Lac des Bataillères via Le Prec and the Bissorte Dam

Access: from the D1006 at Orelle La Praz, first head for the lower station of the EDF Bissorte cable car, then follow a long track in good condition. Just before you arrive, head towards Valmeinier to park directly opposite the cable car.

(S/E) From the car park, continue along the track for a good fifty metres until you reach the start of a path.

(1) Turn left and start climbing; you’ll soon reach a large clearing. Cross it, keeping more or less directly opposite the cable car, and continue the climb through the woodland until you reach a junction.

(2) Ignore the path branching off to the left – this is the route you’ll take on the way back. The climb continues more or less directly below the cable car along a good path, with some straight sections and others winding in hairpin bends. Some sections are fitted with guardrails to protect against the drop. You’ll eventually emerge at the far end of the dam.

(3) Follow the lakeshore for a long stretch along an almost level path. Towards the southern end of the lake, the path begins to climb; do not head down towards the lake.

(4) With the Refuge des Marches clearly in view, head right, following the signposts on the ground. Join the^GRP® Tour du Mont Thabor trail and follow it, keeping in the same direction.

(5) Walk past the refuge to quickly reach a junction.

(6) Continue south. The path, part of the^GRP® Tour du Mont Thabor, climbs up to Lac des Bataillères.

(7) Turn back to the fork in the path before the refuge.

(6) Take the path that climbs to the right. After a few tight bends, you’ll reach a junction.

(8) Let the path to the Col des Sarrasins branch off to the right, and continue to the left. This is a balcony path, sometimes narrow, with sections where you need to be careful. The route overlooks Lac de Bissorte and eventually descends to the dam.

(9) Cross over to the other side of the arch and descend along the sheltered path. You’ll reach the next junction.

(10) Ignore the path on the right leading to the Prec d’en bas and take the path on the left which continues down to the Ruisseau de Bissorte. Cross the stream via the metal footbridge, then begin the ascent and rejoin the route you took on the way up.

(2) Carry on to the right and follow the path back the way you came to reach the car park (S/E).

(9) You can cross the dam and rejoin (3) to head back down via the reverse route of the outward journey.