The Pont de la Betta and the Cascade des Avoux via Prabert

The route starts from the car park in front of the Résidence des Sapins, where you can park for free.

(S/E) Head south, passing through the various residential areas, Impasse de l'Ardoisière, and the Bouquetins car park, and go down the steps on Rue des Ramayes to reach the start of the Bédina forest road.

(1) Follow the forest road to the Bédina stream. Just before the stream, look for a path leading down through the woods and turn onto it.

(2) Follow this path down to the hamlet of Prabert. Please note that although this path is not dangerous or difficult, it descends for a long way on a fairly steep slope and requires a good level of fitness. Cross the Prabert stream and you will arrive at the hamlet of the same name.

(3) At the hamlet, turn left onto the Pré de l'Arc road (D528), which climbs gently south-eastwards. Watch out for any vehicles that may be using this road.

(4) At this fork, continue to the Pont de la Betta car park.

(5) Leave the road and turn right. Follow the signs towards Lac de Crop until you reach Pont de la Betta.

(6) Cross the famous bridge and continue along the path.

(7) When you reach a fork, stay on the right-hand path until you reach the Cascade des Avoux waterfall.

(8) Turn around and retrace your steps to the fork after the Pont de la Betta car park, and look for a path that climbs up to the right.

(4) Take this path and head north through the forest, continuing straight ahead.

(9) When you reach a fork, take the left path, which will take you back to the Route Forestière de Bédina. Follow the track to the right until you return to the stream of the same name.

(10) Continue along the stream.

(11) Leave a path on your left. Then cross the stream and take the path that climbs up to the left. Cross one track, then a second one until you reach the Beldina Nordic domain and the (S/E).

Although the route does not present any major difficulties, there are a few sections that require sustained effort and a good level of fitness, particularly the long descent to Prabert and the long climb back up to the Pont de la Betta car park.

There is little shade between Prabert and the Pont de la Betta car park. Remember to protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of water.

Other hikes are possible from the Pont de la Betta (6), including the climb to Lac de Crop (7), where you will be rewarded with magnificent views. You can also continue on to the Col de la Mine de Fer or even the Pointe du Ferrouillet, which is visible throughout the hike and recognisable by its "M"-shaped snowfield. However, this hike is very physically demanding, so it is best to drive to the Pont de la Betta to begin the climb, which takes around four hours (there and back).