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Depart from Le Planey in the commune of Arèches.
Park near the small chalet where the ski lift tickets are sold.
(S/E) The trail starts to the right of the Piapolay chairlift. Look for a sign pointing to Col de la Bathie 2h25, which is a waypoint on our route.
The trail quickly enters a small wood (small signs for trail runners warn of a "steep climb"!). The trail leads to a track.
(1) Follow the track for a few moments, turning left, then take a path at the chairlift pylon. The climb continues through the woods with a steep ascent.
Once again, the trail leads to the track. Take it to the left and shortly afterwards rejoin the trail. This will happen once more. And one last time, where you will only cross the track.
(2) Cross the track. On the ground, it is quite simple: just follow the yellow markings on the trees and rocks carefully. You will also follow the chairlift line, sometimes passing underneath it but without ever straying far to the left of the equipment.
The trail continues to climb through the woods. You will reach an intersection where you join the Tour du Beaufortain.
(3) The yellow markings give way to yellow and red markings. Ignore the path that branches off to the left towards the Arolles refuge. Descend slightly to reach the Col de la Bathie at 1,889 metres, marked by a metal cross.
(4) Continue on the Tour du Beaufortain via the path along the side of the mountain pasture, leaving the track that descends to the Chalet du Soufflet (1,819 m) on your left and a small path that leads to the ridge on your right.
At the pass, the signs indicating the distance and time to reach the Lavouet lakes waterfall are incorrect.
Take advantage of the almost horizontal section to admire the flora: rhododendrons, arnica, St Bruno's lilies... and the landscape, when the clouds allow.
The path eventually joins a track which you will leave shortly after crossing the waterfall stream to rejoin the Tour du Beaufortain on a path on the right which climbs steeply.
Lake Lavouet is not signposted but is located a good hundred metres from the trail.
As you climb higher, you will begin to encounter small bodies of water and then torrents. All the clues are there: the lake is at an altitude of 2,122 metres, so now is the time when your altimeter can provide valuable information.
(5) The return journey follows the same route. You may hear marmots whistling at you... This will take you to Le Planey (S/E).
, but luckily it was the sound of cowbells that welcomed us (a real treat).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Easy 
