Lac Blanc (Cheval Noir) walks

This small mountain range undoubtedly offers one of the most stunning sequences of panoramic views. But beware of the challenging paths and the isolation. Pay particular attention to water management: streams and springs often run dry in summer.The starting point is Saint-François-Longchamp, accessible by public transport or by road. Parking is easy and free there in summer. The stages are connecting days. This route follows the Tour de la Lauzière route with a detour via La Thuile and the Col de l’Arc. You’ll spend every other night in a refuge and the rest in a bivouac.Do not attempt this hike if you are not sure-footed: although it stays on the paths (or strays very little from them), this route requires vigilance and follows routes that are very rarely used. You will almost certainly find yourself alone, or almost alone, for most of the day, in conditions where the markings are often half-faded and the paths obscured by livestock tracks. High-altitude cloud cover is common.

Final, connecting stage. A gruelling descent along the Col du Cheval Noir trail before rolling gently towards Saint-François-Longchamp, past cattle sheds, herds and ski facilities.