Lac Autier via the Nice refuge

Park in the Pont du Countet car park, at the end of the road from Belvédère. White and red GR® markings.

(S/E) Head towards the end of the car park and reach marker 141 Pont du Countet.

(1) Without crossing the bridge, turn left towards the Refuge de Nice. Walk along the right bank of the Gordolasque. After about 200 metres, you will see the hut where the 1965 series "Belle et Sébastien" was filmed. Older residents will remember it.

(2) Cross the bridge and continue along the path to reach the crossroads at marker 414.

(3) Turn left towards the Refuge de Nice. Walk along the Cascade de l'Estrech, then wind your way through the Mur des Italiens: a checkpoint on the salt road dating from 1433 where a tax was levied. Continue on a slight incline that presents no difficulty and where marker 415 has disappeared. Continue until you see the dam, then Lac de la Fous.

(5) Continue to the right, reach the dam and follow the left bank of the lake to continue towards the Refuge de Nice, which you can see. Cross the stream and take the paved path towards the refuge, where a break will do you good.

(6) Head towards Baisse de Basto.

(7) Cross the Gordolasque bridge and continue towards Baisse de Basto, marked at 1 hour 45 minutes. This section, with its steep gradient, is marked with cairns. Walk along Lake Niré, then two other small unnamed lakes. You will reach a trail junction that is not very visible on the ground.

(8) Leave the red and white markings and continue to the right towards the small grassy pass where the path down to Lac Autier begins.

(9) Cross a scree slope with caution: cairns are regularly placed along the way. The colours of the lake and the mountain are resplendent with beauty. You will reach a crossroads at the western end of the lake.

(10) Turn right onto the long path descending from the Autier valley. Find marker 414 and the ascent route.

(3) Turn left towards Pont de Countet.

(2) Just before the bridge, turn left onto a long wooden footbridge leading to a partially passable track that also joins Pont du Countet via the left bank. Cross the bridge.

(1) Head to the nearby car park (S/E).

As indicated on signpost 411, "unpredictable crossing of the stream".

Hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended.

Check the weather and snow conditions.