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Access: from Annemasse (Geneva), take the A40 ‘Autoroute Blanche’, exit 21 (Fayet-Passy); follow signs for Passy and head up to the Plateau d’Assy. Continue to Plaine-Joux. Drive through the hamlet of Plaine-Joux and then turn right (at the Chalet de la Réserve) towards Lac Vert, where you can park.
(S) From the car park (altitude approx. 1,260 m), take the path that starts to the left of the building, then head up towards Le Châtelet. Turn right as soon as you can, then right again, so as to join the Route du Châtelet, which you follow to the right.
(1) Turn left just before the restaurant (signposted ‘Le Dérochoir’).
(2) At the first junction (Les Cornes, 1,472 m), turn right (signposted ‘Le Dérochoir’). You’ll soon be treated to a lovely view of the Rochers des Fiz, notably the Marteau.
Join a track and follow it to the right. Pass through Ayères des Rocs (1,641m) and you’ll soon reach the superb hamlet of Ayères des Pierrières (1,637m). The view of Mont Blanc is truly magnificent.
(3) As you leave the hamlet, turn left (signposted for the Dérochoir). The path climbs slowly but steadily, first across grassy slopes, then, quite quickly, the rocks become more numerous and the vegetation sparser. Follow the red markings on the rocks.
The path gradually draws closer to the rock faces and you can already see the gigantic scree slope of the Dérochoir. You’ll zigzag between the boulders to get closer to a rocky peak; the route isn’t always obvious (steep terrain) so be sure to follow the red markings closely.
You’ll reach a narrow pass (a small valley) which you cross by passing between the Fiz cliffs and the aforementioned peak, part of whose north face is almost smooth.
This rocky landscape is exceptional; behind you, the view is superb. After a very ‘rocky’ climb, continue over almost flat ground. A few more sections through the rocks and you’ll leave the gorge behind for less rugged terrain.
Climb a little further, then the path veers right across stony ground to reach the foot of the cliff. To the left, there’s a superb view of the Pointe du Dérochoir, which is today’s destination.
(4) Next, tackle the climb up the Dérochoir. Whilst not difficult, this section does require a degree of caution, particularly if the ground is slippery; progress is aided by metal handrails, ropes, a few ladders and metal steps. There’s a very beautiful view of the cliffs to the right, with the Marteau taking centre stage and the Aiguille Verte in the distance.
Reach the Passage du Dérochoir (or pass), at 2,200 metres. A breathtaking panorama!
(5) Continue a very short distance westwards along the ridge towards the Col de la Portette (signposted). The path gradually descends along the hillside; pass beneath the Pointe du Dérochoir to reach another scree slope.
(6) Climb up this scree slope (which is quite steep!) to reach the western ridge.
(7) Follow it southwards along a ridge with beautiful schist slabs. Avoid the first rise by keeping to the right, skirting the foot of the rock face over grassy ground; take care, as it’s exposed.
This is followed by a stony outcrop with a short descent; head left to climb the second rise as best you can (opt for the slightly grassy section, which is less treacherous than the unstable schist).
The ridge becomes easier to walk on and you reach the foot of the main rise; a few more easy climbing steps and you’ll reach the rocky summit ridge of the Pointe du Dérochoir at 2,411m (you can continue a little further east, but be careful – it’s very exposed).
The 360° panorama is quite simply magnificent; Mont Blanc is the undisputed star of the show; there’s a lovely view of the Pointe de Platé to the west.
(8) The return journey follows the same route back to Lac Vert.
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Moderate 
Difficult 
Easy 
