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Park at the hamlet of Les Varvats (around ten spaces).
(S) From the car park, head south-east along the only path that leads to the 1280m point (marked 1278m on IGN maps).
At the start, the path climbs steeply through a beech forest before spruce trees become predominant.
Stay on the path and ignore all the trails that branch off to either side.
(1) At the 1280m point, take the path on the right; the one on the left will be for the return journey.
The path named Chemin de Tracarta on IGN (this name is not used in the field) continues through the forest in a generally north-south direction, overlooking the Saint Même cirque, with a few clearings allowing you to enjoy the panorama. But do not leave the path and remain vigilant with regard to the holes that line the path a few metres away.
Cross a fence, and the path then climbs up a very angular section of sharp limestone pavement.
Reach the junction (signposted 1540m) with theGR®9below a hill, and look for the path that branches off to the left, which will be the return route.
(2) You will reach the Chalet de l'Alpettaz, which is just above the hill but not yet visible.
(3) From the chalet, you will need to climb the south-east facing ridge: there is no clearly marked path in the meadow, so you will need to observe the topography of the terrain, the ridge that you can see and, above all, the old boundary markers that marked the border between Savoie and Dauphiné.
From marker to marker, reach the edge of the ridge: the cross of Savoie and the fleur-de-lis are engraved in a rock protruding from the ground. You are now at an altitude of 1,800 metres; all that remains of the forest are a few scattered mountain pines.
On the other side is Grésivaudan.
(4) To return, descend to the chalet via the Alpette des Dames and rejoin theGR®9, which is just below.
(5) Head north, and the trail will re-enter the forest but in a much more open landscape than on the way up. The trail will hesitate for a long time before descending more sharply to reach the pretty Pratcel meadow at 1,450 metres.
(6) Leave theGR®9here, which heads north, and head in the opposite direction.
Follow a very steep path to reach the 1280m point. Steps have been built to make the passage easier, and a double row of cables fixed to wooden posts has been installed.
From the 1280m point, follow the well-known route to the hamlet of Les Varvats (E).
Visorando member
Extremely difficult 
Difficult 
