Le Chapeau from Les Tines station, return via the headwaters of the Arveyron

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A lovely route with beautiful views of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace and the source of the Arveyron, passing by a magnificent waterfall. Route completed in summer in dry weather. Easily manageable in these conditions, but the first two kilometres are challenging and account for the entire elevation gain on this section. A pleasant, shaded route.

Details

n°102337526
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.87 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,791 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,791 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,308 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,547 ft
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Photos

Source of the Arveyron
View of Mont Blanc
waterfall
Large rock at the start

Description of the walk

(S/E) Leave the station and head for the Route des Tines (D1506). Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and follow it to the left for about fifty metres. Then turn right into the forest and you’ll soon reach a junction.

(1) Take the path on the left and walk past a large rock: there is an information sign. You’ll reach the houses after turning right; follow the path which runs alongside the forest track (Chemin du Mauvais Pas) and then joins it at its end. Continue for about twenty metres.

(2) Take the path on the left and you’ll reach a junction.

(3) Ignore the return path on the right; carry on straight ahead for about 150 metres.

(4) Head towards Le Chapeau on the right. Pass the Chalet du Chapeau on your left and reach the junction with the path leading to the Grand Balcon Nord.

(5) Carry on straight ahead, ignoring this path, and continue to the Mer de Glace viewpoint.

(6) Begin the return journey by following the same route as the ascent.

(3) At the first major junction on the descent after the waterfall, take the path leading down to the left towards the sources of the Arveyron

(7) Turn left towards the springs, which are signposted further on by a small path leading uphill to the left.

(8) Once you reach the viewpoint, turn back and continue the descent by turning left.

(9) Head up to the right, reach a three-way junction and keep left, following the Renard stream downwards. About a hundred metres further on, follow the path to the right, which climbs for a few dozen metres, then turn left.

(10) At the junction, turn right and follow the sign for “Les Tines”. Return to the junction where you started.

(1) Continue down the slope to the left to return to the station (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,547 ft - Les Tines station
  2. 1 : mi 0.19 - alt. 3,645 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 0.69 - alt. 4,380 ft - Turn left at the fork
  4. 3 : mi 0.91 - alt. 4,590 ft - Junction for both the outbound and return routes at the viewpoint
  5. 4 : mi 1.01 - alt. 4,682 ft - Common junction for out-and-back route
  6. 5 : mi 1.47 - alt. 5,272 ft - Crossroads
  7. 6 : mi 1.62 - alt. 5,299 ft - Mer de Glace viewpoint
  8. 7 : mi 2.51 - alt. 4,327 ft - Junction, turn left
  9. 8 : mi 2.73 - alt. 4,295 ft - Viewpoint at the source of the Arveyron
  10. 9 : mi 3.12 - alt. 3,950 ft - Crossroads, turn right
  11. 10 : mi 3.36 - alt. 3,967 ft - Turn right towards Les Tines
  12. S/E : mi 3.87 - alt. 3,547 ft - Les Tines station

Notes

The Chapeau refreshment bar does not accept credit cards.

Worth a visit

Views of Mont Blanc, Les Drus, a waterfall along the way, the source of the Arveyron, etc.

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