone tower marking the summit of the Pointe. Take a moment here to enjoy the beautiful view.

(6) Head back along the same route, in the opposite direction, to return to the Douans car park (S/E).

A stream runs alongside you for part of the route if needed.
(From point 4) Please note that in May, there are still some patches of snow from the scree slope onwards. Appropriate equipment is strongly recommended.

(3) The Chemin de l’Énergie leads to Lake Rabuons,
(5) Pas de Barbacane: opposite, Italy and the village of San Bernolfo at the bottom of the valley. To the right, a path leads to Tête Cimon.