Additional introduction: this hike is only suitable for people who are physically fit and, above all, have no fear of heights and are not afraid to venture off-trail or do a bit of scrambling where necessary. Indeed, the ridge running from the Cime de la Jasse to the Pic de la Belle Étoile is completely unmarked, so you will need to navigate by sight over rocks that can be sheer and steep.
Park in the car park near the Pont de la Betta.
(S/E) Take the path that climbs to the right just outside the bend.
(1) A few hundred metres further on, cross the road and continue along the path opposite.
Then stay on this path until you reach the Aiguebelle refuge, about 2 km further on.
(2) At the Aiguebelle refuge, take the path that climbs to the right towards the Vénétier lakes and reach the first of them.
(3) Continue to your left towards the Cime de la Jasse, which you can see at the top of the valley.
(4) After enjoying the 360° view at the summit of the Cime de la Jasse, head east along the ridge which will take you via the Dent du Pra and then the Col du Voutert to the Pic de la Belle Étoile.
From this point onwards, between points (4) and (7), you will need to be very careful and cautious!
You will be walking for nearly 2 km (which is a long way) along an unmarked ridge where the path is sometimes very difficult to follow. You must therefore not be afraid of heights or of walking—and sometimes climbing a little—over rocks that are sometimes sheer.
However, if you’re not afraid of heights and are in good shape, everything should go smoothly. Although they aren’t always visible from a distance, cairns are placed at regular intervals to confirm that you’re on the right track. You’ll still need to use your common sense to find your way through this rocky chaos. You’ll first reach the Dent du Pra.
(5) You continue eastwards to reach the Col du Vouteret.
(6) You may start to feel tired after the Col du Vouteret; you might be surprised by the number of ascents and descents you’ll have to tackle over small rocky peaks that don’t appear on the map due to their small (relative) size. However, don’t give up – you’re almost there. Do, however, remain cautious, as fatigue can impair your judgement; accidents can happen quickly. Make your way to the Pic de la Belle Étoile.
(7) The view from the peak is simply superb. From there, you’ll need to descend the scree slope on your left, down to the small lake you can see below.
As with the ridge crossing, take care as you’re still on rocky ground and the slope is steep. However, the descent is relatively easy.
(8) After passing the small lake, follow the stream flowing out of it to the right until you reach the hollow of the valley through which the stream flows.
(9) Once in the valley, head up the opposite side to the Col de l’Aigleton, heading west.
(10) Start descending into the valley, where you will find more and more cairns marking an increasingly visible track. Follow this track to the first Lac du Vénétier.
(3) Follow the path you took on the ascent in the opposite direction, towards the car park (S/E).